Flu Masks – Safety of Face Masks
Flu masks can help to protect you, but only if you observe precautions. Careless use of h1n1 masks can actually INCREASE the danger of contracting the pandemic virus.
Knowing how to put a nano mask or surgical mask on—and how to take it off can mean the difference between protection and exposure to A/H1N1. Make sure you view the short video on using
respirator face masks.
The video is applicable to all types of face masks, not just n95 masks or respirator face masks.
Mexico City, May 2009
Photo courtesy of Guerry Monero
Alberta, Canada
Carelessness and Consequences
You remember the pigs in Alberta that got H1N1 swine flu? After it was discovered that the swine had
H1N1
, Canadian government inspectors were sent to take nasal and blood samples on April 28, 2009. The inspectors wore protective equipment. It seems that the two men had not been taught how to properly use the equipment, and it wasn't the right kind of equipment. Here were the problems: - The two workers were not taught how to best put on or remove their coveralls, disposable shoe covers, double gloves or full-face respirator.
- The respirators (borrowed from a fire hall) had not been fitted properly. Flu masks should be sealed all around their edges, to keep all contaminants out.
- The barn was hot, and the masks on the respirators fogged up. When the men got really sweaty, they lifted the masks (inside the barn with the sick pigs) to get some air and to cool off.
- The men removed their equipment without the assistance of anyone else, and the first thing that they removed—was the face mask.
- Showers were not available on site, for the men to clean themselves and de-contaminate.
The next day, the two inspectors showed symptoms of swine flu, and they both became ill with
swine flu.
Safe Use of Flu Masks
The example of the Canadian inspectors above shows that, even with expensive equipment, if it is used improperly, you can risk (or even increase the risk of) contamination. Using face masks improperly is like having a gun and not knowing how to use it. If your home is burglarized, you have just provided the burglar with a weapon to hurt you! I shutter when I read questions on the forums, where people ask whether it is safe to use homemade face masks. The answer is a resounding NO! Do not risk your life unnecessarily. If you do not have the appropriate face mask for the situation, whether a
surgical mask
, a
nano mask
or an
n95 mask
,or, if you have not learned how to use flu masks safely and correctly—stay away from other people. Especially people that are showing symptoms of being ill. It is not difficult to use face masks safely. Take a few minutes to learn how to use face masks correctly—and make sure that you are really safe and have not just developed a false sense of security!
Didn't find what you were looking for? Try searching for it here:
VIDEO on Safe Use of Flu Masks
More information on Canadian inspectors
Return to Flu Prevention
Social Distancing
In Home Care
The Sick Room
Flu Masks to Virus Prevention
Flu Masks to Pandemic Flu and Emergency Preparedness
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
|
