Flu Mask Recommendations Retracted Following Flawed Study

Can a common surgical mask help protect you from the flu? Based on a recent announcement made at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the answer is yes.

It was previously believed that N95 respirators were best for stopping the flu virus. This conclusion was reached following a study done by the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. However, the same group announced the original findings are no longer pertinent.

This announcement has caused a flurry of activity among healthcare professionals and general public concerned with flu prevention. Up until now, everyone believed that N95 masks were necessary to protect themselves and others from the virus.

The New Findings

According to WebMd, the findings that N95 respirators were better than common surgical masks never fit with most doctor’s experiences. There was also a Canadian study done to compare the effectiveness of common surgical masks against N95 respirators.

The Canadian results were that the common surgical masks worked just as well for preventing the spread of the flu virus.

Mark Loeb, MD from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is quoted by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) as saying, &ldqo;Given the likelihood that N95 respirators will be in short supply during a pandemic and not available in many countries, knowing the effectiveness of the surgical mask is of public health importance.”

According to a report in JAMA, the Canadian study was conducted using nurses from 8 Ontario hospitals. The nurses were split into two groups: one group received N95 respirators and the other group received common surgical masks.

The nurses that participated in the study worked in a variety of healthcare settings. They worked in emergency rooms, medical units, and pediatric wards.

Fifty nurses out of 225 in the surgical mask group became infected with the flu virus. Forty-eight nurses out of 221 in the N95 respirator group became infected with the flu virus. The number of nurses infected was close in number, so it was decided both masks provided the same level of protection.

Although the new results were surprising, many took it as good news. Common surgical masks are less expensive than N95 respirators. They are also easier to obtain. This is a relief for many hospitals that had been struggling to afford the N95 respirators and keep an adequate supply.

The Difference between N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks

An N95 respirator is a tight-fitting protective face mask. It blocks splashes, sprays, and large droplets. The respirator also helps block very small particles from entering the mouth and nose. It’s also thicker than a surgical mask. A common surgical mask is a thin loose fitting protective face mask. It’s normally made of paper or synthetic materials, but it also protects the wearer against splashes, sprays, and droplets that might cause infection.

Protecting Yourself against Swine Flu

Based on these new findings, a common surgical mask is just as effective as an N95 respirator in preventing the spread of the flu. If you need a protective face mask, either of the two will work. Choose the one that’s easiest for you to obtain.

Additional Sources:

MedScape Today - http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/709810