Facemasks & Respirators
The CDC has recently announced that their information regarding the true effectiveness of respirators and face masks for the prevention of influenza or Swine Flu is limited at best. As a result, the CDC has done their best to make educated recommendations based on historical data regarding the use of face masks or N95 respirators, current information available about the spreading of the Swine Flu, and information provided to them by doctors.
At this point, there's no fool-proof way to make sure you won't contract the Swine Flu, but the CDC recommends a series of actions that can help to reduce your chances of getting sick. Here are their recommendations to help prevent your chances of illness:
- Wash your hands frequently with both soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaners (we suggest Purell or Gojo) if you don't have access to soap or water
- Cover your mouth and nose when you're coughing or sneezing (a face mask will also help with this)
- Don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes where germs spread easily
- Avoid work when you have flu symptoms and stay home for 24 hours after your fever subsides
- Stay six feet away from anyone with influenza-like symptoms
