|
For those who are dealing directly with infectious disease such as influenza, the CDC recommends an N-95 (or better) face mask with a good tight fit around the edge where it contacts the face. Other surgical masks are obviously better than nothing and you may find them a lot easier to tolerate for longer periods since breathing is easier and they are more comfortable.
If one is buying masks it is important to realize that once used, they are infectious and need to be disposed of properly and without infecting one's self or others. They should be disposed of after one wearing or if getting wet or soggy. Flu is an airborne infectious disease and one can be infected by viruses in the air or on surfaces. Eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes need to be protected. Flu is an airborne infectious disease and one can be infected by viruses in the air or on surfaces. Thought must also be given to contaminated surfaces. Influenza viruses can remain viable for 6-14 days and like the cold and survive in water. Habits like putting fingers in mouth need to be examined and stopped.
TYPES OF MEDICAL MASKS
An N-95 Mask: The Ultimate, a bit hard to breathe when wearing it. Fluid resistant., at least 95% efficient against solid and liquid particles larger than .03 microns, excluding those containing oil. (The "N" stands for Not oil proof) A good choice if one expects to be exposed to influenza. The fit is important so that there are no leaks between the mask and face. Consider smaller sizes for children. Not all N-95 masks are shaped like this cup mask. Some look like a duck bill and some look like the masks below. Look for the stamp.
Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask. These are More comfortable and not optimal but good. These are not recommended for those working with patients infected with flu, but they do offer some real protection and are more comfortable and less expensive. High performance surgical masks exceed 99% filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns. Again, fit is important with airborne disease.
Not to be relied upon are simple dust masks and procedure masks not meeting these fluid resistant and filtration standards. Here, we see a procedure mask that would be fine for blood splatter and blood borne pathogen protection (hepatitis B and HIV) but it is not fluid resistant and not effective enough to filter small airborne viruses like flu. Also shown is a simple dust mask used for construction and sanding and not a wise choice for infectious disease prevention.
ALSO NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN:
Latex Exam Gloves
Gloves are used in infectious situations for various reasons. They can protect against blood or fecal or mucous contact with the hands and they can act psychologically to keep the wearer from putting his or her hands in eyes, nose or mouth. Latex gloves seem to be the most comfortable for most but if someone is allergic to latex a nitrile glove or a vinyl glove can be used.
Protective Clothing and Eyewear
Someone working directly with the sick will want to have an outer protective coat, coveralls, etc., that can be removed and discarded or washed in bleach.
Other important supplies include antiviral agents for hand wiping and general cleaning and protective eyewear such as goggles, large protective glasses or a face shield.
There are lab safety catalogues that stock these PPE (personal protective Equipment) items.
Lab Safety, Inc. (labsafety.com) is one of these suppliers.
Copyright 2007-8 birdflumap.com
|
|
