Does Wearing a Mask Prevent the Flu?
This article retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/mask#2
When the United States experienced an outbreak of the swine flu in 2009, everyone was talking about how to reduce the spread of the infection. According to the
People started doing something most of us hadn't seen before: wearing surgical masks. With the recent spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), people are again looking to surgical masks as a way of protecting themselves from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease.
But does wearing a facemask really prevent the spread of viruses, such as the flu or SARS-CoV-2? We’ll unpack the research on which masks are most effective and explain how to use them properly.
Studies Show Masks Do Help
For many years, scientists weren't sure if wearing a mask was effective at preventing the spread of viruses. However, recent studies suggest that they can help.
First, a 2008 study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases concluded that when used correctly, masks are highly effective in preventing the spread of viral infections. Family members of children with flu-like illnesses who used the masks properly were 80 percent less likely to be diagnosed with the illness. Surprisingly, the difference between types of masks used was insignificant.
Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported similar results. Researchers looked at 400 people who had the flu. They found that family members reduced their risk of getting the flu by 70 percent when they washed their hands often and wore surgical masks.
Other studies found promising results outside of the household. For example, one such study was conducted by a team of researchers from the
Still, the study found no reduction in symptoms for mask use alone. This finding suggests that the use of masks should always be paired with regular handwashing.
Different Types of Masks
If you are considering wearing a mask to protect against infections, there are two types you should know about.
Facemasks
Facemasks are fairly loosely fitting, disposable masks approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients.
These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses from escaping via the nose and mouth. Facemasks also protect against splashes and sprays from others, such as those from sneezes and coughs.
The average masks you can buy from a local drugstore aren’t enough to filter out the virus. For that, experts recommend special masks with fine mesh that can capture very small organisms. These also have to be worn correctly for them to work.
Masks worn over the face are also unable to protect you from getting airborne virus particles, from a cough or a sneeze, into your eyes.
Respirators
Respirators, also called N95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air that may contain viruses. They are certified by the CDC and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The name comes from the fact that they can filter 95 percent of airborne particles, according to the
Respirators are selected to fit your face. They must form a perfect seal so that no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and anthrax. Unlike regular facemasks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered much more effective at preventing the flu virus than regular facemasks. Still, studies have found benefits to both types of masks.
Guidelines for Wearing Facemasks
The
They also suggest offering facemasks to patients who show signs of respiratory infections. Respirators, however, are reserved for healthcare workers to wear during medical procedures.
If you’re sick and need to be around others, wearing a surgical mask properly can protect those around you from becoming infected with your illness.
Facemasks can help reduce the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses — but only if they’re worn correctly and frequently.
For example, several people were excluded from the results of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases study because they didn't wear their masks properly or when they should have.
Here are some guidelines for proper mask-wearing:
- Wear a facemask when coming within six feet of a sick person.
- Position the strings to keep the mask firmly in place over the nose, mouth, and chin. Try not to touch the mask again until you remove it.
- Wear a facemask before going near other people if you have the flu.
- If you have the flu and need to see the doctor, wear a facemask to protect others in the waiting area.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings if the flu is widespread in your community or if you are at high risk for flu complications.
- When you're done wearing the mask, throw it away and wash your hands. Never reuse a facemask.
Bottom Line: To Wear, or Not to Wear
When it comes to the flu, prevention is still the best method of keeping yourself safe from this highly contagious virus. A facemask may offer added protection against getting sick. There are no known risks to wearing these devices, except for the cost of buying them.
Masks do seem promising, but it’s also important to utilize other preventive measures, too. Make sure you wash your hands often during flu season — especially if you’re around others who may be sick. Also, be sure to get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus.