Surgical masks appear to be just as effective as N-95 respirators
After much ado, surgical masks appear to be just as effective as N-95 respirators at preventing the spread of the flu. Over the weekend it was reported that a review of the data in a study that said N-95 respirator masks were superior to surgical masks negated that conclusion and the study was retracted. The study, presented last month, was, unfortunately, a critical data point that health policymakers used the study to recommend the more expensive N-95’s for flu control.
The researchers now say that there are no significant differences between facemasks and N-95 respirators at preventing flu. That confirms another recent study that we reported on last month from the Journal of the American Medical Association. In that randomized controlled trial by researchers in Canada, N-95s and masks performed about equally.
Facemasks, such as surgical masks, are designed to block large particles that may carry viruses and other pathogens that can cause illness. In addition to blocking those large droplets in sprays and splashes, N-95 respirators are designed to block even smaller particles—at least 95 percent of very small particles in testing when fitted correctly. It appears that blocking the larger respiratory droplets that are most likely to spread the influenza virus is more important than blocking smaller particles, and either mask can do that.
If those strategies are followed, barrier interventions like facemasks and respirators can be used to further reduce your risk during close contact with people who may be sick. These barriers are particularly important for health care providers, but they can also be helpful if you are sick—to prevent spreading the flu to others—or if you are caring for someone who has the flu.
—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
You can find out more on facemasks and respirators at flu.gov. And for more on prevention and vaccines, take a look at our H1N1 guide.
Photo courtesy of kennymatic
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