Can a mask lower your chances of contracting swine flu?

India
August 12, 2009 9:23am CST
Are they really helpful....The thing is no mask can filter out viruses..... Do you wear masks?
4 responses
@bziebarth (228)
• United States
12 Aug 09
The thought behind the mask is that it will stop any germs from entering your body. If germs cannot get in then you have a much less chance of getting sicks. The masks only cover your mouth. Does this really reduce your chances of contracting an illness? Potentially, we touch hundreds of objects a day. We touch door knobs, our steering wheels, bicycle handles, toilet seats, etc. Any surface could potentially hold germs. If we do not wash our hands before eating, then the germs can move from our mouths onto the food and into our mouths. Many health agencies (i.e. CDC and WHO) list washing hands as one of the most effective preventive measures. Masks make people feel like they are doing something. They can see the masks on other people. It makes them feel safer. The masks can go a long way to keep down the psychological impact of an outbreak. However, they may not do very much in actually preventing someone from getting the disease.
• India
13 Aug 09
very well said :)
• India
13 Aug 09
according to govt. & scientists a n95 mask can only protect u 100% but u have to keep it changing in every 24 hours
• United States
12 Aug 09
in away i think it mit help i don't know tho.
@dlr297 (5409)
• United States
12 Aug 09
I do not know if the mask will help or not, but i will not wear one, I will be keeping my hands washed, and i will also stay away from crowds. I also try to stay healthy by keeping my immune system in good shape. so if i do come in contact with any virus my body can fight it off.