Wearing a surgical mask during flu season might prevent the spread of the contagious virus, especially since the flu can spread by breathing.
Is wearing a surgical mask a smart strategy, or merely an overreaction to flu fear?
“Yes, a surgical mask can help prevent the flu,” Sherif Mossad, MD, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, tells. “Flu is carried in air droplets, so a mask would mechanically prevent the flu virus from reaching other people.” It would work both ways, says Dr. Mossad, preventing transmission of the flu virus to others and for keeping a mask-wearer from picking up an infection.
Surgical masks to prevent the flu can be found in major drugstores and online, and yours doesn't need to be fancy to help. “A simple disposable mask is fine, just be sure the packaging notes that it protects against airborne particles,” Susan Besser, MD, a family medicine doctor with Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea in Baltimore, Maryland tells. And splurge for a value-sized pack. “Disposable is best and you should discard your mask after each use,” says Dr. Besser.
“I think wearing a mask all the time in public places to prevent transmission of the flu is not recommended for the vast majority of the population,” says Dr. Mossad. Patients with weakened immune systems , on the other hand, should have a mask handy in case they find themselves in a confined space with another person who is coughing.Dr. Besser concurs: “My personal opinion is masks for healthy individuals are more annoying than useful.
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