Will my wearing a mask protect me from the flu?

A clinical trial showed that in families with a sick child, parents who wore a mask are four times less likely to get sick with flu and other respiratory viruses than parents who did not wear a mask.

Will my wearing a mask protect others from the flu?

There have not been any studies looking at this question. If you are sick, however, it would be plausible that wearing a mask would reduce the risk of infecting other people.

How are face masks used effectively?

They must be worn at all times when exposed to sick people, and must cover the nose and mouth properly. They need to be changed regularly, about two or three times a day on average. They must also be replaced if they become damp.

Should they be used as standard practice during the flu season?

If there is a pandemic or an epidemic of severe flu in Australia, masks are one of the many protective strategies we have at our disposal. They would be particularly beneficial in the period when a matched vaccine is not yet available. Other non-pharmaceutical measures such as good handwashing practices, avoiding going to work if sick and keeping children home from school if they are sick should also be standard.

What are the features I should look for when purchasing a face mask?

Surgical masks, P2 masks and N95 masks are suitable. Other types of masks such as dust masks are not designed for infection control and are not recommended.

Where do I go to purchase a mask?