LymeNet Flash: Masks to Protect from Swine Flu and Other Viruses

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Masks to Protect from Swine Flu and Other Viruses

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Topic: Masks to Protect from Swine Flu and Other Viruses

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Hi All,

The mobility shop near me is owned by a very knowledgeable person.

These are the masks she recommends:

1870 by 3M. They are $39.99CND for a box of 20.

1860 by 3M. They are $54.99CND for a box of 20.

It is important to wear a mask only once, as viruses are very hard to kill and the mask traps viruses in a filter.

Here is a video showing how to wear / apply a mask effectively: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_RaKdqeck

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For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

Up.

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For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Judy G.
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 18498

posted

Masks only work if the person infected wears the mask to keep from spreading it.

Wearing a mask does not, as I understand it, protect you from getting it.

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Judy G.

Posts: 122 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2008 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

There is controversy as to how much protection these respirators (not masks) provide.

Common sense tells me better to wear it than not in public places.

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

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For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

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Judy G.
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 18498

posted

OK, I see what you mean.

These are different masks than those handed out to people at the doctor's office who come in coughing and sneezing. Those are just little gauze masks that tie.

Thanks for the clarification.

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Judy G.

Posts: 122 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2008 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

The masks that they're handing out at doctors' offices are a joke.

The ones to look for are the molded type with the metal bridge that you can adjust over your nose.

I will point out that their effectiveness is controversial as well, but it will provide some protection.

But not from points and stares, which annoy me, but less so than avoiding H1N1 or any flu for that matter.

Best wishes,

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521

posted

Personally I think the masks are a waste of time. The swine flu virus lives for at least two hours on a hard surface such as a grocery shopping cart, table, doorknob, etc. You are far more likely to catch it from something someone has touched than in the air.

My son and husband just finished having the swine flu, and my other son and I, who took no precautions at all, did not catch it. I would not waste my time with a mask unless you are going to wear gloves at all times too.

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13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG.

Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005 | IP: Logged |

canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785

posted

I wiped down the grocery cart handle with Purell, then my hands, then washed my hands with soap once I took off the mask.

I've had the flu before, with Lyme, and it was hideous.

--------------------
For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician.

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