surgical masks

GANJUWA, Nigeria (AP) -- Patients jammed rudimentary clinics and health workers in surgical masks sprayed anti-bacterial solution on muddy paths as the government struggled to contain a cholera epidemic that has killed nearly 800 Nigerians in two months....

Surgical masks were as effective as N95 respirators in protecting healthcare workers against 2009 H1N1 flu infections in a Singapore hospital, researchers found.

(Infectious Diseases Society of America) The effectiveness of ordinary surgical masks as opposed to respirators in protecting health-care workers against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has been the subject of debate.

An observational study published in the April 1, 2010, issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, available online, suggests that surgical masks are just as effective as respirators in this regard.

PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) -- In a surprise twist, authors here retracted findings of a study that found N95 respirators were better than surgical masks at preventing flu.

Surgical masks may be just as good as N95 respirators for protecting healthcare workers against the flu, according to a randomized clinical trial whose findings conflict with the only previous study.

SAN FRANCISCO (MedPage Today) -- Consistent use of N95 respirator masks prevents 75% of respiratory infections for high-risk healthcare workers regardless of whether seal against the skin is confirmed, according to the first randomized clinical trial of their efficacy.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Health workers caring for patients who have or may have swine flu should wear a special type of mask called an N95 respirator, not looser-fitting surgical masks, the Institute of Medicine advised Thursday....

Seattle's public schools are stocking up on surgical masks, revamping their health curriculum and preparing for a flu pandemic.

The expected resurgence of swine flu this fall could lead some public schools to become mass inoculation clinics.

Infected students could be forced to wear surgical masks and put in isolation rooms before being sent home.

The national stockpile contains a fraction of the face masks the government says we need to protect against a flu pandemic.