Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/uNabJxQaMAo   When it comes to preventing the spread of the flu, a paper surgical mask works just as well as the N95 respirator mask costing 14 times more.  Both masks are readily available from Amazon.com.   A multi-site study, organized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the CDC, reviewed the spread of influenza when more than 2800 participants wore either the N95 respirator or the paper mask.  There were no significant differences when wearing either mask type during confirmed influenza occurrences.   The paper masks cost as little as 9 cents a piece, and can easily be worn if you are at high risk for the flu or if you have the flu and don’t want to infect others with whom you live or work.  They are available in decorator colors and designs.   Lewis J. Radonovich, Michael S. Simberkoff, Mary T. Bessesen, etal. N95 Respirators vs Medical Masks for Preventing Influenza Among Health Care Personnel. JAMA, 2019; 322 (9): 824 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.11645