How to Find the Best Facemask or Respirator for H1N1 Swine Flu Protection

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By Patrice Campbell
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Facemasks and Respirators for H1N1 Swine Flu

Finding a facemask or respirator that will give the best protection in the case of a pandemic occurance of H1N1 Swine Flu has been made easier by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They have released Interim Guidelines and will update the guidelines at their website at http://www.cdc.gov as data is gathered.
Because the H1N1 Swine Flu virus being spread human to human is a newly detected virus, there is no historical information available to base recommendations on.
Facemasks and respirators for reducing swine flu risks are available at drug stores, hardware and building supply stores.
When buying a facemask or respirator to prevent spreading H1N1 swine flu, be aware that the recommendations of the CDC are based on the following specifications.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Check that the facemask is approved as a medical device by the USFDA.
Step 2

Check that the facemask design is suitable for your needs.
Step 3

Check that the respirator has a N95 filter rate or higher.
Step 4

Check that the filtering rate has been certified by NIOSH.

Tips & Warnings

Dispose of facemasks and respirators immediately after use when they have been exposed to the A/H1N1 Swine flu virus.
Facemasks and Respirators alone will not prevent H1N1 swine flu contagion.
N95 respirators are harder to breath through than medical facemasks.

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