Influenza is transmitted by coughing or sneezing very tiny particles that may be inhaled at short-range by another person. Using a personal respiratory device may be effective in limiting the spread of the disease, especially in health care workers. New research has shown the standard surgical mask compared with the N95 respirator (NIOSH certified to filter at least 95% of airborne particles) to be as efficient in protecting health care workers in hospital settings. The standard surgical mask is less expensive and more readily available.
PositiveTip: If you need extra protection against getting the flu, use a standard surgical mask.