Is a Bird Flu Mask Really Necessary?


Defined Tag: Bird Flu Mask.

Because bird flu is in large part an airborne virus (that is, transmitted through the air as well as by contact with hands, clothing, doorknobs, etc.) some people recommend including a flu mask with your emergency preparedness kit, in case of a pandemic. However, unless you are a health care professional, a bird flu mask is probably not necessary, or even particularly useful. In a hospital or emergency room setting, the air is liable to be permeated with the virus, and therefore a flu mask is probably essential. But for everyday living, it is inconsequential.

Think of it this way. The only way a bird flu mask protects you is if you don't take it off. This will, of course, make eating and drinking impossible. And a bird flu mask does nothing to protect against the largest danger for the average American; germs being spread simply by touch. Like normal influenza, bird flu can be prevented by careful attention to cleanliness. Wash your hands often. Sanitize door knobs, telephones, light switches, and anything else that more than one person's hand comes into regular contact with. If bird flu were to become a serious threat, washing your hands twenty times a day would not be unwarranted. Cleanliness and sanitation are your first, your *only* line of defense against this virus.

Carry sanitary wipes, disinfectant, and antibacterial hand gel with you whenever you go out somewhere. This will be far more effective than a bird flu mask. If the risk of bird flu is high, never, under any circumstances, touch a shopping cart handle without sanitizing it first. New purse- and pocket- sized bottles of antibacterial and thin plastic cases for sanitary wipes have made it easier than ever to keep your surroundings sterile, and this and not a bird flu mask will be your best bet against bird flu.