Don’t count on disposable masks to completely protect you against the swine flu.
Face masks are loose-fitting and designed to help stop droplets from spreading from the person wearing the mask. They also protect the wearer’s mouth and nose from splashes. They are not created to protect the wearer from breathing in small particles.
Respirators, on the other hand, are made for just that. These masks fit more snugly on the face than face masks so that air is breathed through the filter.
They work best if they are fitted to the person wearing the mask.
If used correctly, masks and more likely respirators might reduce the risk of getting influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But for people who live in areas with confirmed cases, no single action will provide complete protection, officials said. It isn’t practical to wear a mask all the time, and they are not 100 percent effective. Denver Post wire services
