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From April 2009 a common fear in the minds of all is about the spread of swine flu. Health agencies in all countries have been on an alert with favorable seasons for the growth of swine flu bringing an increase in the cases of those infected with swine flu.

A common sight is people wearing medical masks. You would find many hurrying to their offices, schools or even while out jogging early morning wearing a mask. Residents have even stocked up different types of face masks. Medical masks can prove to be an effective preventive measure for protecting us from swine flu. However, its effectiveness and utility needs to be understood while using the mask. It is not a fool proof protection from the virus.

Swine flu spreads from one person to another. The virus spreads through the droplets when any one with flu sneezes or coughs without covering his face with a tissue. You may be infected if you are within a meter (3 feet) from that person. Similarly if a person sneezes or coughs into his hands and touches any object like the door handle, keyboard, hand rails and so on, then the virus is transferred to those objects.

Anyone using the same object and touching his face without first washing his hand is at a high risk of being infected. Keeping these facts in mind the decision on use of masks along with personal hygiene habits like washing hands and use of clean tissues can help prevent infection.

In most countries a common sight is of people using medical masks when moving around and keeping their schedules. However, it is necessary to understand that it is not entirely possible to stop the virus from spreading using a medical mask. Though it offers some protection if you are using the right mask you cannot be careless about other measures. It may not be entirely safe even while wearing a mask in a highly crowded place.

A lot depends on the type of mask that you may be using. Soft, loose fitting surgical or medical masks are available which provide some protection. However the form fitting masks made from spun plastic fiber known as N-95 respirators are the ones that are advisable and more effective. They can filter about 95 percent of tiny particles including the influenza virus. The medical masks are better to protect from the cough spray of the wearer. However they may not be as safe as the N-95 respirators though one study suggests there is no such evidence. It is often better to use disposable masks than washable ones.

Whatever masks you use; medical masks or the respirators; they can be effective only when worn properly and consistently. Neither type of masks can entirely prevent spread of virus. Other preventive steps like washing hands regularly, staying away from sick people, avoiding crowded places and so on are equally important. When wearing the mask both your mouth and nose should be covered properly.

You are always at the risk of being infected if you fail to use the medical masks correctly. It is important to note that there is limited evidence to prove that medical masks provide complete protection from swine flu. Wearing them correctly and consistently and following the other preventive measures surely can be of help. Different web shops like the allfreightfree.com have a range of high quality masks on offer at reasonable prices.

Medical masks are not the only solution against swine flu; they are among the several steps that can be taken. You have to be careful and consistent in using the medicals masks to prevent infection of the swine flu influenza virus. Nevertheless they surely make you feel safer and largely in control.