FACE MASKS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO STOP SPREAD OF PANDEMIC BIRD FLU

From The Boston Globe : "If a worldwide flu epidemic strikes, don't reuse a face mask -- and don't assume, either, that it will offer a lot of protection, the Institute of Medicine said yesterday.

"That's the bottom line from an anxiously awaited study requested by the government as it stockpiles supplies in case a flu pandemic begins.

"(If a bird flu pandemic occurs) millions undoubtedly will turn to masks, raising a dilemma...
There's little evidence about whether masks truly block the influenza virus -- and if they can, just how much protection they offer.

"Without that information, wearing masks might spur a false sense of security, perhaps encouraging people to go into crowds or near infected patients when instead they should have stayed away."

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