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Prevent the Flu | Vaccination | Medications & Antivirals | Facemasks & Respirators

	Facemasks and N95 respirators may help prevent the spread of germs from one person to another.
	A facemask creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants.
	A respirator is designed to protect the wearer from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses.
	Examples of masks and respirators

About Facemasks and N95 Respirators

Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices that may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and social distancing.

The ‘N95’ designation for respirators means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks.

Facemasks and N95 respirators should not be shared because they may become contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread between people.

If you must have close contact with a sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator.

Wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler in a separate room away from common areas of the house. Make sure you put on and remove the respirator correctly.

Avoid re-using disposable facemasks and N95 respirators, if possible. Used facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don’t touch anything else.

If a reusable fabric facemask is used, it should be laundered with normal laundry detergent and tumble-dried in a hot dryer.

After you take off a facemask or N95 respirator, clean your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands (hands should be washed if visibly soiled). If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.

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