Face masks aren't a sure bet against swine flu - Lat; still it's a symbol that we're trying to do something, anything

Face masks aren't a sure bet against swine flu

Though sales have increased worldwide, the coverings weren't designed to protect wearers from an airborne virus. Health officials say their value is limited, at best.

By Shari Roan And Rong-Gong Lin II
April 30, 2009

Don't count on those disposable masks to protect you against swine flu.

Residents of Mexico City, as well as travelers to and from Los Angeles, have turned to mouth and nose protection of one type or another in recent days in an attempt to stop errant airborne viruses from entering their respiratory tract.

 

• 

  Map: Swine flu's spread

• Swine flu prompts World Health Organization to raise alert level

3M, a major producer of face masks and respirators, said that worldwide sales have increased significantly, and some Los Angeles pharmacies have reported selling out of masks

via latimes.com

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