Handkerchief are no protection against the swine flu virus

Masks known as respirators or N95, are most effective when one is around people infected with swine flu

Handkerchief are no protection against the swine flu virus

Masks known as respirators or N95, are most effective when one is around people infected with swine flu

Too many people appear to erroneously believe that a handkerchief covering one's mouth and nose is enough to protect oneself against swine flu.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, loose fitting medical face masks largely help stop the virus from spreading from the wearer and protect his or her mouth and nose from splashes. However, theyu00a0 are not created to protect the wearer from breathing in very small particles.

The most reliable protection is provided by respirators, also known as N95. They have better filtering ability and fit more snugly on the face than face masks. Hence, the wearer breathes most of the air through the filter material, which has been manufactured according to stringent WHO standards.

Dr Naidu Hospital, a designated centre for the treatment of swine flu, is liberally distributing simple surgical masks that only offer partial protection.

"Surgical masks can stop droplets from spreading, but they cannot protect the wearer fully," said Dr Dilip Sarda, chairman, Indian Medical Association.

Ravi Kadam, deputy superintendent at Mumbai's only testing centre, Kasturba Hospital, said "A handkerchief or just a napkin held over the nose is not good enough. Masks are a better choice because they are disinfected and designed to cover your nose and mouth in a manner that ensures that infection is minimum."

Incidentally, officials and medical staff at Dr Naidu Hospital are wearing white three-layered masks in high risk areas.

No disparity
Additional Commissioner M S Devnikar said, "There was no disparity in the distribution of masks. Even PMC Commissioner Mahesh Zagade visited the hospital on Wednesday wearing a simple surgical mask."