3 years, 1 month ago
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how effective are surgical masks for preventing swine flu if exposed?
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M$1 Answer
It depends on how the mask is rated and how you handle the mask. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria hence it may pass through a mask. But more importantly, even if the mask stops the virus, what do you do when you take the mask off? You may accidentally touch the outside of the mask then touch your clothes, your face, or someone else. Good hygiene is probably much more effective than wearing a mask.
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M$
Thanks for trying to answer this question @truth7 (and congrats on the greent tip!), but this answer doesn't have any citations.
We really try to cite some specific studies or news sources in every answer--especially ones about health! I've voted this unhelpful for now, but will gladly switch my vote to helpful if you add a source or two!
post a comment to mine when you do and I'll come back and update my vote!