The flu season has really hit Australia and seems to be one of the worst in recent years as the number of cases continues to rise.
It can be a nasty disease and, along with COVID-19, which is still circulating in the community, is already putting pressure on the country’s health and hospital services.
Some health experts, including the Queensland deputy director of health, have asked people to consider wearing face masks in public to reduce the spread of the flu and COVID.
Masks have been an essential tool throughout the pandemic to stop the spread of the virus, so can they do the same with the flu?
Will wearing a mask keep me from getting the flu?
Not necessarily.
University of Queensland Professor of Public Health and Disaster Management Gerry Fitzgerald said masks may offer some protection to reduce the spread of the flu, but they are more effective if you are already infected.
Queensland residents are gearing up for what looks likely to be an unprecedented flu season. (ABC News: Kym Agius)
“Masks that are available generally do not provide much protection to the individual because of their lightweight material,” he said.
“They help protect people … who have the flu or if they don’t know they have it.
“When you exhale, most of the viral particles you exhale are … bigger.
“[When your face is covered]which reduces the probability [infected people] spread it to uninfected people “.
The flu is easily transmitted, mainly through sneezing and coughing.
Professor Fitzgerald said that the effectiveness of masks also depends on the type you wear and how you wear them.
More on that soon.
Where should I wear a mask?
Facial masks are required at all airports and on public transportation. (Pexels / Anna Shvets)
Professor Fitzgerald said people should wear a mask in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Residences for the elderly
- Facilities for the disabled
- Airports
- By public transport
- In “congested” areas.
“The flu is a less serious disease than COVID-19, but it is still serious … and causes a number of deaths each year,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
“Thus, when it comes to protection against the flu, in high-risk environments or where social distancing is not possible, there is no doubt [you should wear a mask].
“The quick answer is, if you’re in a situation where it’s hard to keep your distance from others, it’s worth considering wearing a mask.”
What mask should I wear?
N95 masks provide more protection than surgical masks. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seaborne)
A face mask can be a reusable cloth face mask or a disposable surgical mask, which includes a P2 or N95 mask.
To be effective, the nose and mouth must be covered and fit perfectly under the chin, over the bridge of the nose and against the sides of the face.
Surgical masks can prevent other people’s breathing drops from being released when a person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, but they have some design flaws and should only be worn once.
“Many of the surgical masks are not properly designed to catch and prevent viruses,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
N95 masks are standard in hospital rooms for infection control and high-risk medical environments.
Professor Fitzgerald said N95 masks provide more protection, but are harder to wear.
“There are top grade masks … N95 is common … but the difficulty with these is that they are a little harder to breathe,” he said.
“And they need to be applied carefully and changed frequently.”
In short, you should wear a mask that fits you well and that you can wear properly.
A scarf, a bandana, a face shield, a snood or a piece of cloth is not considered an acceptable alternative to a mask.
What else can I do to protect myself?
QUT Professor of Public Health and Disaster Management Gerry FitzGerald says regular hand washing, physical distancing, and keeping rooms well ventilated are also helpful strategies.
Ultimately, when it comes to the flu, experts say vaccination is the best preventative measure.
Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales offer free flu vaccinations in response to the rising number of cases.
“The main thing people can do is get vaccinated,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
“Everyone should try to get vaccinated against the flu by this year … this will provide the best level of protection.”
Although a mask can be used as an extra precaution, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and keeping rooms well ventilated are still effective tools in preventing flu, COVID, and other viral infections.
“It’s about being careful: moving away from congested areas if possible … wearing masks on public transportation and high-risk environments … and social distancing,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
Infectious Disease Doctor Paul Griffin urged people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to also wear masks in public areas and try to avoid high-risk environments.
“For example, if there’s a plan for a big meeting, try to keep it outdoors and focus on ventilation … with open windows, air purifiers,” Dr. Griffin said.
“That kind of thing to reduce the risks.”
Posted 41 minutes ago 41 minutes ago Thu, June 2, 2022 at 7:49 PM, updated 33 minutes ago, 33 minutes ago, Thu, June 2, 2022 at 7:57 PM