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Apr 28, 2009 5:46 pm US/Central
Swine Flu Soars Demand For 3M Surgical Masks
(WCCO)
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While many of the images show people wearing masks other than the 3M model -- the 3M N95 is considered top of the line.
CBS
In Mexico -- many folks are wearing masks to try stop the virus and that means locally based 3M is seeing a big soar in demand for their surgical masks.
The 3M mask is more fitted and is considered the best mask to protect someone from the swine flu.
Video of Mexicans walking the streets with surgical masks is evidence of growing world-wide demand. The masks protect the wearer from droplets of moisture that spew out every time someone coughs.
"You wearing a mask would protect you from somebody else that's coughing," said Williams Larson, the Hennepin County Medical Center's nursing supervisor.
While many of the images show people wearing masks other than the 3M model -- the 3M N95 is considered top of the line.
"Its got a much higher filtration level than just a regular patient mask," said Larson.
Unlike most surgical masks which come in one size and are flat, the 3M mask comes in a number of sizes and has a tighter fit through the nose and mouth.
Most hospitals require employees to make sure they are wearing the right size mask every year, as fluctuations in a persons weight can change the fit of a mask
3M said it is increasing production, but for now experts said there is no need for people in Minnesota to rush out and get a mask.
"I would not go running around wearing a mask, you may wind up having people look at you a little strangely," Larson said.
Experts said washing hands and covering your cough is the best prevention.
There are three criteria you need to meet before you are at risk for the swine flu: a high fever, a cough and you have traveled to or have had contact with someone who has been to Mexico.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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