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muriel_volestrangler

(106,225 posts)

21. So is an actual outbreak of flu in your own country less important

Sun Jan 26, 2020, 05:02 PM

Jan 2020

than an outbreak in another country that has killed fewer people?

Perhaps there are people with greater need for surgical masks than you, if there's a shortage.

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Having a dickens of a time finding surgical face masks on line [View all] Kaleva Jan 2020 OP

I wouldn't worry about it unless you're traveling to China. RandySF Jan 2020 #1

...or in an airplane... Hekate Jan 2020 #2

Or to a doctor's office. Saturday 3 of a dozen at most people Hortensis Jan 2020 #9

It's normal during flu season. MineralMan Jan 2020 #18

"I avoid my normal clinic like the plague" jberryhill Jan 2020 #33

Surgical facemasks won't protect you. You need N-95 HEPA filter masks. hlthe2b Jan 2020 #3

+1 N-95 is needed although I imagine all face masks are selling out lunasun Jan 2020 #5

IF it's spread by spray from coughing, etc., yet to be Hortensis Jan 2020 #12

You confuse viruses that are merely droplet spread with those that are truly aerosolized. There is hlthe2b Jan 2020 #13

No, I don't. That's why I pointed out it hasn't been determined. Hortensis Jan 2020 #14

I stated IF as it is presumed given the high infectivity rate between persons that it is spread hlthe2b Jan 2020 #19

A recent study says otherwise Kaleva Jan 2020 #42

Talking about-droplet spread viruses. Like SARs, there is reason to believe this is true aerosolized hlthe2b Jan 2020 #43

Who is promoting hysteria? Kaleva Jan 2020 #44

How about the hardware store for a dust mask? Would that work? applegrove Jan 2020 #4

The only protection they provide ornotna Jan 2020 #6

People are right, they don't protect you. But if you really want one frazzled Jan 2020 #7

You're better off stocking up on basic necessities. GoCubsGo Jan 2020 #8

Yes... Zoonart Jan 2020 #10

I have enough food, water, LP gas and other supplies to last about 45 days. Kaleva Jan 2020 #29

Also get Hibiclens. It's my go-to when I return from running errands, going out, etc. nt chowder66 Jan 2020 #11

They're not saving you anyway Renew Deal Jan 2020 #15

buy bulk LunaSea Jan 2020 #16

They have a flu pandemic kit ornotna Jan 2020 #23

Thanks! Kaleva Jan 2020 #30

For comparison, flu has killed 149 in California in 2020; 36% were under 65 muriel_volestrangler Jan 2020 #17

We really can't compare unless there is an outbreak here. Kaleva Jan 2020 #20

So is an actual outbreak of flu in your own country less important muriel_volestrangler Jan 2020 #21

Looks like the mortality rate is about 4% with the new virus. Kaleva Jan 2020 #31

Most surgical masks are not intended to keep germs from getting in... brooklynite Jan 2020 #22

No problem where I live, cwydro Jan 2020 #24

No hysteria. I can always use the masks when doing dirty work which I do a lot of. Kaleva Jan 2020 #32

Go to JoAnn's and start your own business lame54 Jan 2020 #25

i just tossed an entire box! dang.. samnsara Jan 2020 #26

I've got some! $5 each, though... PatrickforO Jan 2020 #27

betty mills medical supply online Fresh_Start Jan 2020 #28

Some info on the effectiveness of surgical face masks Kaleva Jan 2020 #34

May I suggest you buy a couple of washable, reusable ones instead? They are readily available online dameatball Jan 2020 #35

I've read that disposable masks are best for flu prevention. Kaleva Jan 2020 #36

Saw that you were having trouble finding disposables so suggestion was for backup. Something better dameatball Jan 2020 #37

Yes, I did order disposable face masks last night. Kaleva Jan 2020 #38

Have you checked with the Borg(s)? sl8 Jan 2020 #39

A recent study finds that surgical masks are just as good as N95 respirators. Kaleva Jan 2020 #40

Thanks for that, very interesting. sl8 Jan 2020 #45

They are better than nothing for when Captain Trips comes knocking. roamer65 Jan 2020 #41