RESUMEN
In case of a new influenza pandemic, provision of masks to coughing patients could be used to slow expansion of the epidemic. To quantitatively assess the efficacy of different masks, we used an ultrasonic anemometer to measure the velocity of airflow from the mouth in coughing. We found that even the cheapest paper masks reduced the air speed to less than 1/10, implicating their effectiveness in decreasing viral spread. We therefore propose that governments provide free masks to coughing patients in the general population upon the emergence of a new human influenza virus.
Asunto(s)
Gripe Humana/prevención & control , Máscaras , Ventilación Pulmonar/fisiología , Tos/virología , Humanos , Gripe Humana/virologíaRESUMEN
To assess the degree to which face masks reduce the strength of cough-wind, we measured the wind pressure in front of the mouth with and without the wearing of masks. We found that any conventional masks made from paper, cotton gauze, or non-woven fabrics reduced the wind pressure to less than one-tenth that recorded when no mask was worn.