What benefit does a surgical mask have over simply using a handkerchief or shirt to cover ones face ?

Just curious since they keep showing people walking thru airports and out in public with surgical masks on.What benefit does a surgical mask have over simply using a handkerchief or shirt to cover ones face ?
Flu masks keep out smaller particles, so they keep out more bacteria and viruses. Viruses are extremely small. Here's an article that discusses the different types of flu masks and how effective each is:


http://www.ehow.com/how_4937558_face-mas鈥?/a>What benefit does a surgical mask have over simply using a handkerchief or shirt to cover ones face ?
Awe, someone is sensitive about the unqualified president and proof that he and the media are liars and not the best source of information.... The relation was debunking an other source with factual evidence, therefore a valid source.





What is the rating on the flu mast the user stated? Report Abuse

http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_viii/otm_viii_2.html


http://www.nextag.com/tb-mask/search-html


http://www.msanet.com/response/html/respirator_class.html


http://filtera.stores.yahoo.net/3mresandfacm.html Report Abuse

It depends on the quality of the mask. The higher end masks (TB class or higher) have a complex weave and fiber system to filter and trap the airborne particles that may carry your infectious disease.





The masks that would actually make a difference are very expensive. And, yes, I know expensive is very relative, but I cannot afford to buy a new TB mask for each day of the week.
I saw where they really don't do much good. The virus is mostly passed by touch.
i saw on the news that it would do nothing. just wash your hands as much as possible and youre good.

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