With winter comes the increased risk of influenza and other respiratory illnesses. While the 2023 flu season was one of the worst seasons on record since pre-pandemic times in 2019 this year we’ve already seen more laboratory-confirmed flu cases than this time last year.
In light of the decline of influenza cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have accepted face masks as effective protection against the flu and other influenza-like illnesses, like rhinovirus. So, as we approach or are in the midst of the 2024 flu season in Australia it’s worth understanding how face masks can help to protect against the flu and other respiratory infections including what other preventative measures you can take to curb respiratory illness.
Do face masks protect against influenza virus infection?
Face masks can help to provide protection against the flu in several ways:
- Preventing the spread of influenza viruses: Face masks can help prevent the spread of the flu virus from an infected person to others. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the virus can spread through the air and infect others nearby. Wearing a face mask can help contain these droplets and prevent them from spreading to others.
- Protecting you from inhaling the virus: Wearing a face mask can also protect you from inhaling the flu virus if you come into close contact with an infected person. The mask acts as a physical barrier between your nose and mouth and the virus particles.
- Reducing exposure to contaminated surfaces: Flu viruses can also be present on surfaces and can survive for several hours. Wearing a face mask can prevent you from touching your nose and mouth, reducing the likelihood of the virus entering your body through these routes.
While face masks can help to reduce the transmission of influenza and other viruses, masks are most effective when paired with other prevention methods.
According to the World Health Organisation, the flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza viruses. Here in Australia, the Department of Health recommends influenza vaccines for everyone over six months of age before the flu season begins.
Head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control Professor Paul Kelly encourages eligible Australians to book in for their annual flu vaccine dose and ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine doses. In addition to the flu vaccine, Professor Kelly also recommends that the public continue to practice simple hygiene measures that we become accustomed to during the pandemic, including handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re feeling unwell. These practices will help limit the spread of the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses
Throughout the year, the Department of Health and Aged Care releases fortnightly Australian Respiratory Surveillance Reports (ARSR) that detail the level of influenza activity and severity in the community. You can also find state-based reports during flu season for more localised information.
Types of face masks
Wearing a face mask is one of the best ways to help prevent flu and other respiratory viruses from spreading. With that said, different masks offer various levels of protection. At Detmold Medical, we offer a complete range of face masks and respirators for use in different settings.
Here is a quick overview of the masks and respirators we manufacture in Australia that can be used to help prevent you from getting a respiratory illness.
Community masks
Our 3-ply community face masks have been designed for use in public spaces where physical distancing isn't possible. Featuring layers of lightweight material, our community masks provide protection, comfort, and breathability.
Medical procedure masks
Medical masks are recommended for use in hospital settings where a person has a low to moderate risk of blood or fluid splash. These masks also help to capture the wearer's bacteria, making them an ideal form of source control.
Surgical masks
Our surgical masks have been designed for use in healthcare and clinical environments where a person is at risk of blood or fluid splash. It is also an effective source control measure as it prevents droplets of bodily fluids from escaping via the nose and mouth.
Respirators
Respirators are designed to create a tight seal around the wearer's face. At Detmold Medical, we carry a range of respirators, including the N95 respirators, P2 D95 respirators and and our new collection of Tri-Panel respirators. Our respirator masks are designed to filter out non-oil-based airborne particulates and bacteria. When worn correctly, they offer the highest level of protection, which is why they are recommended for use in healthcare or hospital settings where Fit Test checking procedures are conducted.
While face masks offer some protection against the flu, it is important to still practice good personal hygiene. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throw used tissues away immediately and be sure to wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
