What about all those people wearing facemasks? Should we be using these devices? The CDC states that "Very little is known about the benefits of wearing facemasks and respirators to help control the spread of pandemic flu." There is probably little need to use a facemask unless you are coming into close contact (within 3 feet) of an infected person. The downside of using these masks unnecessarily is that they have a great scare factor...and fear is something we certainly need to control.

Wearing a Facemask or a Respirator
Very little is known about the benefits of wearing facemasks and respirators to help control the spread of pandemic flu. In the absence of clear science, the steps below offer a “best estimate” to help guide decisions. They will be revised as new information becomes available.
Consider wearing a facemask if:

• You are sick with the flu and think you might have close contact with other people.
• You live with someone who has the flu (you therefore might be in the early stages of infection) and need to be in a crowded place. Limit the amount of time you spend in these crowded places and wear a facemask while you are there.
• You are well and do not expect to be in close contact with a sick person but need to be in a crowded place.  Limit the amount of time you spend in these crowded places and wear a facemask while you are there.

Consider wearing a respirator if:

• You are well and you expect to be in close contact with people who are known or thought to be sick with pandemic flu.  Limit the amount of time you are in close contact with these people and wear a respirator during this time. These recommendations apply if you must take care of a sick person at home.