SOUTHAMPTON, England - “Face Masks Need Filters to Provide Optimal Protection From Swine Flu”
People who want to take extra precautions against swine flu should look for masks with built-in filters, according to Dr Robin J Harman, a pharmaceutical and regulatory expert,” There has been much debate about the benefits of wearing a mask to prevent infection with swine flu. Ordinary surgical masks provide some protection from airborne particles, but the UK Department of Health has stated that `basic face masks don’t protect people from becoming infected’.(1) However, masks with built-in particle filters that are CE marked and meet the European Standard class FFP3 have efficiency of 99% or more.” A filtering facepiece (FFP3) device is a mask that provides a high level of filtering capability and face fit, and generates an effective barrier to both droplets and fine aerosols.
Swine flu virus is spread when miniscule droplets emitted by coughing and sneezing or deposited on hands and surfaces reach the nose or mouth. If you block the particles from being inhaled, for example, with a mask with a built-in particle filter, you can help reduce your risks of becoming infected.
A scientific study has shown that 20-85% of virus particles can penetrate two ordinary types of surgical mask, and potentially expose the wearer to infection(2). But masks with FFP3 respirators, such as the Covaflu FFP3 face mask, will block more than 99% of airborne virus droplets that are 0.3 microns in size - the majority of swine flu-infected droplets will be larger than this.
UK manufacturer, Clinova, has seen a surge in demand in the past week for Covaflu FFP3 face masks, which meet World Health Organisation, US Centers for Disease Control, and the UK Health and Safety Executive standards for use in influenza pandemics. “Our Covaflu FFP3 face masks meet the highest criteria for preventing harmful particles entering the system, which could result in infection. We have increased production by 10,000% to meet demand and set up a special order form on our website, so that people who want to take extra measures to protect themselves in a pandemic will have access to the best possible protective masks,” said Jim Tremouliaris, MRPharmS MPharm, Pharmacist and Chief Operating Officer, Clinova Ltd.
Covaflu FFP3 face masks are available at most good pharmacies, including Lloyds Pharmacies nationwide. They can be ordered online at www.clinova.co.uk or by telephoning +44(0)8456-521-829
Notes to Editors:
The Health Protection Agency has advised that there are some circumstances where wearing a facemask may be beneficial:
- reducing the risk of passing on infection - people with flu wearing a facemask when they are in contact with other people; or - reducing the risk of getting an infection; healthy people wearing a facemask when they are caring for a patient with flu.
The wearing of facemasks by healthy individuals who are not involved in caring for people who are ill (i.e. the general public) is not recommended by the HPA. However, it is recognised that some people may choose to do so.
A filtering facepiece (FFP3) device is a mask which is certified to the PPE Directive. It provides a high level of filtering capability and face fit. It can be supplied with an exhale valve so that it can be worn comfortably over a fairly long period of time. It will provide an effective barrier to both droplets and fine aerosols and is the type recommended particularly for people in the healthcare sector dealing with symptomatic patients undergoing treatment where aerosols are likely to be generated. For instructions on appropriate fit and usage, please read the manufacturers enclosed information leaflet, supplied with the purchase of every mask.
Although wearing FFP3 respiratory face masks provides protection from airborne contamination, it does not guarantee full immunity against swine flu. The Department of Health advises that in the case of a flu pandemic, a combination of an FFP3 face mask, eye goggles and gloves should be used. In addition, unnecessary travel should be minimized or avoided, unless absolutely essential, and people should be wearing all the essential Personal Protection.
Clinova Ltd is a pharmaceutical group focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of pharmaceutical products and diagnostic devices. Clinova has its global headquarters in Southampton.
References
(1) Department of Health leaflet, 30 April 2009, Important information about swine fever.
(2) Balazy A, Toivola M, Adhikari A. Am J Infect Control 2006:34, 51 - 57.
Source: Clinovia
Media Contacts: Nana Addow / Rick Evans, +44(0)20-7108-6521 / +44(0)20-7108-6545
Related Press Releases
Milliman Estimates Impact of Swine Flu on Employer Revenue and ProfitsSeptember 9th, 2009 LONDON -
Modelling carried out by Milliman actuaries estimates that a severe swine flu pandemic has the potential to reduce a typical UK employer's revenue by 4%-5% and its profit rate by five to six percentage points during the quarter of the pandemic. Actuaries at the international consulting firm Milliman estimate that even a moderate pandemic influenza scenario could reduce a typical employer's revenue by 2% and profit rate by two to three percentage points.
Pig Out With The Get Well Soon Swine Flu Gourmet Food Hamper From Real Food DirectAugust 16th, 2009 HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England - With Swine Flu spreading like wildfire, Real Food Direct has put together the perfect Get Well Soon gourmet food hamper (www.realfooddirect.co.uk) for friends and family recovering from the illness. Tasty treats like the Fairytale Gingerbread Deluxe Iced Pig, House of Dorchester Dusted Champagne Truffles and Farmyard Friends Pig Gems are smartly presented in a traditional wicker hamper, and can be ordered online for just GBP24.95.
Demand for Private Swine Flu Tests as Government Stops TestingJuly 15th, 2009 LONDON -
- MediChecks.com is the First Company in the UK to Make Available a Swine Flu Test to Individuals and Companies Nationally
The swine flu test which can be purchased online costs GBP125 is carried out on two swab samples and results are available with 2-3 days. The test kit is posted to the patient's home.
High-Tech 'Smart' Face Mask Helps Hong Kong Families Combat Swine FluJuly 7th, 2009 HONG KONG -
Beginning today, Hong Kong people and their children will have direct access to Filligent's affordable patented anti-microbial face mask, the BioMask(TM). The revolutionary mask, which traps and kills germs like H1N1 upon contact, was launched at Asia's leading drugstore chain, Watsons, today.
Unit Clothing Mask Up to Combat Swine FluMay 18th, 2009 BRISBANE, Australia - Australia's fastest growing action sports label, Unit Clothing is teetering on the edge of controversy once more following the launch of a campaign to promote its 'Age of Panic' theme. (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090519/NY19277 )
Unit has released its own range of face masks and respirators in an effort to combat the global threat of swine flu.
Swine Flu - An Underestimated Threat, Says Economist Intelligence UnitMay 10th, 2009 LONDON - Empty offices and deserted restaurants are a real possibility if the Swine Flu virus successfully mutates, warns the Economist Intelligence Unit. The public has been suffering from "gloom fatigue" with constant bad news over the recession.
Mask for Swine Flu & the Masking of Your Immune SystemApril 30th, 2009 LONDON and BRIGHTON - With experts warning that four in ten people could catch the killer swine flu within months, the government have ordered 32 million protective face masks to help combat the disease. However, face masks could prove useless as your breath makes them damp and the virus can seep in!
Even anti-viral drugs don't kill the virus, they only stall their development.
Help Stop Swine Fu - First Ever 24/7 Flu Widget AlertApril 29th, 2009 LUXEMBURG - How can I protect myself and others? What can I do to prevent spreading swine flu? Where did the latest outbreaks occur? All urgent questions related to the threatening pandemic of "Swine Flu", where time is of essence and action needs to be taken immediately. The Internet News Distribution Channel FEEDZILLA updates news and information around the clock to help answer all these queries.
Face Mask That Kills Swine Flu Readied for Fight Against PandemicApril 26th, 2009 HONG KONG - Filligent, the Hong Kong-based biotech company, is mobilizing stocks of its anti-infective BioMask to help combat the global spread of the deadly new Mexican strain of Influenza A. The BioMask is the first medical face mask to kill the Influenza A virus within seconds of contact while retaining the breathability required by front-line workers and children, who are often the first to fall in a contagious episode.
Travellers to Mexico so far Undeterred by Swine Flu OutbreakApril 26th, 2009 EDINBURGH - Data from leading flight search company Skyscanner (www.Skyscanner.net) shows that travellers planning trips to Mexico have so far been undeterred by the outbreak of swine flu influenza announced by Mexico's Federal Health Ministry on the 22nd April. "Dire predictions have already been made about the impact that this will have on tourism, but the number of Skyscanner users searching for flights to Mexico has remained stable in the days since news emerged of the outbreak," said Skyscanner director and co-founder Barry Smith.
Related News
Cathay Pacific refuses to let cabin crew wear masksMay 1st, 2009 HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific cabin crew are demanding that they be allowed to wear face masks and gloves on flights to protect themselves against swine flu, but Hong Kong's biggest airline has refused. The 5,000-member Cathay Pacific Flight Attendants Union (FAU) said that cabin crew were increasingly fearful after the WHO raised its pandemic alert to level five, the second highest.
Face masks could protect against swine flu pandemicApril 28th, 2009 SYDNEY - Donning a face-mask is an easy way to protect oneself from severe respiratory illnesses like swine flu when vaccines are unavailable or in short supply, according to a study. In the first ever clinical trial of the efficacy of masks, researchers found adult mask wearers at home were four times more likely than non-wearers to be protected against a range of respiratory viruses, including influenza, SARS and even the common cold.
Face protection effective in influenza preventionMay 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study has suggested that face protection is a key infection control measure for influenza. Lawrence M. Wein, Ph.D., and Michael P.
Calif. health care workers protest lack of swine flu equipment following death of NorCal nurseAugust 5th, 2009 Calif. nurses protest lack of swine flu equipmentLOS ANGELES — A union says some California hospitals aren't adequately protecting nurses from swine flu. The California Nurses Association plans to protest Wednesday in San Francisco in the wake of a Sacramento nurse's swine flu death last month.
Crime branch in Pune seizes about 73, 000 fake swine flu facemasksSeptember 24th, 2009 PUNE - The crime branch has seized about 73,000 fake N95 facemasks from two different warehouses in Pune and arrested two people involved. he raid was conducted after specific information from N95 manufacturing Company, 3M, with its headquarters in America.
Olympic champion diver Mitcham ordered to return from Mexico amid swine flu outbreakApril 29th, 2009 Olympic diving champion ordered back to AustraliaCANBERRA, Australia — Olympic diving champion Matthew Mitcham has been ordered to return from Mexico by his Australian provincial sports institute over concerns about swine flu. Mitcham and his Australian teammate Alexandra Croak competed at a World Diving Series meet in Mexico City last weekend and then returned to training camp at the coastal town of Veracruz.
No swine flu worries as Club America of Mexico plays Chicago FireApril 30th, 2009 Fans pour into Fire exhibition despite swine fluBRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — A few fans wore surgical masks and hand sanitizers were installed around Toyota Park as thousands watched the Chicago Fire play Club America of Mexico in an exhibition game.
Jacko 'keeps out of UK amid flu scare'May 1st, 2009 LONDON - Michael Jackson has reportedly shed plans to travel to the UK fearing the swine flu epidemic. The King of Pop was said to have planned a trip to Blighty to hunt for a temporary abode when he takes to the stage at London's O2 arena from July until next February to perform 50 concerts.
Masks of political leaders hot favourite in poll campaignApril 2nd, 2009 BENGALURU - Face masks of various political leaders seem to have become hot favourite among voters this election. An event management company in Bengaluru creates face masks of just any political leader who matters in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Students join hands to clean River Ganga in VaranasiAugust 13th, 2009 VARANASI - A group of students wearing anti Swine Flu masks on Thursday participated in a cleanliness drive to clean the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi city. Students opined that although several action plans have been announced in the past to clean up the river and millions of rupees spent, but the non-stop inflow of civic waste and industrial effluents into the river has kept it devoid of its beauty.
