Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent Swine Flu

CDC Approves N95 Respirators for Novel Influenza A H1N1

May 11, 2009 Dr. Vandana Bhide

N95 Respirators were approved by the FDA to reduce the transmission of Novel Flu H1N1, previously called Swine Flu. A tight seal must be formed over the mouth and nose.

On May 2, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of N95 respirators by the public to prevent the spread of novel influenza H1N1.

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certifies N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirators as devices meant to decrease the spread of respiratory viruses where close contact (within six feet) with an ill person is anticipated.

What is Novel Flu H1N1, Formerly Called Swine Flu?

It was initially believed that the swine flu virus was similar to influenza viruses that infect pigs. However, it is now believed that this is a novel influenza virus, which mutated to form a virus with hemagglutinin (H) type 1 protein and Neuraminidase (N) type protein 1 on it's cell surface. This H1N1 novel virus contains two genes from flu viruses that normally infect pigs in Asia and Europe. It is also composed of genes found in viruses that infect birds and humans. The Centers for Disease Control describes this influenza virus as a “quadruple reassortant” virus. The viral infection is spread through respiratory droplets, which can be coughed or sneezed up to six feet. It can also be spread by touching the nose, eyes or mouth after contact with the virus on a solid surface or in respiratory secretions.

An Emergency Use Authorization for the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir in infants under the age of one was issued by the FDA on April 29, 2009.

It is emphasized that the respirators do not provide complete protection from the spread of respiratory viruses. They have not had extensive testing to determine their effectiveness in filtering respiratory germs. Likewise, they do not replace basic infection control measures such as hand washing, coughing into the elbow rather than hand, and avoiding close (within 6 feet) contact with ill people. People who are sick should sneeze or blow their nose into a tissue and then throw the tissue away in the trash.

Who Should Use N95 Respirators?

N95 respirators may be used in people who are caring for people with upper respiratory viruses, or known infection with novel H1N1 swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of N95 respirators when people have contact with other people in regions where novel influenza virus H1N1 has been documented. In non-healthcare settings, where the liklihood of exposure to swine flu is low, use of N95 respirators is not recommended.

What Models of Respirators are Available?

The FDA allows the use of four models of respirators by the general public to help reduce exposure to respiratory viruses during a public health medical emergency such as H1N1 flu pandemic. The following models can be bought over the counter without a prescription: Pasture Pharma Respirator Models F550G and A520G, and 3M Respirator Models 8612F and 8670F. These respirators have been tested and shown to attain a good fit in most adults.

The advantage of the N95 respirators is that they fit tightly over the mouth and nose, which hopefully decreases the transmission of airborne germs. If the respirator is not applied properly, germs will pass into the nose, mouth, and lungs without being filtered. The fit of the respirator should be assessed frequently to ensure a tight seal over the mouth and nose.

Precautions for Use of N95 Respirators

Respirators are meant for single use and should not be re-used. They should not be shared. They should be discarded if they get saliva or mucous on them. Respirators should not be washed. Some respirators are flammable and should not be used around heat sources. Cigarettes should not be smoked around respirators.

The respirator should be carefully removed from the face and discarded in the trash. Then thorough hand washing should be carried out.

Respirators should not be used in children or in patients with chronic lung or heart disease who have problems breathing.

General instructions for use of N95 respirators was provided in a podcast authored jointly by the CDC and NIOSH.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for medical advice from your health care provider. The author is not providing personal medical opinion, diagnosis or course of treatment. Do not delay or substitute this information for medical treatment.

The copyright of the article Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Dr. Vandana Bhide. Permission to republish Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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May 12, 2009 6:53 AM

Guest :

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Young children don't spread germs because they want to, they don't know how NOT to.
Germy Wormy Germ Smart for Kids educates and entertains kids while teaching them how to NOT spread germs.
Please pass along to anyone who has young children and is concerned about the spread of the Swine Flu
http://www.germywormy.com

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