HEADLINE: Study: Face masks seem to protect against flu

SUMMARY: A study released this week suggests the use of surgical masks helps reduce the spread of the common flu.  When sick people and their families wore surgical masks within the first 36 hours of symptoms, healthy family members were found less likely to get seasonal flu, researchers say. The results may also apply to H1N1.

STORY LINK: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/03/face.mask.flu/index.html

ANALYSIS: Wearing surgical masks is likely to help reduce the spread of influenza, but the question remains to what extent.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently asked the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science to convene an ad hoc workgroup to examine this issue. 

There is scant scientific evidence to support any contention of effectiveness for slowing the spread of flu and similar viruses in the general population.  Nor have recommendations for use – how to wear, when and how often to replace – been developed.  Also at issue is the ability of mask manufacturers to produce sufficient quantities for widespread, general use. 

There are also multiple cultural issues to overcome.  While some places, most notably Japan, have a history of wearing surgical masks in public, that practice has not been common in the United States.  It remains to be seen what reaction walking down the street wearing a surgical mask would garner here.