The H1N1 virus is a subtype of the influenza virus. The H1N1 strain of influenza was responsible for the swine influenza, or swine flu, disease that affected countries all over the world in 2009. In order to prevent the spread of the diseases, health officials started numerous safety precautions, which included regular hand washing, the quarantine of infected individuals, prophylactic medications and the use of face masks or respirators. The H1N1 influenza germ is an airborne virus, and its spread is effectively stopped by the proper use of face masks. Patients should know which face masks are approved for preventing H1N1 infection.
Pasture F550G Respirator
One of the four masks approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is the Pasture F550G respirator, reports WearMask.org. This mask is a type of N95 respirator that has been found to protect against the H1N1 influenza virus. The FDA approved this mask for the general public during the swine flu pandemic. The mask is shaped like a duck's bill and has five layers that filter the air the mask-wearer inhales. The mask is fluid resistant and has an improved filtration function. The Pasture F550G respirator is latex free.
Pasture A520 Respirator
The Pasture A520 respirator is a face mask that has been approved by the FDA and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, according to the Pasture Group. This A520 model is cone-shaped respirator that has four layers that are effective against many airborne viruses, including the H1N1 influenza virus. The mask is resistant to body fluids and will work even if slightly dampened.
3M Particulate Respirator 8670F
The 3M Particulate Respirator 8670F is a mask that has proved effective against the H1N1 influenza virus, states the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This mask is recommended to the general public, but has yet to be approved for use in an occupational setting. This mask's sole function is to protect the wearer from airborne organisms that may cause public health medical emergencies, such as the swine flu pandemic.
3M Particulate Respirator 8612F
The 3M Particulate Respirator model 8612F is one of the two FDA and NIOSH masks made by the 3M corporation, states 3M.com. The mask has been approved for use for the general public. This mask is supposed to fit over the nose and mouth of the wearer, and this protects against airborne diseases such as the H1N1 virus. The 8612F is fluid-resistant, and will help to protect the wearer from the potential splash and spray of body fluids from infected patients. This mask is easily portable and flattens out to pocket size.
