Wearing a facemask over your mouth and nose may reduce your risk of acquiring a contagious illness while caring for a sick family member, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends wearing a filtering facepiece respirator when providing care for sick people. Like other disposable facemasks, these respirators prevent inflected droplets from reaching your face. They also prevent you from breathing in smaller infected particles. You can find facemasks at pharmacies or hardware stores.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on the facemask. Rinse your hands in running water and then apply liquid hand soap to your hands. Rub your hands together vigorously for 20 seconds. Rinse your hands in clean water and dry with a disposable paper towel or clean towel.
Step 2
Put the facemask over your nose and mouth and tie the elastic straps behind your head.
Step 3
Replace the mask if it becomes damp, dented or torn. Take the mask off your face and throw it in a lined trashcan immediately.
Step 4
Wash your hands thoroughly after removing the facemask.
Tips and Warnings
- Store unused facemasks in a clean, dry place. Practice good hygiene at all times to reduce your risk of getting sick. Wash your hands before and after caring for sick people, before handling or eating any food, after going to the bathroom, after leaving a crowded place and after handling garbage.
Things You'll Need
- Facemasks
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Trashcan
- Trash bags
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Interim Guidance on the Use and Purchase of Facemasks
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Frequently Asked questions About H1NI
- California Department of Public Health: H1NI Flu Disease FAQs---Prevention
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
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