Bird Flu Respirators

If a bird flu pandemic occurs, it will be important to avoid contact with the bird flu virus. Since bird flu respirators are designed to filter out airborne viruses, you should have a good supply of these to wear whenever you have to be around people who might be infected.

Bird Flu Respirators | Types

Particulate respirators are designed to filter out contaminants in the air, including particles and infectious microorganisms, such as the bird flu virus. These are simple face masks and the least expensive and are sometimes called bird flu respirators. These are designed only to prevent inhalation of particles and will not protect the wearer against noxious gases in the air.

Chemical cartridge respirators (gas masks) are used to filter chemical gases and some particles out of the air. This mask comes with a filter contained in a metal cartridge and, as you breathe, the air passes through the filter and is purified. To be effective, gas masks must be used with the appropriate filter.

You can also purchase respirators that have their own air supply, either remote or self-contained. However, the particulate respirators are the bird flu respirators that would be used by most people for protection against the bird flu virus during a pandemic.

Bird Flu Respirators | Important Facts

The directions provided with your bird flu respirator must be strictly followed. If it does not make a tight seal on your face, because it's the wrong size, or due to sideburns or a beard, you could breathe contaminated air that leaks around the edges of the mask.

Make sure your bird flu respirator is designed to be worn with glasses, if you wear them. The supplier of your protective equipment will provide information on how to wear your respirator correctly.

Once you have worn your bird flu respirators and it is likely to be contaminated, do not touch the mask area with your hands. Remove the respirator by its strap, hold it away from you, and drop it into a container for contaminated materials.

Who may have problems wearing a respirator?

Bird flu respirator masks available at the moment are unlikely to fit small children. Also, elderly people and those with lung conditions (asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis) are likely to find it difficult to breathe through a bird flu respirator, since the air must be drawn in through a filter.

You can purchase bird flu respirators from companies advertising on the Internet, medical suppliers and pharmacies. Have a look to see what's available, then consult with your family doctor to find out which respirator will provide you with the best protection.