are people wearing masks on planes?

[Robo]

You should know that you need a special mask, though, not something you would pick up at Home Depot for protection against work dust.

Hey, what's wrong with a HOME DEPOT LGMH mask?

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this over to our transportation board.

 

[Jestocost]

I have flown virtually every week for the past three months and have been at airports in St. Louis, Des Moines, San Diego, Minneapolis and San Antonio without seeing more than maybe one person wearing a mask.

 

[clarigirl]

I wore one on our return flight from Orlando last week. That was because I had a really bad cough ( not the flu, but bronchitis) and didn't want anyone else to get sick or think I was going to get them sick.

 

[bavaria]

I've circled the globe at least twice in both directions over the past few months and don't recall one mask on a plane. In Asia people wear masks when THEY are sick as a courtesy to others, not to avoid getting sick. But even that isn't much at the moment in the places I have been.

By the way, I have only really heard H1N1 discussions here on this website, and once on a magazine page in Germany in the last 3 months, and that includes the times I spent in America.

It certainly isn't the not topic of conversation that it seems to be on this website, or possibly I just travel in very different circles than the 'average' poster (yes, Lewisc, I don't fit in here; I like it that way! )

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

At this time, I'm not planning to wear a mask on our flight on Saturday.

I AM taking a package of wipes to kill the bugs. I'll be wiping down the tray tables, arms of seats - anything my fingers will touch.

I hope that's enough.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You're more apt to get sick in your daily life walking around and interacting with people then on a plane. Planes are overall pretty clean, air is filtered, etc.

I've also NEVER heard of an airline refilling a bottle of water with water in a holding tank, that is known not to be potable to begin with.

 

[Brian Noble]

I've seen maybe one or two in the past month---in DTW. As noted, masks are generally worn by people who are ill as a courtesy to others; they don't particularly help you in keeping you from getting sick in most instances.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/who-should-wear-a-mask-during-flu-season/

 

[DebbieB]

When my aunt was in ICU, we had to wear a gown and mask to go in to see her. The mask became very uncomfortable even for a short visit. I can't imagine sitting on a plane with one when I didn't have to.

 

[phred52]

Many of my work days are spent taking care of H1N1 patients who are soooo sick they've ended up on life support. Some have died. Very sad. Every time before I enter an H1N1 room, I put on an N95 mask. EVERY time. I have not caught it yet. And, no, I didn't get an H1N1 vaccine. Not going to, either. But thats another debate.

When I fly next month, you bet, I will be wearing an N95 mask. My routine already includes using lysol wipes when I get on a plane, that won't change....

Stay healthy everyone...wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....

 

[RMulieri]

Many of my work days are spent taking care of H1N1 patients who are soooo sick they've ended up on life support. Some have died. Very sad. Every time before I enter an H1N1 room, I put on an N95 mask. EVERY time. I have not caught it yet. And, no, I didn't get an H1N1 vaccine. Not going to, either. But thats another debate.

When I fly next month, you bet, I will be wearing an N95 mask. My routine already includes using lysol wipes when I get on a plane, that won't change....

Stay healthy everyone...wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....

I am a nurse and work with alot of flu patients too..I can not STAND the feeling of the N95 on my face or any other mask for that matter. I feel like I am suffocating.I wear them at work because I HAVE to.I could never wear one for a 2 hr 30 min flight...kudos to you.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

When I fly next month, you bet, I will be wearing an N95 mask. My routine already includes using lysol wipes when I get on a plane, that won't change....

Stay healthy everyone...wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....wash your hands....

Do you wear these to the Grocery Store, Mall, gym, etc too? If not, you're more at risk in these places then your are on an airplane. How about just walking around Disney?

Unrealistic hysteria is half the problem with the H1N1 flu, it's first and foremost weaker then the common flu and second hundreds upon thousands die every year from the common flu and very rarely do you see the same level of concern put forth.

I ask everyone, please ground yourself to reality, yes be mindful, but also be realistic.

 

[dudspizza]

Unrealistic hysteria is half the problem with the H1N1 flu, it's first and foremost weaker then the common flu and second hundreds upon thousands die every year from the common flu and very rarely do you see the same level of concern put forth.

I ask everyone, please ground yourself to reality, yes be mindful, but also be realistic.

Right on, brother!

 

[Allison]

No one was wearing them last month when I flew.

 

[Crzy4Dzny]

We were at Disney 2 weeks ago. In the airport a woman had a mask on...she looked like she was from another country. But no one on the plane did. I was glad I had a long sleeve top on because on the three planes that we were on, going and coming back, someone just HAD to be coughing bad, so I would cover my nose & mouth with my sleeve. Might not have looked nice, but what they were doing wasn't either really. Katie

 

[Brian Noble]

Every time before I enter an H1N1 room, I put on an N95 mask. EVERY time.

There's a big difference between an active health care setting with a patient population known to have H1N1 and an airplane (or a grocery store, or...)

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm#table1

 

[Kiwini]

I will take a mask and put it on if I end up near someone who is broadcasting their germs.

Here's a couple good articles:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Coughs-on-a-Plane-72743442.html
http://www.dailystrength.org/expert...ven-ways-to-prevent-getting-sick-on-airplanes

 

[Scrappy Tink]

Hey, what's wrong with a HOME DEPOT LGMH mask?

Just tooooo funny! gotta love disers!

 

[Scrappy Tink]

Thanks for input I was just curious. I have a son with asthma and I know he would have a hard time with the mask so I was seeing what all of you thought. It has just always been a worry that you spen all the money, time , and planning to get sick in Disney would be just awful! Thanks again we have stocked up on vitamins and wipes!

 

[katallo]

I'm sure this comment will get mixed reviews, but here goes. We were careful with handwashing and wipes while on vacation. On our return flight, a man behind us coughed constantly and did not cover his mouth. I heard him tell a companion he was sick, but had to get home. Two days after returning home, I contracted H1N1. Ironically, neighbors were on the same flight and they also have been ill. I'm ok (this is a rough flu), but have now missed two weeks from work (after being off one week on vacation). Bottom line, I just wish people would be a little more careful. In looking back, I wish I had used a mask. It might not have helped, but I would have felt like I tried.