Masks for the plane??? My doctor has me panicked! Please help!

[shel112676]

* sorry for the long post--I'm a bit long winded! LOL**

Hello~

We leave for WDW in 16 days!!

We believe (ped gave dx w/o testing) my DD6 had H1N1 a few weeks back--high fever, cough, and then a secondary ear infection.

While I was at our ped's office with her, I asked about our upcoming trip. He said that we should still have both DDs vaccinated prior to our trip BUT 1.) we will only have recived the first round of the vax and 2.) WE CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE (however, I know of people receiving the vax who aren't even high risk...but that's another thread! UGGH!)

He also said that we should just follow the precautions that we should all be following anyway and to just not worry and enjoy ourselves!

I hope that DD6 really did have it and that we're over it. However, I'm worried about my DH and myself and most importantly DD3! and what if DD^ didn't really have it??

YESTERDAY: I see my family Dr. She says same thing--don't worry, just enjoy. "BUT" she says, "if I were you I would wear masks on the plane." She says the plane is FILLED with germs from top to bottom and will be our biggest battle.

Great, I'll get the masks-- we need painters masks sold at Lowe's --must be N95 masks.
Does anyone know if these will "seal" up correctly on a child or where/what I should do for my DDs. I called my peds office regarding this but couldn't get past the nurses who had no info.

We;ve waited SO LONG for this trip and now, I'm just worrying all the time. Wondering if it's even worth it at this point!

If anyone else went the mask route, plese share...I'd love to know what kind and if it was effective>

Any other precautions out there that work?

Thanks!!

 

[mjkacmom]

I've heard the masks don't prevent the flu. It is an airborn illness, and can get into the body through the mouth, nose, and EYES. I guess you could wear swim goggles...

 

[ma2jr]

I've heard the masks don't prevent the flu. It is an airborn illness, and can get into the body through the mouth, nose, and EYES. I guess you could wear swim goggles...

Tee.. hee

 

[shel112676]

I'm willing to wear the masks (sans goggles) if I knew it was at least somewhat protective. I mean, even the vax is only 70-95% effective but it's better than nothing and is recommended so I guess we can say that every bit of extra protection helps, right?

 

[ajpa]

this looks helpful

http://www.safetydirectory.hk/info_list004.html

Btw the link mentions re-use, but most other links I have read say use once and dispose. So plan on getting at least two per person.

 

[PatT240]

We brought masks for the plane but didn't use them. I think if I had heard anyone coughing and sneezing we might have put them on but nobody seemed sick around us. That said I do I have what we called the Magic Kingdom Cough. It seemed like everywhere you went all of the kids had the same cough. I was very careful used Purell constantly but my son came done with it three days before coming home and I got sick the day we left. I wouldn't let this deter you from going but I would make sure you had lots of hand sanitizer and wipes. My son that got sick is 15 and and knows it all so he wouldn't listen to me about all the germs and wasn't as careful and of course I caught it from him. If I thought ahead I would have brought a can of lysol for all of the door knobs and bathroom handles. I hope you do go and have a wonderful time.

 

[Tinkermommy]

I travel a lot for work. I have never taken a mask, but I do take wipes and wipe down the armrests, tray table, etc. just because they are not cleaned very often and they can be gross!

I have a 3 year old and do not think I could get him to wear a mask for a few minutes much less for a whole flight.

Basically, I just following the basics. Wash my hands often, try not to rub my eyes, nose, etc. I did see this wand that has an ultraviolet light that will sterilize surfaces for you. That looked interesting it was about $70.

Yes, planes, Disney, hotels are germy and people can be careless in spreading germs but you can get sick by just going to the grocery store. I am just not willing to sit and home and miss a Disney vacation at this point!!

I hope your child is feeling better. If she did get the swine flu already then she already has immunity! My DD8 has already had it and I am pretty sure DS3 did a week later, but didn't bother to take him to the doctor.

I hope everyone gets better and you all have a great vacation!

 

[sillyjodes]

We usually wipe the whole area of our seat, tray, wall/window, with clorox wipes when we fly. You would not believe the grim! Yuck!! I know they now make a thin seat cover that you can purchase from travel places like sky mall. You may want to look into that. I think it would be very difficult to get my girls to wear masks.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

As someone posted on another thread about this same issue. To get full protection, you would have to keep the mask on at all times, never once removing it. If you're going to drink or eat on the plane, you'll have to remove the mask. Also, it would probably be best to wear it in the airport, around all the other travelers. And if your child touches anything and then touches their eyes, game over. There are just so many ways that you could become infected, that I really don't think it's worth bringing masks, but again, it's your call. Good luck with whatever you decide OP and I hope you all have a safe, happy and healthy trip to WDW.

 

[NHdisneylover]

This is pure specualtion on my part so take it for what it is worth:

masks are really uncomfortable, hot and sticky. I would think that younger kids would tend to be annoyed at them and tug at them, etc. THAT would lead to the children touching their faces MORE often than of they did not have the mask on. Wich, in turns, seems like it would increase the odds of them comming down with something.

 

[ebtbmom]

Regular surgical masks don't work, but N95 respirators do. They are the ones that you use against TB.

Problem is they are the most uncomfortable things on the planet, have you tried one on? They come in different sizes and to make sure you have a tight seal you have to have it tested which involves having some sweet stuff sprayed under a hood while you wear the mask and read a poem and move your head back and forth and up and down. I can't believe the nurse at your doctor's office couldn't tell you this, all nurses have to do it.

So I don't think the N95 would be practical for a family. It is incredibly tight fitting, it makes you feel like the room is about 100 degrees, the rubber bands feel like they are choking you to death, and if you are even slightly claustrophobic you will freak out. When we have to wear them in the OR most nurses are anxious and can't wait to get the case done so we can rip them off! I couldn't imagine wearing one for several hours in a tightly enclosed airplane.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've heard the masks don't prevent the flu. It is an airborn illness, and can get into the body through the mouth, nose, and EYES. I guess you could wear swim goggles...

NOT airborne.
It can get into the body thru the mouth, nose or eyes if you touch something contaminated with flu virus and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
It can also be spread by droplets, which are the little particles of moisture and germs that come out of people's mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze. Those droplets are relatively heavy (compared to other small things like dust). Because of this, the droplets generally fall to the ground or other surfaces within 3 feet of when they come out of the mouth or nose.

Here is a link to the CDC's website information about H1N1 and here is part of the CDC's advice on what to do to avoid the flu (besides flu shots).
There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

this looks helpful

http://www.safetydirectory.hk/info_list004.html

Btw the link mentions re-use, but most other links I have read say use once and dispose. So plan on getting at least two per person.

Some Heathcare facilities are running low on masks, so they need recommendations on safe ways to reuse the masks.

This is pure specualtion on my part so take it for what it is worth:

masks are really uncomfortable, hot and sticky. I would think that younger kids would tend to be annoyed at them and tug at them, etc. THAT would lead to the children touching their faces MORE often than of they did not have the mask on. Wich, in turns, seems like it would increase the odds of them comming down with something.

You are correct.
There are even some studies of healthcare workers that show people touch their face area more with masks on - just because they have to re-adjust the masks.

Regular surgical masks don't work, but N95 respirators do. They are the ones that you use against TB.

Regular surgical masks do work.
There was a study earlier this year that said surgical masks did not work and only N95 masks should be used (basically filter masks). There were problems found with the study that made it not valid. The authors of the study withdrew it from publication early this month. That is a very unusual thing to do.
There have been other studies that show surgical masks do provide protection.

Problem is they are the most uncomfortable things on the planet, have you tried one on? They come in different sizes and to make sure you have a tight seal you have to have it tested which involves having some sweet stuff sprayed under a hood while you wear the mask and read a poem and move your head back and forth and up and down. I can't believe the nurse at your doctor's office couldn't tell you this, all nurses have to do it.

Not all. Only healthcare workers who expect to need to wear N95 masks get fit tested (the name for the process described above).
If they will not be caring for patients they need an N95 mask to care for, they will not be fit tested. Many hospitals only fit tested the staff who work in areas with negative airflow rooms and Emergency Room staff.

So I don't think the N95 would be practical for a family. It is incredibly tight fitting, it makes you feel like the room is about 100 degrees, the rubber bands feel like they are choking you to death, and if you are even slightly claustrophobic you will freak out. When we have to wear them in the OR most nurses are anxious and can't wait to get the case done so we can rip them off! I couldn't imagine wearing one for several hours in a tightly enclosed airplane.

I would agree with that. I can only tolerate wearing an N95 mask for about 15 minutes at a time.

 

[1971DBday]

I work at a hospital and I am part of committee preparing for a potential influx of patients for H1N1. I have luckily been vaccinated and the kids are getting their shot through our counties health department and we are leaving in 13 days.

That being said...take whatever precautions you deem necessary. However, keep in mind your kids go out into the public ALL the time. Grocery stores, school, fast food, etc. It is everywhere. As stated in earlier posts everyone gave some wonderful advice. It is NOT airborne, it is a droplet and those are the precautions hospitals take.

I refuse to live my life in fear! I was lucky enough to get the vaccine and so were my children, but I would not have worn a mask if I didn't. A N95 is only helpful if it fits properly and more then likely a mask from a hardware store will not fit your kids. The hospital gives simple masks out to anyone presenting flu like symptoms. However, the hospital is even having it's challenges in keeping an appropriate inventory due to demand. (Still have them though!)

- The Moderator gave some great information.

Originally Posted by ajpa
this looks helpful

http://www.safetydirectory.hk/info_list004.html

Btw the link mentions re-use, but most other links I have read say use once and dispose. So plan on getting at least two per person.

- Once a mask is used near an H1N1 patient it cannot be reused. The are looking into using a simple mask over a N95, so the N95 can be reused.

- Again Moderator has some great information and must work in healthcare.

Good luck with whatever decision you decide to make, but I would rather hand the mask to the person hacking to protect my family.

 

[disfan07]

I have to say that wearing masks on the planes seems a bit overboard at least to me.

I am actually flying tomorrow and I am at a very high risk of getting complications from the swine flu but i am allergic to the vaccine. All 4 of my doctors know that we are flying tomorrow and again in 4 weeks and none of them have recommended wearing a mask.

I always wipe down the seat, arm rests and tray table b/c i have a severe peanut allergy so they said just make sure i do that and to use purell and i should be fine

I mean yes, the planes are full of people in a small place, but think about everywhere you go on a daily basis. My doctors have all said that I am more likely to catch it at school than I am on the plane.

JMO

 

[SueM in MN]

- Again Moderator has some great information and must work in healthcare.

Good luck with whatever decision you decide to make, but I would rather hand the mask to the person hacking to protect my family.

LOL
I do work in healthcare; I am an RN and am certified in Infection Control.

 

[shel112676]

So glad I posted....Thank you for all the WONDERFUL information!

 

[lori123]

I have no medical expertise - just wanted to say that DH is a pilot and hasn't brought it home yet I say go have fun - without a mask!

 

[wmharley]

I saw a report on washing hands vs sanitizers..

Its recommended to wash hands for 20 second, but in all reality, it doesn't kill the virus, its just washing the virus off your hands, and the longer you wash, the greater chance you get the virus hiding under fingernails, etc...


Sanitizers (60%+ alcohol) are good if you use enough for your hands to still be wet after 15-20 seconds.

 

[peanmunch]

I came home with the Magic Kingdom cough too (great name)..and yes it seemed everywhere we went all we heard were children coughing (we were there Nov 4-10)

Lori

We brought masks for the plane but didn't use them. I think if I had heard anyone coughing and sneezing we might have put them on but nobody seemed sick around us. That said I do I have what we called the Magic Kingdom Cough. It seemed like everywhere you went all of the kids had the same cough. I was very careful used Purell constantly but my son came done with it three days before coming home and I got sick the day we left. I wouldn't let this deter you from going but I would make sure you had lots of hand sanitizer and wipes. My son that got sick is 15 and and knows it all so he wouldn't listen to me about all the germs and wasn't as careful and of course I caught it from him. If I thought ahead I would have brought a can of lysol for all of the door knobs and bathroom handles. I hope you do go and have a wonderful time.

 

[ajpa]

LOL
I do work in healthcare; I am an RN and am certified in Infection Control.

Sue, do you think a scarf (silk or some other tight weave) might provide some protection (comparable to a surgical mask)?
I could totally wear a pretty scarf over my nose & mouth and go for the old-style Holywood star look.