Masks on airplane- see any lately?

[DisneyBrideToni]

Bottom line, if you are going to get sick, you are going to get sick. You can wear masks, wash your hands and use anti-bacterial products but nothing is 100% to stop being sick. If you get sick just suck it up and deal.

 

[smiley]

Hi everybody. Since I'm a paronoid germ-o-phobe rotfl2: ) I bought DH and I respirator masks (N95) to wear on the plane to florida on tuesday. Has anyone seen people wear these or will I look like a freak? We want to stay flu-free, and are generally healthy people, but we're just taking an extra precaution to protect ourselves. Will we give off a bad impression?

You'll look like a freak. Keep your hands clean and you should be good to go.

 

[mrssmee]

Hi everybody. Since I'm a paronoid germ-o-phobe rotfl2: ) I bought DH and I respirator masks (N95) to wear on the plane to florida on tuesday. Has anyone seen people wear these or will I look like a freak? We want to stay flu-free, and are generally healthy people, but we're just taking an extra precaution to protect ourselves. Will we give off a bad impression?

Give off a bad impression to who? A bunch of total strangers whose opinion of you will have zero impact on your life? Do whatever makes YOU feel comfortable and don't worry about what total strangers think!

I don't blame you for doing whatever you can to try to lower your odds, even if by a little bit, of catching the flu. My son has had it for a week and it has been a nightmare. We have had some scary moments. But luckily the worst is over for him.

Have a great trip, and I hope you stay healthy!

 

[kilee]

I say do what gives you piece of mind...why would it matter what I or anyone else thinks.

The one thing to remember is the comfort level. Is it worth being that uncomfortable for that long? W/ being in the parks you'll be touching railings and the bars you hold on rides. Which will all of been touched by thousands of people that day.

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

You may look a bit freakish. But if it makes you feel better, wear one! But if I was your husband and you wanted me to wear one, I would laugh and look at you strangely.

 

[mommy*RN]

Before you decide to wear the mask on the plane -- try wearing one for a couple hours at home to see if you can handle it. As others have said they are NOT comfortable. Also have you been fit-tested so you know the correct size to wear to offer you protection? Without being fit tested an N95 mask offers you no more protection than a regular surgical mask. You will also have to change the mask frequently as they become contaminated on the outside, so when you change it be careful not to touch the outside of the mask and then touch your face without washing your hands.

Seems like a lot of work to me, but you have to do what you have to do. I think you can expect lots of stares and people avoiding you...but if that doesn't bother you than go for it!

 

[Muffin]

I went to Jamaica last week and saw only 1 person (an Asian man) who had a mask on. It was on our return flight and I'm pretty sure it was on the Miami to New Orleans leg.

 

[Geoff_M]

N95 respirators block 95% (hence the name) of small particles which carry the viruses. I agree that the OP is just as likely to touch something contaminated and then touch her eye, and get infected that way in WDW as on the plane, but the air on planes is "stale" (for lack of a better word) so the germs from someone coughing at the back could wind up being inhaled by someone else, although I'm not sure if flu virus particles would circulate throughout the plane and if so, for how long. (eventually, the particles are going to fall out of the air).

N95 masks are MUCH more uncomfortable than "regular" masks- like doctors wear in surgery. They are hot, and you feel like you're rebreathing your own exhaled air. I can't stand to wear one for more than 5-10 minutes.

I second that. The insides also get real damp quick from the moisture in your breath. I've had to wear N95 masks in BSL2 rooms at work. They're even more uncomfortable if you wear glasses like me!

Mask wearing seems to be a cultural thing. They're real big in Asia in times of pandemics. However, as mentioned, most masks are just for "looks" and
"making the wearer feel better" and don't provide any meaningful protection to the wearer.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I am a flight attendant, and I see about three a month... usually, they are Asian passengers from International flights.

From what I remember being told, once the H1N1 craze started, was that these masks do not protect you from most viruses, as the viruses are small enough to pass through the mask.

Your best bet is to wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

Good luck!

FWIW, I don't think you would look like a freak, and if it makes you feel better, wear it... just know it probably won't make a difference.