EFFICACY OF MASKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17110, 15 March 1919, Page 10

EFFICACY OF MASKS.

PREVENTION OF INFLUENZA. VIEWS OF MEDICAL MEN. PRACTICAL USE QUESTIONED. Tho efficacy of masks to guard against infection with influenza has been the sub. ject of considerable discussion during recent weeks, and a leading Auckland medical practitioner was asked yesterday to express his views upon the question, Ho made tho following statement, which is believed to be supported by a number of members of the profession in Auckland s— j The actual usefulness of ordinary practical masks as a prophylactic measure against influenza is open to such strong theoretical doubt as to suggest that their role virtue is an engendered sense of greater safety. The following are the loasuns:—

1. The living virus of influenza is stated! by some well-recognised authorities to bo so small as to be abie to pass through tho finest bacteriological fiJter, and to do invisible to the higuest powers of the microscope. If this is true, ordinary practical masks can be of no value. \ 2. Infection can be conveyed by tho fingers, so tuat evory time the lingers are used to adjust the mask they become a source of infection, and would require sterilisation after each touch. 3. Unless the masks themselves are constantly changed and cleansed bacteriologicoily, they aro open to tho same well-known bacteriological caution that applies to all niters— is, in tho process of filtration the bacteria are caught and enmeshed in the filter. Tiny then gradually grow through the filter, and in the case oi on ordinary bacteriological filter, the filter will only hold up ttie bacteria for roughly about 24 hours. After that time, if they are not cleansed and sterilised, they are an actual increasing source of danger. Tho reply to the first reason is that, even supposing tho virus is so small, it is probably generally sent from the sufferer in small accretions, or in a small globule of moisture or mucus. The masks would catch theso. There is no bacteriological reply to the second or third reason, save 1 that tho masks themselves may be saturi ated by some antiseptic that would have to be non-irritating to the face. | At present medical science has no thoroughly effective shield to hold off from a community the virus of pandemic influenza, but it can offer advice, which is well proved against all diseases, namely Avoid unnecessary 'exposure and fatigue; do not unnecessarily expose yourself to infection; bo of good heart, and do not fear death. If the use of masks will create a feeling of greater safety in the community, they will amply justify their use, by warding off scare, and improving the morale. Because of the possibility of their catching infectious small globules of ', moisture or mucus coughed from the ■ pptients, they would be a useful prophylactic measure for nurses, doctors, ana other attendants in the sick room.