Updated: 11/05/2009 8:32 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

Minn. Nurses Want Changes to Mask Recommendations

The Minnesota Nurses Association is calling on the state health department to change its recommendations for respiratory protection for healthcare workers exposed to H1N1.

The Minnesota Department of Health has said that a standard surgical mask is sufficient protection from the H1N1 flu virus.

But the MNA says evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows viral particles can travel up to six feet and hang in the air for up to 20 minutes after someone with H1N1 coughs.

They want the MDH to recommend use of N95 respirators, a kind of mask that filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles.

Elizabeth Shogren with the Minnesota Nurses Association said, "If you looked at it (the N95 mask), you would see that even just touching them that they feel heavier and thicker and they're made of a different material."

The CDC already recommends use of N95 masks.

Health department officials agree N95 masks work great. But they're worried about encountering a shortage.

The masks are also rated to protect the wearer against anthrax, and diseases like SARS and tuberculosis.

The health department's John Stine said, "An N95 is the greatest level of protection. The caveat to that is you need to be aware that we need to manage our supplies for the long haul."

Regardless of concerns about supplies, the health department said it will likely amend its flu-prevention guidelines in the next day or two to endorse the N95 masks for all health care workers.