Influenza A H1N1: two types of masks, surgical and protection FFP2

Two types of masks are used to counter the spread of flu masks and surgical masks for respiratory protection (masks FFP2).

The projection masks or surgical masks are worn by infectious people in order to protect the environment. Their filtration is not sufficient to protect a healthy person against micro-particles in the air.


They consist of a single layer filter. They provide a protection period of 3 to 4 hours.

In France, they are freely available in pharmacies on prescription. They have no expiration dates.

Masks or respiratory protection masks filter (in forms of duck-billed) are carried by healthy people to protect themselves from viruses suspended in the air.

According to the European standard, masks FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 hold respectively 80%, 94% and 99% of particles measuring one millionth of a meter. The recommended standard for the protection of healthy people against influenza A is the standard FFP2.

The N95 mask filters, used especially in the United States and Canada 95% filter micro-particles.

These masks are made of two layers of filter. They can be worn for 4 to 8 hours.

They are intended primarily for health personnel and those who are in direct and repeated contact with patients. In the context of influenza A H1N1, they will be provided directly to health professionals by the state and employees exposed (cashiers, tellers ...) by employers. They have an expiry of 4 years.