Home & Family Pandemic Preparedness

Where contact with infected persons is not expected, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps individuals to prevent sprays of potentially infected liquid droplets (from talking, coughing and sneezing) from contacting their nose or mouth.

Masks: N95 masks provide protection from liquid droplets and are generally recommended.  N95 masks provide superior protection in infectious environments and are filtration 95% effective against particulate aerosols free of oil.

Medical Exam Gloves: Infection is spread when a person touches droplets, nose drainage or saliva from an infected person, or a soiled object, and then touches ones own or someone else's nose or mouth before washing hands.  An important function of exam gloves is to serve as a reminder to not touch your nose, eyes, mouth, or other objects.  The gloves need to be turned inside out when removing to prevent contamination.

Safety Goggles: Goggles need to be worn especially when caring for infected individuals or when within 3 feet of infected individuals.  Make sure they fit correctly.

Isolation Gowns, Shoe Covers, Hair Covers: Disposable isolation gowns, shoe covers and hair covers are worn when caring for infected persons.  They, too, need to be removed properly to avoid contamination.