OK, I love to fly, especially upside-down in a Pitts-Special, but flying commercially leaves me cold for the simple reason that most people are boors and don’t even know how to cover their mouths properly when they sneeze or cough. (Use your sleeve). Years ago, I therefore adopted the habit of ceasing to breathe for extended periods of time when I heard anyone in the cabin sputter and spew forth their unwanted germs.
That reaction unfortunately won’t prove very effective during something like the current swine flu outbreak, which the WHO (World Health Organization) today said is an “imminent pandemic”.
I have no intention of flying anywhere in the near future (planning to T@B down to the next convention at which I’m supposed to speak) but when I do, I plan to at very least wear an N95 Breathing Mask as shown in the picture to the right.
This is a NIOSH certified mask, which was recommended for protection to healthcare workers by both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control during the SARS infection back in 2003.
This N95 Mask includes a special one-way exhalation valve for cooler, easier breathing not included in most N95 masks, and an adjustable nose clip.
Magellan’s sells a pack of N95 masks that includes four disposable masks and fitting instructions.
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