How to Use a Surgical Mask to Prevent Illness in an Airport

Although there are questions about their precise level of effectiveness, surgical masks can help prevent the spread of the flu and other airborne illnesses. Masks can be useful at airports, which are one venue where the flu can spread easily because of the crowds and the frequent face-to-face contact at ticket counters and in security lines. Masks work best for those who already feel sick or suspect they might be contagious and want to avoid spreading their illness.

Things You'll Need

• Surgical masks

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Instructions

Using a surgical mask in an airport

• 1

  Find surgical masks or respirators at a pharmacy or online. Look for masks that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

• 2

  Put your mask on before entering the airport. Masks are not prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration, so you are free to wear one in most parts of the airport.

• 3

  Remove your mask at the ticket counter if requested by an agent. This most likely will happen if an agent needs to examine your photo id if you check baggage.

• 4

  Remove your mask at the security checkpoint if asked when Transportation Security Administration personnel checks your photo ID against the name on your ticket. You will be able to wear your mask when passing through the metal detector.

• 5

  Bring more than one mask with you on your trip. To ensure easy access, do not put masks in your checked baggage. Put on a new mask at least once every two hours, after which time masks cease to be sterile.