Travelling with mask?

loopylis · November 2009

This may be my first "paranoid pregnancy moment", but I have to fly over the weekend and just recieved the H1N1 shot yesterday. The nurse told me it takes the body 10-14 days to develop enough antibodies to guard against infection. Would it be crazy of me to fly with one of those surgical masks to minimize exposure?

kkalina · November 2009

Yes.

adcffaa · November 2009

I'd say, do what you have to do to protect yourself and your baby. Who cares what other people think? I wouldn't worry so much about walking through the airport or whatever but sitting on the plane/train whatever is where I'd probably wear the mask.

Smootchy · November 2009

I personally wouldn't...But IF you do, wear it the whole time. Last year I was traveling and this totally annoying couple put it on after take of and before we landed.

cc_fame · November 2009

I wish I would have done it. DH and I came back home on Saturday from a Florida vacation. While I had received my H1N1 and seasonal shot early enough, I did catch a nasty cold from some hacking people on the plane. I woke up yesterday with a sore throat, pounding sinus pressure and ear pressure, I'm all stuffed up... today I just feel like a puddle of germs. So if wearing a mask would have kept me from getting even the normal cold, I would have done it! I am MISERABLE today, even to the point of tears!

goatwife · November 2009

You could also ask your doctor about taking some Emergen-C for an extra immunity boost.

kwhitson · November 2009

I think you might look a little crazy doing that - but seriously you should do whatever you feel will protect you and your baby. I have flown several times in the last 2 months for work and have been fine. I just keep the fluids going, I keep hand sanitizer with me, and get lots of rest. I didn't contract any illnesses while traveling.

BriBer · November 2009

I read that the masks will help prevent people from spreading it, but won't really stop you from getting it.

NavyWife1989 · November 2009

I may sound crazy, but I didn't even get the vaccine and nor do I want to.

I travelled during 8 weeks and 10 weeks from CA to TN and back (with layovers) with no worries (other than m/s). I even travelled to Myrtle Beach, SC, for a weekend, once I got to TN. I was just fine. I had an OB appt 3 days prior to travel and 3 days after travel and everything was great.

jenirvt · November 2009

A surgical mask isn't going to filter out any viruses or germs...they aren't particulate masks or anything. My Dr. said there is nothing wrong with wearing one if it puts your mind at ease, but in reality you'd need an actual filter mask like an N-95 or something similar to actually "filter out" viruses from the air. I work in pharmacology research and we often wear N-95's because some chemicals can be very powdery and aerosolize easily. N-95s are very difficult to wear for extended periods of time, they form a "seal" around your face and the filtration system is pretty thick...not as easy as normal breathing.

Jason&Erin82507 · November 2009

I personally wouldn't, but I must say that if I saw you wearing one, you wouldn't be the first. DH and I went into Manhattan to go shopping last week and saw a group of people wearing them Confused

Chelseyparker · November 2009

I am traveling on Tuesday by plane; I talked with my doc about this. She said if I really wanted to I could, but she doesn't think I need to be that paranoid. She told me that if I do start feeling flu symptoms to take Oscillococcinum, it helps reduces the severity of the flu and the duration.

Ask your doctor about it.. (wow that sounded like a infomercial)

nestinginjapan · November 2009

people in Japan do it if they have a cold! why not? (but as an American you'd look a little weird)

Couture21 · November 2009

It's a bit odd. There was a woman in Target walking around with one on and my DH bet me $20 bucks to go sneeze or cough on her. Devil

He thought it was ridiculous.

kelcat · November 2009

Unless you have one that is specifically a bacterial mask, it won't help. The thins ones won't protect you from anything. And yes, it would be silly. I make fun of people who walk around with masks on.

buckeyeki · November 2009

I flew this past weekend and saw a few people with them on. If it makes you feel more comfortable go for it. I've heard that you have to buy a special mask to recieve any protection and it only works for a certain amount of time after it's opened, and it was only 30 minutes or something like that. I only know that from people I went on a cruise with last spring though so I don't know how true it is.

I guess I trust hand washing and avoiding touching public surfaces more than a face-mask, but to each their own! Knock on wood but it's worked for me so far.

binnyskitch · November 2009

I am flying to Central America in a few days. You bet I will have my mask with me!

My friend who is an OB/GYN said the air on the planes really is pretty good - filtered and circulated. Just wash your hands a ton and use hand sanitizer after touching anything. She said you would only need to wear a mask if the dude sitting next to you is hacking up a lung. So, I'm bringing one just in case

fabulistbride · November 2009

Get one and wear it if the mood strikes. I flew recently and put mine on when I realized someone behind me had a nasty cough. Another good idea is to take a travel-size bacteria killing mouthwash and use it a few times throughout the day.

Happy travels to you!

whitsim · November 2009

BriBer:
I read that the masks will help prevent people from spreading it, but won't really stop you from getting it.

This.

SPerry0376 · November 2009

Here's what I did...I brought them in my purse with the full intention of using one if anyone on the plane was coughing or sneezing. Other than that I washed my hands like crazy and NEVER touched my face.

danto · November 2009

Don't forget antibacterial wipes. I wiped down my seat, tray, armrests and offered some to those sitting next to me.

Go for the mask if you are traveling outside of the US. At the very least it will keep you from touching your mouth and nose, but cold and fu are spread by people sneezing water droplets onto areas you touch or breathe in. Even a thin layer will give some protection.

kdiaisfly · November 2009

absolutely not. I do it. No one in the airport knows you, so who cares? Protect yourself.

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