- With Mayo Clinic internist
James M. Steckelberg, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
James M. Steckelberg, M.D.
James Steckelberg, M.D.
Dr. James Steckelberg is chairman of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Mayo Clinic, a consultant and a professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
A native of Fremont, Neb., Dr. Steckelberg was a Rhodes Scholar and graduated from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine as a resident in internal medicine and a fellow in infectious diseases, and is board certified in both. He is the former director of the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Steckelberg belongs to numerous professional organizations. He is a founding member of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society of America and a fellow with the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. He has served on many Mayo Clinic committees and is a member of the Department of Medicine Leadership Committee and the executive committee of the Division of Infectious Diseases. He also served on the editorial boards of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" and "Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy" and has been an editorial reviewer for more than a dozen publications.
Dr. Steckelberg's research interests include experimental models of infection, epidemiology of infection, and antimicrobial resistance and therapy of bacterial infections.
Definition (3)
- What's the difference between H1N1 flu and influenza A?
- H1N1 flu (swine flu): How serious is the global threat?
- H1N1 flu (swine flu) pandemic: What does it mean?
Symptoms (2)
- H1N1 flu (swine flu) symptoms: Is fever always present?
- H1N1 flu (swine flu) symptoms: Self-care for the flu
Complications (1)
- H1N1 flu (swine flu) and pregnancy: Are special precautions necessary?
Prevention (5)
- H1N1 flu (swine flu): Can you catch it twice?
- Flu mask: Should I wear one?
- Flu vaccine: Safe for people with egg allergy?
- see all in Prevention
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Question
Flu mask: Should I wear one?
Should I wear a flu mask to protect myself from swine flu?
Answer
from James M. Steckelberg, M.D.
Probably not. Despite all the news photos you may have seen of people wearing flu masks, a regular surgical mask doesn't block the small airborne particles that can carry flu viruses into your lungs. However, you may want to wear a flu mask if you have swine flu (H1N1) or seasonal flu, to help block the spread of large infectious droplets generated when you cough or sneeze.
N95 respirators — masks that fit more tightly around the face — are better at preventing the transmission of flu viruses. But these types of flu mask are much more difficult to breathe through. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don't recommend their use except by medical personnel caring for people who have swine flu.
Other methods to help protect yourself from the flu include:
- Washing your hands frequently. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Keeping your hands off your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Steering clear of sick people. If possible, stay at least six feet away from people who have the flu.
Flu vaccine: Safe for people with egg allergy?
- Interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use to reduce 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm. Accessed Sept. 28, 2009.
