Antiviral face mask said to inactivate H1N1

A NEW way to protect against flu viruses – the CURAD? Antiviral Face Mask – is the only face mask that actually inactivates flu viruses on five minutes' contact, helping protect the wearer against flu viruses.

It is the first-ever antiviral medical face mask indicated to inactivate 99.99% of laboratory-tested flu viruses on five minutes' contact,, including imminent pandemic and seasonal strains of influenza (flu) viruses, such as H1N1, this year's dominant flu strain in the United States, Avian flu, Swine flu and H3N2.

The CURAD Antiviral Face Mask is currently available at most major retail and pharmacy chains throughout the United States only 

One of the main benefits of the new antiviral face mask is that it can provide protection from cross-contamination. With conventional masks, the outer facing of the mask is frequently touched by the user, who then touches other things or people passing on the flu germs.

The CURAD Antiviral Face Mask works by incorporating proprietary technology that uses a combination of three natural and safe ingredients – citric acid, zinc and copper. The outer white active layer absorbs infectious droplets and locks them inside, where they are inactivated by exposure to citric acid. The inner blue active layer contains copper and zinc ions that are toxic to pathogens.

While simple, the innovative face mask can help protect against flu viruses and has been recognized as a major breakthrough in flu protection, winning the 2012 Chicago Innovation Awards.

So who should wear it and when?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year's flu outbreak is now an epidemic and almost twice as many people between the ages of 18 and 64 are being hospitalized with flu-related symptoms this year compared to last year (61% versus 34%). And, it's hitting a younger, healthier age group than in previous years. 

The CDC recommends that doctors and hospitals provide their flu patients with face masks to help reduce influenza transmission, especially at-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immunities. 

Family members of children with flu-like illnesses who used masks properly were 80% less likely to be diagnosed with the illness according to an article published in the International Journal of Infectious Disease.

The CURAD Antiviral Face Mask is manufactured by Medline, which manufactures and distributes more than 350,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centres, physician offices, home care agencies and providers, and retailers.Air Vapormax Plus TN