Reusability of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic: Facing the Flu

摘要

The Committee on the Development of Reusable Facemasks for Use During an Influenza Pandemic was given a herculean task how to make the disposable reusable and completed it in less than three months. Our first meeting was on January 23-24, 2006, and our second on March 68, and the completed report was delivered to the sponsor on April 13, 2006. Given the threat of pandemic influenza, the committee understood and responded to the urgency of the request. Although the committee felt constrained by the narrowness of its task on reuse, rather than proper initial use, we kept a sharp focus on the questions asked. Urgency notwithstanding, all of the findings and recommendations presented herein underscore the importance of adequate pandemic planning and preparedness, including the acquisition and stockpiling of facemasks and respirators.