Masks as a Source Control of Influenza Viruses

Current strategies for limiting the effects of pandemic influenza focus on use of vaccines and antiviral medications, and anticipate widespread application of social distancing interventions because of the lag time for vaccine production, limited supply of antivirals, and lack of 100% effectiveness of either vaccines or antivirals. Design of effective social distancing interventions requires a detailed knowledge of the major route of influenza transmission to determine the effectiveness of such approaches. This project integrates characterization and measurement of respiratory derived influenza aerosols and the evaluation of surgical masks for mitigating transmission of influenza. 

We designed and built an exhaled breath sampling device to collect influenza particles.  With this instrument we will measure the number and size distribution of exhaled breath particles containing influenza virus during tidal breathing (nose and mouth), talking, and coughing; and measure the effect of wearing a surgical mask or N-95 respirator on the release of infectious virus. This project addresses community mitigation and protective measures directed at the spread of influenza virus. The results of this study will have implications on simple and low tech interventions applicable in both the United States and countries in other stages of development.