When and how to use face masks in home and community settings.
How to Use a Face Mask During a Swine Flu Pandemic
Don't rely on a face mask as your only protection. Avoid crowds, avoid close contact with sick people, and wash your hands often -- even if you wear a mask. And to protect others if you're sick, observe cough/sneeze etiquette and stay home.
Before putting on a face mask, wash your hands thoroughly.
Don't touch the outside of the face mask while you're wearing it or when you take it off.
Use disposable face masks only once, then -- holding them by the bands or ties, not the front of the mask -- throw them in the trash. Don't let the used mask touch anything else.
After taking off a face mask, wash your hands thoroughly.
Before reusing a fabric face mask (note that these are NOT approved by the FDA), wash it in normal laundry detergent and tumble dry in a hot dryer.