In the case of an emergency, flu masks are likely to sell out quickly. Recent examples of this include the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus that originated in Mexico or the SARS disease in Asia. Flu masks were quickly sold out in affected areas. while governments try to stockpile them to hand out in emergencies, do you really want to have to travel to a central gathering point to buy flu masks in an epidemic? Of course not. Buy flu masks before the emergency. They are inexpensive, store easily (only take up a small area), and are useful when needed. Buying flu masks before an emergency could save your life and the lives of your family members.
Ideally, you already own a box of flu masks. However, if you need some, start at the local grocery store. Check with the pharmacy. Or, if you have time, order online. Just do it. consider flu masks as another defense for you during a pandemic. Along with common sense, proper hygiene (frequently wash your hands, cover your sneezes, etc), and avoiding high traffic pedestrian areas, you can reduce your chance of getting the flu.
Basic flu masks do not filter as much as they prevent you from getting your germs on others. Generally, a basic flu mask you might buy in a hurry will be loose fitting and not really protect you against incoming viruses. Preferrably, you plan ahead and buy flu masks before a problem arises. Then you can get respirator masks that fit more snugly to your face, covering your mouth and nose more completely. These type of flu masks provide better quality material and filters incoming air much better. They let less air through the sides, helping to reduce your chance of breathing in dangerous particles...to a point. Use flu masks along with common sense and good hygiene: wash your hands frequently, sneeze into your arm, don't touch objects and then touch your mouth or nose, etc.
The point of this website is to get readers to plan ahead. Doing so can prevent problems with flu viruses down the road. They are not expensive and flu masks can store for a long period of time. They barely take up any room and might save your life. Plan ahead and have extra in case you and your family need to travel somewhere during a pandemic. Again, pandemics arise quickly and spread around the globe in hours. Don't wait, buy some flu masks today.