By: Cheryl Chia

AS THE Influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads, face masks have been flying off the shelves.

A spokesman for Guardian Health and Beauty said sales of masks have increased more than 20 times, compared to that before the H1N1 period.

Other pharmacy chains such as Unity NTUC Healthcare have also reported seeing a rise in demand for protective masks.

my paper spoke to 20 people and all said that they still do not see many people wearing masks here.

Junior-college student Lea Tan, 18, said: "So what if the masks are sold out? I still see people coughing and sneezing on the train without a mask on. I feel that it is very inconsiderate of them."

Mr Lionel Fang, 29, a banker, said: "I think people don't quite know how to react when they see people wearing masks.

"Even though reports say that masks are selling fast, I do not see anyone wearing it on the streets, unlike in other countries like Japan."

WHICH MASK TO WEAR

THE PAPER MASK
What it does: It is a thin single-layer mask that is loose fitting and covers the area around the mouth.
It is used to keep splashes from the wearer from reaching the surroundings. It does not protect the wearer against small particles.

Cost: Price starts from $5 for a box of 100.

THE SURGICAL MASK
What it does: A disposable mask, it helps stop droplets from spreading from the person wearing it to the environment.

But it does not protect the wearer from inhaling fine particles in the air.

Cost: Price starts from $10 for a box of 50.

THE N95 AND N99 MASKS
What they do: These masks fit snugly on the face so that the air is breathed through a filter. Both have to be fitted to the wearer's face. They are used to prevent transmission of airborne organisms like viruses. The N95 is 95 per cent effective in filtering out particles of 0.3 microns and above.

The N99 is similar to the N95 but it has 99 per cent efficiency in filtering out particles of 0.3 microns and above. The N95 and surgical mask may come in the form of a duck bill.

Cost: Price ranges from $2.20 to $2.50 apiece.

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