First-of-its-kind Face Mask Adds Layer of Protection As Flu Sweeps Nation

Medline’s new BioMask inactivates flu viruses, including H3N2, this year’s dominant strain

Despite taking the recommended precautions like getting flu shots, washing hands and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing –– Americans are getting the flu at epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the worst flu season in a decade as emergency rooms are overwhelmed with patients showing flu-like symptoms.

Fortunately, there are new ways to protect yourself against the unpredictable nature of the flu, including Medline's new BioMask™, the first-ever medical face mask that actually inactivates flu viruses on five minutes contact, helping protect the wearer against flu viruses.

BioMask is the first-ever FDA-cleared antiviral medical face mask that is shown to inactivate 99.99 percent of laboratory-tested flu viruses on five minutes contact, including imminent pandemic and seasonal strains of influenza (flu) viruses, such as H1N1, Avian flu, Swine flu and H3N2, this year's dominant flu strain in the United States. Traditional facemasks act only as an air filter and do nothing to neutralize the harmful germs that remain active on the mask itself.

"BioMask is a great new way for consumers to protect themselves and their loved ones from spreading germs. If you're hopping on an airplane, going to a crowded mall, theater or auditorium, wearing a BioMask can help protect you against the flu viruses you're bound to come in contact with in most crowded places," said Frank Czajka, president of Medline's protective apparel division.

In addition to protecting consumers, BioMask provides a much needed layer of protection for the health care workers who care for them. One key benefit of BioMask is that it can provide protection from cross-contamination. The outer facing of the mask is frequently touched by the user, who then touches other things or people passing on the flu germs. Since BioMask inactivates 99.99 percent of the tested flu viruses on five minutes contact, the risk of spreading the virus is greatly reduced. BioMask works by incorporating proprietary Ionixx technology that uses a combination of three natural and safe ingredients — citric acid, zinc and copper. While simple, the product can help protect against flu viruses and has been recognized as a major breakthrough in flu protection, winning the 2012 Chicago Innovation Awards.

"BioMask should be one of the most important items in any home's medicine cabinet or traveling first aid kit right alongside hand antiseptics, adhesive bandages, alcohol pads, tape and exam gloves," said Lorri A. Downs BSN, MS, RN, CIC, vice president of clinical services, infection prevention and patient safety for Medline. "BioMask can help protect patients who are at home and especially at-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immunities, as well as health care workers."

BioMask is sold under Medline's CURAD® brand name and is available at major retail chains, including Walgreens, Walmart, Meijer, Albertsons and Winn-Dixie. Medline's BioMask is also available to medical and health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, physician offices and laboratories.