Ohio hospitals want federal flu mask rules ease

Ohio hospitals are asking state and federal health officals to ease recommendations that hospital staff wear tight-fitting masks when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected cases of the H1N1 flu strain (Source: “Revision on flu masks sought,” Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 14, 2009).

The Ohio Hospital Association is arguing that overuse of the highly sought-after N95 masks could mean that supplies will be limited when they are critically needed. OHA also contends that there isn’t enough evidence that the masks will curtail the spead of the flu.