Deaths spark H1N1 flu warning: Thailand

'Something to think about the next time you make that long overseas flight a few seats away from someone who can't stop sneezing & coughing... Cabin crew must develop incredible immunity (if they survive the first year or so of their employment). Do the surgical masks you see some people wearing actually do much good?

Doctors probably bear the brunt of sneezes and hacking coughs.

I think it is job hazard but mild compared to long-haul truck drivers, lumberjacks and law enforcement/firemen as physical risks usually outweigh others though stress messes with everyone's health.

Face masks like the 3M N95 masks should theoretically work better than surgical masks, which fit more loosely. But most studies have shown no difference in protection in household settings.

Studies suggest that swine flu is spread by large droplets and not by small droplets. All face masks may protect against large droplets; N95 masks may protect against smaller, aerosolized droplets.

Probably best to promote social responsibility and have everyone who thinks they're coming down with the flu to wear them to control transmission.

If social responsibility is what it's about, STAY HOME!