Public Health does not recommend the use of masks except for the following people:

* Sick people if they must be near others at home, or if they must leave the home (such as for an appointment with a health care provider).
* Caregivers of a people ill with influenza – when the caregiver leaves their home. This is to prevent spreading flu to others in case the caregiver is in the early stages of infection.

Whenever possible, do not rely on the use of facemasks or respirators alone to provide respiratory protection against novel influenza virus infection. The best way to prevent exposure to influenza is to avoid contact with ill people. Other steps include avoiding crowded setting and washing your hands frequently.