The transmission of infective agents during surgical procedures in operating theatres and in other medical settings can occur in several ways.
The main intended use of medical face masks is :
to protect the patient from infective agents and,
additionally, in certain circumstances to protect the wearer against splashes of potentially contaminated liquids or aerosols
Medical face masks may also be intended to be worn by patients and other persons to reduce the risk of spread of infections, particularly in epidemic or pandemic situations.
Indeed, a medical face mask with an appropriate microbial barrier can also be effective in reducing the emission of infective agents from the nose and mouth of an asymptomatic carrier or a patient with clinical symptoms.
