question and answer
Attacked by a cat that wasn’t there
April 2010
I was examining a patient who was infected with the H1N1 flu while wearing a N95 mask, and I suffered an asthma attack. The patient owns a cat and I’m allergic to cats. Is it possible the allergens affected me despite my nose and mouth being covered? A. Michael, MD, Whitby, ON
Pet owners may carry significant amounts of animal dander on their clothing that can precipitate allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. The N95 mask can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns and cat allergen is 1-7 microns, therefore the mask should provide some protection. If, however, the seal between the mask and skin is not airtight then the allergen can be inhaled.
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