More filtering than surgical masks, FFP2 masks are available for sale both on the internet and in pharmacies, recalls Doctor Jimmy Mohamed in "Without an appointment".

However, they are more expensive.

But in many cases, surgical masks are sufficient to be well protected from Covid-19.

DECRYPTION

More filtering than conventional surgical masks, FFP2 masks are used in particular by caregivers, and have moreover been made compulsory in certain countries in shops and transport such as in Austria, in the face of the emergence of Covid-19 variants. more contagious.

But in France, can they be bought by civilians?

This is the question posed by Thibault, an auditor from Europe 1, who would like to be able to benefit from this reinforced protection when he visits an elderly relative who has not yet been vaccinated.

In

Sans Rendez-vous

, Doctor Jimmy Mohamed reminded him that these masks are now on sale both in pharmacies and on the internet. 

Thibault's question 

Can civilians buy or be prescribed FFP2 masks?

Does this protection seem relevant to you, especially if I am visiting an elderly relative who has not been vaccinated? 

Jimmy Mohamed's response 

FFP2 masks have one main characteristic: they are more filtering than the others.

They will filter out the small particles more, whereas in the classic surgical mask, it works very well, of course, but a little less.

And while there is a little more leakage with a surgical mask, the FFP2 mask is much more airtight.

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Normally, when you are for example shopping or eating out, a surgical mask is sufficient.

On the other hand, in certain situations, in particular medical, an FFP2 mask is recommended.

They are more expensive than surgical masks.

These masks are on sale for everyone in pharmacies or on the internet.

However, the cost is different than for a conventional mask.

As the FFP2 are more efficient, they are more expensive.

It takes about two euros per mask, and it can go up to 3 euros, while a box of 50 surgical masks will cost 5 euros. 

And then, if you can't afford the masks, you can have them free on medical prescription after 65, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, if you are a caregiver.

And if you are economically precarious, you have State medical aid, complementary health aid, and you can also get it for free.

No one is put to the side of the road.

It is possible to be prescribed for free.

Regarding Thibault, who is going to visit an elderly person, he can keep his surgical mask.

If he's wearing one and his parent does too, that's okay.

It is not necessary to use an FFP2 mask if the person in front of you is wearing a mask.

On the other hand, if you are in situations like on the train, where people do not wear the mask very well, in the crowded subway, in a classroom, we can say that an FFP2 mask is more interesting.

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Find all of Sans rendez-vous every day from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Europe 1 as well as in replay and podcast here

In addition, it should be remembered that the best protection for the elderly is to ensure that they get vaccinated as quickly as possible.