A Davenport-based business is seeing a run on surgical masks as people try to protect themselves from the swine flu. While doctors’ offices are buying the masks by the case, concerned people are also walking in to buy masks for themselves and their families.
Sheri Vroman, the respiratory therapist at Kelly’s Medical Supply Company, says, “They’ve gone through about a hundred masks in two days which, they usually sell maybe one or two a month.” The masks sell for about $3 each.
Vroman says, “Doctors offices have ordered them in just to have extra on hand, just to protect their staff and patients if they come across somebody that they would suspect may have been exposed to the swine flu.” She says the masks do offer adequate protection from others who may have the bug.
“Most definitely, and you can get these masks almost anywhere,” Vroman says. “It’s just keeping the size of droplets because it’s spread from coughing, sneezing, so it’s definitely going to protect you from that.” The company also carries surgical gloves and masks in children’s sizes, but those are going fast and will likely run out soon.
Vroman says they’re taking orders but after the next shipment comes, in about it week, it’s likely going to be a while before any more come in due to the extreme demand.
AUDIO: Radio Iowa’s Matt Kelley reports on surgical masks. :42 MP3