Researchers in Singapore have said that surgical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing hospital staff from catching H1N1.

The incidence of H1N1 among the hospital's healthcare workers was analyzed by study author Dr. Brenda Sze Peng Ang of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore and colleagues.

From June 19 to July 21, 2009, hospital healthcare workers wore N95 respirators in the emergency room and an H1N1 isolation area, but from July 22 to Aug. 31, surgical masks were used in the same areas.

It was also found by the study that the incidence of H1N1 among the hospital workers remained low during both periods, and in all cases transmission was believed to have occurred among the general public and not among patients.

The researchers said in a statement, "What is more important than using high-filtration or respirator masks for known or suspected cases is to have a uniform policy, such as using surgical masks, when in close contact with a patients." (With Inputs from Agencies)