The term 'swine flu' is no more. The USDA says that since pigs can’t get swine flu, U.S. citizens should refer to the disease that will kill you as 'H1N1,' not 'swine flu.' Either way, people are taking wearing masks in stride, even celebrating the need to wear a surgical mask.
For what it's worth, the H1N1 virus is small enough to still be inhaled through a surgical mask--that means wearing one is completely useless. These masks have nevertheless become the statement accessory du jour as the swine flu outbreak continues to spread.
Superfluous Virus Prevention
Macabre Surgical Masks to Fend Off H1N1, aka Swine Flu
Trend Themes
1. Macabre Surgical Masks - Opportunity to create unique and stylish surgical masks that provide protection from H1N1 virus.
2. Statement Accessories - Opportunity to design fashionable surgical masks that make a style statement while providing protection from H1N1 virus.
3. Uselessness of Surgical Masks - Opportunity to develop innovative alternatives to surgical masks for effective protection against H1N1 virus.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of macabre surgical masks and statement accessories for protection against H1N1 virus.
2. Healthcare - Healthcare industry can explore new options to address the ineffectiveness of surgical masks in protecting against H1N1 virus.
3. Design - Design industry can create innovative solutions to replace surgical masks with more effective protection against H1N1 virus.