Lesson 5: How Does the Use of Masks Affect the Spread of Influenza Through a School?

Influenza is a type of virus that can cause the common flu. During the peak of flu season, thousands of students miss many days of school due to the illness. Can the use of masks by students reduce the number of infections due to influenza?

Doing the science

1. Start the Flu Transmission Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click on the "Masks" button under the Factor menu on the left-bottom of the screen.
3. Click on the "Run" button at the bottom center of the screen.
4. Note the Progress bar, which shows time running for a six-week period.
5. Click on the "1" icon on the Progress bar.
6. Count and record in Table 1 the number of infected students at the end of the first week of the flu outbreak.
7. Click on the "2" icon on the Progress bar.
8. Count and record in Table 1 the number of infected students at the end of the second week of the flu outbreak.
9. Repeat this process until you have counted and recorded data for all six weeks.