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MGH doctor explains effectiveness of surgical masks in an outbreak

BOSTON — Coronavirus, the flu-like infection that has killed more than a hundred people in China, has much of the world on edge.

Surgical masks have sold out at some pharmacies as residents and travelers look to protect themselves on the T or airplanes. But how effective are they? And what, exactly, do they protect against.

Dr. Ali Raja, director of emergency medicine at Mass. General Hospital, joined Boston 25 Morning News to discuss coronavirus, the flu and how to avoid germs in an outbreak.

He also provides a show-and-tell on surgical masks. Skip to the middle of the attached video to get right to the details on masks.

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