Swine Flu H1N1 Pandemic and Fashion Face Masks

The World Health Organization today declared that the swine flu H1N1 virus has reached pandemic stage. It was inevitable, given the rate at which it was spreading. And yet, no one is really all that surprised. Or worried.

In fact, no one is donning face masks, at least here in the US.

But if you decide to head out and buy face masks, be relieved that you can do so in style. There's a new line of fashion masks. Proceeds go to Children International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to bettering the lives of impoverished children, their families and communities. One note of caution though. These masks are intended for cosmetic/decorative use and do not offer any promise of real disease protection.