Also called a medical mask, a surgical mask is a loose-fitting disposable mask that protects the wearer's nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. A surgical mask also filters out large particles in the air. Surgical masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer. At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any type of surgical mask specifically for protection against the Corona Virus, but these masks may provide some protection when N95 masks are not available.