Respirators can help reduce exposures to certain airborne diseases, such as H7N9, but cannot eliminate exposure to or the risk of contracting any disease or infection. The respirator is designed to cover your nose and mouth. It can help reduce the number of airborne disease causing organisms (germs) you breathe. However, the respirator cannot eliminate the breathing in of all germs in the air and does not eliminate the possibility of contracting infection, illness, or disease.