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Coronavirus Face Masks: Types, When And How To Use
The rate at which coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are sky-rocketing is very concerning; countries all over the world are trying to fight against the pandemic that has infected 723,328 and caused 34,005 deaths globally.
To tackle this critical situation, the health authorities have asked everyone to stay in self-quarantine and to wear a face mask while venturing out of your homes to minimise the risk of spreading the disease. So, people are scrambling to get their hands on face masks to protect themselves and others from coronavirus.
Face masks offer protection against respiratory infections for health care workers and the general public and reduce the transmission in the community.
Types Of Face Masks
1. Surgical face masks
They
are
slightly
loose-fitting,
disposable
masks
which
are
approved
by
the
Food
and
Drug
Administration
and
mostly
used
in
the
health-care
fraternity.
Doctors,
nurses
and
dentists
wear
them
while
treating
patients.
Surgical
masks
prevent
water
droplets
of
bodily
fluids
that
may
contain
virus
or
other
germs
from
escaping
through
the
mouth
and
nose,
especially
while
coughing
and
sneezing
[1].
2. Respirator masks
Respirators, also called N95 respirator masks are specially designed to protect the wearer from germs in the air, like viruses. It covers your face properly to prevent airborne viruses from entering through the nose or mouth and are much more effective at preventing the virus than regular face masks [2].
N95
masks
are
certified
by
the
Centers
for
Disease
Control
and
Prevention
(CDC)
and
National
Institute
for
Occupational
Safety
and
Health.
The
name
N95
comes
from
the
fact
that
they
can
filter
95
per
cent
of
airborne
particles,
as
per
the
CDC.
N95
masks
are
also
worn
when
a
person
is
painting
or
handling
toxic
materials.
Can N95 Masks Protect You From Coronavirus Spread?
What Do The Studies Say?
A study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that patients with flu, also called influenza, should wear face masks to lower the transmission to other patients and staff members. It limits the spreading of large droplet spray containing the virus [3].
Another 2016 study conducted in Japan among school children with seasonal influenza showed that wearing a mask provided 8.6 per cent protection [4].
A study published in the Influenza and other respiratory viruses found that N95 respirators provided protection against respiratory infections [5].
Are Pets At The Risk Of Coronavirus?
When To Use Face Masks?
As per the WHO recommendations, you should use a mask:
- If you are taking care of a person suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 infection.
- If you are coughing or sneezing.
- If you are a health-care worker attending to patients with respiratory illness.
- If you are going to visit the doctor.
How To Use Face Masks?
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, here are the ways to wear a face mask:
- Unfold the pleats of the mask and ensure that they are facing down.
- Place the mask over your nose, mouth and chin and make sure that there are no gaps on either side of the mask. It should fit firmly.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it.
- Do not leave the mask hanging from the neck.
- Change the mask after six hours or as soon as they become wet.
- While removing the mask, do not touch the outer surface of the mask as it can be contaminated.
- Dispose of the used masks in close bins.
- After removal of the mask, clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
To
Conclude...
A
face
mask
may
offer
added
protection
from
contracting
the
virus.
But,
apart
from
that,
you
should
maintain
other
precautionary
measures
too.
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