Wearing a mask is now part and parcel of our lifestyle, thanks to the novel coronavirus outbreak across the world. We have also faced a similar situation during the sudden flare-up of swine flu in 2009 in the United States. Whatever it is, wearing the mask has now been well incorporated into our routine wellbeing. People are now wearing surgical, N95, and various other masks to keep a safe distance from the Covid-19. How effective can the weapon be against the never-ending battle against the corona and other viruses? Let’s find out.
The Expert Opinion
As the scientists are yet to produce a vaccine to treat the newly sprouted coronavirus completely, wearing a mask seems to be the only option. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks can be the most effective protective gear against coronavirus infection. Preventive actions such as wearing surgical masks, washing hands frequently, and healthy social distancing practice could ensure you can keep highly contagious disease bay.
Wearing a mask or face cover is the right thing to do to effectively reduce the virus’s spread. This prevents foreign elements from transmitting from one person to another. Also, if you have the flu or any other symptoms related to Covid-19, covering your mask is the first thing you should follow. This will protect those around you from catching the virus.
What Do The Studies Say?
All these years, scientists were unsure of the effectiveness of masks against viruses. With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous research is underway, and the results are positive. The PubMed Central research of 2013 suggests that a preventive mask can reduce the spread of seasonal flu from one person to another.
When a person catches seasonal influenza, he exhales many droplets in the air during sneezing. With the help of a normal surgical mask, droplets’ release could be much lower. So, vaccination and hand washing, coupled with the use of masks, are healthy practices to limit the spread of viruses.
Different Kinds Of Masks
When you’re up for a long-standing fight against an infectious virus, it’s important to know the details of your weapon, i.e. mask. There are three standard types of masks available in the market to wear.
Cloth Masks – These are the most common types of masks that people have been using since the coronavirus breakout. This kind of mask is ideal when you’re in public. In a fast-paced lifestyle, we have to go outside at work to earn the bread and butter for our family. So, in the absence of social distancing, cloth face cover or masks could effectively help prevent catching viruses from others. A cloth mask or face cover wouldn’t provide the same magnitude of protection compared to surgical face masks or respirators.
Surgical Face Masks – Surgical face masks are completely FDA-approved protective gear used by physicians in hospitals and medical centers. The easy-to-use and disposable masks are specially designed to offer effective protection against virus infection. The breathable fabrics of surgical masks are enough to keep us protected from the microdroplets released from sneezes and coughs.
N95 Masks – Often called respirators, the N95 masks offer maximum protection against common and even coronavirus. N95 means it can filter 95% particles of air to safeguard against airborne infectious diseases. Approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the N95 mask offers a perfect seal to restrict potentially harmful airborne viruses.
When And How To Wear Them?
When you’re wearing a mask, it’s important to wear it properly for maximum protection. Whenever you’re in public, make a habit of wearing masks. If you suspect that you are within six feet of a sick person, wear it immediately. Ensure there’s no gap between the mask and your nose. Always put the mask firmly on your face. Do not touch the entire mask while removing it. Instead, touch the strings to wear and remove. Wash the cloth mask, and dispose of the surgical masks after each use.
Wearing a mask is the only way to keep yourself safe from viruses. As mentioned before, you can wear a mask not only to keep the coronavirus entering your body but if you’re carrying the virus within yourself, wear it to make your community safe.