COVID-19 ALERT: ARE WE USING THE RIGHT MASK?

Hi friends!!!

We all know the importance of wearing masks in current COVID-19 pandemic.

Does the masks we wear really protect us from corona virus? 

Are we wearing the right mask?

Let’s find out the answer.

WHY DO WE NEED MASK?

Let’s take an example from current COVID- 19 situation. US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended masks for public. 

A significant portion of individuals with corona virus lack symptoms (asymptomatic). This means that virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. . Example: speaking, coughing and sneezing. To avoid this scenario we need to use mask.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASKS?

Let’s take a look at the different types of masks available in market & their contribution in fighting the pandemic. 

SURGICAL MASK

Surgical masks are designed to protect the environment from wearer. Regular surgical masks filters out 65% of the particles.

They fit loosely across your nose and mouth. These masks protect against the large droplets that come from sick persons cough or sneeze. But they cannot block tiniest particles. It is a one-time mask.

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RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICE (N95)

In US and many other countries, there are three grades of respiratory masks which are supposed to protect the wearer from the environment. It includes N90, N95 and N99 masks.

N90 mask offers aerosol filtration of atleast 80% of particles and maximum 22% leakage to the inside. It is mainly used as a  dust mask.

N95 is a respiratory protective device supposed to protect the wearer from the environment. It filters out 95% of very fine (0.3 micron) airborne particles and maximum 8% leakage to the inside. They are proven to be effective against corona virus.

N99 masks offers minimum filtration rate of 99% and maximum 2% leakage to the inside, they protect against very fine particles such as asbestos. It is the best mask to protect against corona virus.

They fit tightly around your face. Mask should be fitted correctly in order to perform its function.

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HOME MADE MASK

Home-made masks are cloth masks made of two layers of heavy, tightly woven cotton material with a thread count of 180. It is quiet effective in protecting people from asymptomatic carriers.

A series of layers of fabric makes more places for virus particles to stick instead of going out into the air. It is best for people who don’t work in healthcare.

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NOTE: WHO says we should not touch the front of the mask instead we can take it off by using the ear bands at the back of the head.

Now I hope you have acquired some knowledge about different kinds of masks available to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

CHECK OUT FOR MY BLOG ABOUT INFUSION PUMP:

https://biomedicalviews.blogspot.com/2020/05/hi-friends-in-this-blog-we-are-going-to.html?m=1

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