Face mask : Unmasking its Details in Covid 19 pandemic

WHY DO WE NEED A FACE MASK ?

Face mask is one of the strategies of suppressing the transmission of SARS-CoV2 droplet Infection as virus spreads from person to person . Its intention is preventing the wearer transmitting infection to others and to offer protection to the wearer against infection .
Three W’s to stop the transmission of COVID-19:” wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance.

COVID 19 PREVENTION — COVID 19 INFECTION PREVENTION TIPS

WHAT ARE THE TYPE OF FACE MASKS ?

MEDICAL MASKS (SURGICAL MASKS): These are made from a minimum of three layers of synthetic nonwoven materials.

RESPIRATORS: Also known as Filtering Facepiece Respirators – (FFP) and available at different performance levels such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, N99. These are specifically designed for healthcare workers who provide care to COVID-19 patients in settings and areas where aerosol generating procedures are undertaken.

NON MEDICAL MASKS : Also known as fabric masks, home-made masks, DIY masks .These act as a barrier to prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others.

WHO SHOULD WEAR MEDICAL MASKS ?

WHO recommends the following groups use medical masks.

Health workers
Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, including people with mild symptoms
People caring for suspect or confirmed cases of COVID-19 outside of health facilities
Settings where social distancing in not possible and chances of high infection , it is recommended to use medical mask in two groups :

1.People aged ≥60 years

2. People with underlying comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, immunosuppression

HOW TO PUT ON A MEDICAL FACE MASK ?

Before touching the mask, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Inspect the mask for tears or holes; do not use a mask that has previously been worn or is damaged.
Verify which side is the top – this is usually where the metal strip is
Then, identify the inside of the mask, which is usually the white side.
Place the mask on your face covering your nose, mouth and chin, making sure that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Pinch the metal strip so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Remember, do not touch the front of the mask while using it to avoid contamination; if you accidentally touch it, clean your hands

how to wear a medical face mask — Source : WHO

HOW TO TAKE OFF A MEDICAL FACE MASK ?

Before touching the mask, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Remove the straps from behind the head or ears, without touching the front of the mask.
As you remove the mask, lean forward and pull the mask away from your face.
Medical masks are for single use only; discard the mask immediately, preferably into a closed bin.
Clean your hands after touching the mask.
Be aware of the condition of the mask; replace it if it gets soiled or damp

WHO SHOULD YOU USE A NON MEDICAL MASK ?

According to WHO , governments should encourage the use of face masks for people in the general public where physical distancing of at least 1 metre is not possible – such as, on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments.
Remember : Masks on their own will not protect you from COVID-19. People should also clean their hands frequently and maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from others.

WHAT TYPE OF NON MEDICAL FABRIC MASK PREFERRED ?

Preferable types of fabrics, number of layers and the composition of a non-medical, fabric mask:

an inner layer of absorbent material such as cotton
a middle layer of non-woven material such as polypropylene
an outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend

Make sure to purchase a mask that lets you breathe while talking and walking briskly.

HOW TO PUT ON AND TAKE OFF YOUR NON MEDICAL FABRIC FACE MASK ?

Place your mask over your mouth and nose.
Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it’s snug.
Don’t touch your mask while wearing it.
If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.
Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.
Regularly wash your mask with soap and water in the washing machine. It’s fine to launder it with other clothes.

Few face mask precautions:

Don’t put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
Don’t put masks on children under 2 years of age.
Don’t use face masks as a substitute for social distancing.

SOURCE : WHO

HOW TO WEAR A FABRIC FACE MASK ( SOURCE : WHO )

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR FABRIC FACE MASK ?

Washing machine

You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.
Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.

Washing by hand

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
- 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water

HOW TO DRY YOUR FABRIC FACE MASK ?

Dryer

Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.

Air dry

Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.

HOW TO MAKE A NON MEDICAL FABRIC FACE MASK ?

A tighter fitting around the face is probably better face mask, but CDC suggests any covering including a bandana, is better than none.

One US study investigated that vacuum cleaner bags, heavyweight “quilter’s cotton” or multiple layers of material ,best removed particles of 0.3-1.0 microns in diameter. Scarves and bandana material were less effective, but still captured a fraction of particles.

CONCLUSION

Three W’s to stop the transmission of COVID-19:” wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance.
Masks on their own will not protect you from COVID-19. People should also clean their hands frequently and maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from others.

Also Read :
https://www.thedoctips.com/pulse-oximeter-its-use-and-importance-in-covid-19/
https://www.thedoctips.com/another-viral-outbreak-coming-soon-double-trouble/
https://www.thedoctips.com/covid-19-medicine-favipiravir-end-of-corona/