Paku Midin: Why face masks important during COVID-19 pandemic

Important Of Face Mask

SURGICAL MASK

A surgical mask (face mask) is intended to be worn by health professionals during healthcare procedures. It is designed to prevent infections in patients and treating personnel by catching bacteria shed in liquid droplets and aerosols from the wearer's mouth and nose. They are not designed to protect the wearer from breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses whose particles are smaller. With respect to some infections like influenza they appear as effective as respirators, such as N95 or FFP masks; though the latter provide better protection in laboratory experiments due to their material, shape and tight seal.

Surgical masks vary by quality and levels of protection. Despite their name, not all surgical masks are appropriate to be used during surgery. Surgical masks may be labeled as surgical, isolation, dental, or medical procedure masks. Chinese health officials distinguish between medical (non-surgical) and surgical masks.

Surgical masks are mad of a nonwoven fabric created using a melt blowing process. They came into use in the 1960s and largely replaced cloth face masks in developed countries. The use surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a subject or debate, as shortages of surgical masks is a central issue.

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Surgical masks are popularly worn by the general public all year round in East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea and China to reduce chance of spreading airborne diseases to others, and to prevent the breathing in of airborne dust particles created by air pollution. Additionally, surgical masks have become a fashion statement, particularly in contemporary East Asian culture bolstered by its popularity in Japanese and Korean pop culture which have a big impact on East Asian youth culture.

DOES WE WEARING FACE MASK CAN PROTECT FROM CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ?

Nowadays, people started doing something most of us hadn't really seen before to stop transmission: wearing surgical face masks.

But with the recent spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, people are again looking to surgical face masks as a way of protecting themselves and others from the virus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

But does wearing a face mask really can prevent the spread of viruses, such as the COVID-19?

Now We Move To The Experts Say?

In the case of the novel Coronavirus and COVID-19, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) notes that simple face coverings or masks can reduce its spread:

"CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not instead of) social distancing, frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions."

The CDC also recommends patients who show signs of respiratory infections be given masks while they're in healthcare settings until they can be isolated.

If you're sick and need to be around others, properly wearing a mask can protect those around you from contracting your illness.

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ANY EVIDENCE MASKS CAN HELP ANY CASES ?

For many years, scientists weren't sure whether wearing a mask was effective at preventing the spread of viruses. However, recent studies suggest they can help.

One 2013 study, looked at how masks could help people with the seasonal flu limit spreading it when they exhale small droplets containing the virus. Overall, researchers found masks led to a more than threefold the virus. Overall, researchers found masks led to a more than threefold reduction in how much virus people sprayed into the air.

Reported by researcher, analyzing data from thousands of Japanese schoolchildren, found that "vaccination and wearing a mask reduced the likelihood of developing seasonal influenza."

Importantly, researchers also found that flu rates were lower when masks were paired with proper hand hygiene.

In other words, regular hand washing remains an essential tool in preventing the spread of viruses.

WHAT TYPES OF FACE MASKS ?

If you're considering wearing a face mask to protect yourself against infections, there are three types you should know about.

1 # FACE MASKS OR CLOTH FACE COVERINGS

Cloth face mask coverings or masks can be used in public settings, such as grocery stores, where you may be in close contact with others and it's difficult to maintain your distance.

They don't offer the same level of protection as surgical face masks or respirators. However, when worn by the public at large, they can still help reduce the community spread of COVID-19 viruses. This is because they can help prevent people without symptoms from transmitting viruses via their respiratory droplets.

You can make your own at home using a few basic materials, such as cotton fabric, a T-Shirt, or a bandana. The CDC includes instructions for sewing your own with a machine as well as two no-sew methods.

They should fit snugly against the face, covering both your nose and mouth. Also, use ties or ear loops to keep them secure.

When removing the cloth face mask, try to avoid touching your nose, mouth and also eyes.

Cloth face masks shouldn't be used by children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove their own masks.

2 # RESPIRATORS

Respirators, also called N95 respirator face masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air, like viruses. They're certified by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The name comes from the fact they can filter 95 percent or airborne particles, according to the CDC. N95 masks are also often used when painting or handling potentially toxic materials.

Respirators are selected to fit your face. They must form a perfect seal so no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and anthrax.

Unlike regular face masks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.

Overall, respirators are considered much more effective at preventing the flu virus than regular face masks.

Still, studies have found benefits to both types of face masks.

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3 # SURGICAL FACE MASKS

Surgical face masks are fairly loose-fitting, disposable masks approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients.

These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses or other germs from escaping via the nose and mouth. They also protect against splashes and sprays from other people, such as those from sneezes and coughs.

But the average masks you can buy from a local drugstore aren't enough to filter out viruses.

For that purpose, experts recommend special masks with fine mesh can capture very small organisms. These also have to be worn correctly for them to work.

Masks worn over the face are also unable to protect you from getting airborne virus particles, from a cough or sneeze, into your eyes.