When the United States skilled an outbreak of the swine flu in 2009, everyone was talking about tips on how to reduce the spread of the virus.
In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, vaccine availability was limited that 12 months because the virus wasn’t identified until manufacturers had already began producing the annual vaccine.
So, people began doing something most of us hadn’t really seen earlier than to stop transmission: wearing surgical face masks.
However with the latest spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, individuals are once more seeking to surgical face masks as a way of protecting themselves and others from the virus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
However does wearing a face mask really stop the spread of viruses, such as the flu or SARS-CoV-2?
We’ll take a look at suggestions from experts, unpack the research on which masks are handiest, and clarify the right way to use masks properly.
In the case of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the CDCTrusted Source notes that:
“CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, together with COVID-19. You should only wear a masks if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by individuals who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.”
The CDCTrusted Supply recommends healthcare workers wear face masks when working with sufferers who’ve the flu.
The CDC also recommendsTrusted Supply patients who show signs of respiratory infections be given masks while they’re in healthcare settings till they can be isolated.
If you happen to’re sick and must be round others, properly wearing a mask can protect these around you from contracting your illness.
Research show masks may assist in some cases
For a few years, scientists weren’t sure whether or not wearing a masks was efficient at preventing the spread of viruses. Nevertheless, recent research counsel they can help.
One 2013 studyTrusted Supply looked at how masks could assist folks with the seasonal flu restrict spreading it once they exhale small droplets containing the virus. General, researchers found masks led to a more than threefold reduction in how much virus folks sprayed into the air.
Another researchTrusted Supply, analyzing data from thousands of Japanese schoolchildren, found that “vaccination and wearing a mask reduced the likelihood of growing seasonal influenza.”
Importantly, researchers also discoveredTrusted Supply that flu rates had been decrease when masks were paired with proper hand hygiene.
In other words, regular handwashing stays an essential software in stopping the spread of viruses.
Completely different types of masks
In the event you’re considering wearing a mask to protect your self in opposition to infections, there are types you must know about.
Surgical face masks
Surgical face masks are fairly loose-fitting, disposable masks approved by the Meals and Drug Administration to be used as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients.
These masks stop large droplets of bodily fluids which will comprise viruses or different germs from escaping through the nostril and mouth. They also protect against splashes and sprays from different people, corresponding to those from sneezes and coughs.
However the average masks you can buy from a neighborhood drugstore aren’t enough to filter out viruses.
For that function, experts suggest particular masks with fine mesh that can capture very small organisms. These also must be worn appropriately for them to work.
Masks worn over the face are additionally unable to protect you from getting airborne virus particles, from a cough or sneeze, into your eyes.
Buy surgical face masks from Amazon or Walmart.
Respirators
Respirators, also called N95 respirator 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 truth that they will filter ninety five %Trusted Source of airborne particles, in keeping with the CDC. N95 masks are additionally often used when painting or handling doubtlessly poisonous materials.
Respirators are chosen to fit your face. They need to kind an ideal seal so no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious illnesses, comparable to tuberculosis and anthrax.
Not like common face masks, respirators protect against both giant and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered much more efficient at stopping the flu virus than common face masks.
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