When the United States experienced an outbreak of the swine flu in 2009, everybody was talking about easy methods to reduce the spread of the virus.
According to the Centers for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Supply, vaccine availability was limited that year because the virus wasn’t recognized until manufacturers had already began producing the annual vaccine.
So, individuals began doing something most of us hadn’t really seen earlier than to cease transmission: wearing surgical face masks.
However with the current spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, individuals are again looking 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 masks really forestall the spread of viruses, such as the flu or SARS-CoV-2?
We’ll have a look at suggestions from consultants, unpack the analysis on which masks are simplest, and explain methods to use masks properly.
Within the case of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the CDCTrusted Source notes that:
“CDC does not suggest that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. You need to only wear a masks if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask ought to be utilized by individuals who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.”
The CDCTrusted Source 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 are often isolated.
In case you’re sick and have to be around others, properly wearing a masks can protect those round you from contracting your illness.
Studies show masks could assist in some cases
For many years, scientists weren’t certain whether wearing a masks was efficient at stopping the spread of viruses. Nonetheless, current studies suggest they will help.
One 2013 examineTrusted Supply checked out how masks might help folks with the seasonal flu restrict spreading it after they exhale small droplets containing the virus. Overall, researchers found masks led to a more than threefold reduction in how much virus people sprayed into the air.
Another studyTrusted Supply, analyzing data from thousands of Japanese schoolchildren, discovered that “vaccination and wearing a mask reduced the likelihood of creating seasonal influenza.”
Importantly, researchers additionally discoveredTrusted Source that flu rates had been lower when masks had been paired with proper hand hygiene.
In other words, regular handwashing remains an essential software in stopping the spread of viruses.
Totally different types of masks
For those who’re considering wearing a masks to protect your self against infections, there are types you need to know about.
Surgical face masks
Surgical face masks are pretty loose-fitting, disposable masks approved by the Meals and Drug Administration for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses usually wear them while treating patients.
These masks stop massive droplets of bodily fluids that will contain viruses or different germs from escaping by way of the nostril and mouth. In addition they protect against splashes and sprays from different individuals, reminiscent of those from sneezes and coughs.
However the average masks you can buy from a neighborhood drugstore aren’t sufficient to filter out viruses.
For that purpose, specialists advocate special masks with fine mesh that can capture very small organisms. These additionally must be worn accurately 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, additionally called N95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles within the air, like viruses. They’re certified by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The name comes from the fact that they will filter 95 p.cTrusted Source of airborne particles, in response to the CDC. N95 masks are also often used when painting or dealing with probably poisonous materials.
Respirators are selected to fit your face. They have to kind an ideal seal so no gaps enable airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect in opposition to airborne infectious ailments, equivalent to tuberculosis and anthrax.
In contrast to regular face masks, respirators protect in opposition to each large and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered a lot more effective at preventing the flu virus than regular face masks.
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