When the United States experienced an outbreak of the swine flu in 2009, everybody was speaking about learn how to reduce the spread of the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, vaccine availability was limited that year because the virus wasn’t recognized till producers had already started producing the annual vaccine.
So, people started doing something most of us hadn’t really seen before to stop transmission: wearing surgical face masks.
But with the current spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, individuals are again trying 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 have a look at suggestions from consultants, unpack the analysis on which masks are best, and clarify methods to use masks properly.
In the case of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the CDCTrusted Supply notes that:
“CDC doesn’t recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. It is best to only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask needs to be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.”
The CDCTrusted Supply recommends healthcare workers wear face masks when working with patients who’ve the flu.
The CDC additionally recommendsTrusted Source 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 must be around others, properly wearing a masks can protect these round you from contracting your illness.
Research show masks may help in some cases
For a few years, scientists weren’t certain whether wearing a masks was effective at preventing the spread of viruses. However, recent studies suggest they’ll help.
One 2013 researchTrusted Source looked at how masks may assist folks with the seasonal flu limit spreading it after they exhale small droplets containing the virus. Overall, researchers discovered masks led to a more than threefold reduction in how much virus people sprayed into the air.
One other examineTrusted Supply, analyzing data from thousands of Japanese schoolchildren, discovered that “vaccination and wearing a masks reduced the likelihood of developing seasonal influenza.”
Importantly, researchers also discoveredTrusted Supply that flu rates have been lower when masks had been paired with proper hand hygiene.
In different words, common handwashing remains an essential software in preventing the spread of viruses.
Completely different types of masks
In case you’re considering wearing a mask to protect yourself towards infections, there are types you should know about.
Surgical face masks
Surgical face masks are pretty loose-fitting, disposable masks approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses typically wear them while treating patients.
These masks prevent giant droplets of bodily fluids which will comprise viruses or different germs from escaping through the nose and mouth. In addition they protect towards splashes and sprays from other people, equivalent to these from sneezes and coughs.
However the average masks you can buy from a neighborhood drugstore aren’t enough to filter out viruses.
For that goal, specialists suggest particular masks with fine mesh that can seize very small organisms. These also need 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.
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 licensed by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The name comes from the fact that they can filter 95 %Trusted Supply of airborne particles, according to the CDC. N95 masks are also usually used when painting or dealing with probably poisonous materials.
Respirators are selected to fit your face. They must type a perfect seal so no gaps permit airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect towards airborne infectious illnesses, comparable to tuberculosis and anthrax.
Not like regular face masks, respirators protect in opposition to each massive and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered much more efficient at preventing the flu virus than common face masks.
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