When the United States experienced an outbreak of the swine flu in 2009, everyone was talking about methods to reduce the spread of the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Management and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Supply, vaccine availability was limited that 12 months because the virus wasn’t recognized till manufacturers 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, persons are again trying to surgical face masks as a way of protecting themselves and others from the virus, which causes the illness COVID-19.
However does wearing a face mask really forestall the spread of viruses, such because the flu or SARS-CoV-2?
We’ll take a look at suggestions from specialists, unpack the research on which masks are simplest, and clarify easy methods to use masks properly.
Within the case of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the CDCTrusted Source notes that:
“CDC does not recommend that people who find themselves well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory sicknesses, together with COVID-19. You must only wear a masks if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask ought to be utilized by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.”
The CDCTrusted Supply recommends healthcare workers wear face masks when working with sufferers who have the flu.
The CDC also recommendsTrusted Source patients who show signs of respiratory infections be given masks while they’re in healthcare settings until they are often isolated.
If you’re sick and have to be round others, properly wearing a mask can protect these round you from contracting your illness.
Studies show masks could help in some cases
For many years, scientists weren’t certain whether wearing a mask was efficient at stopping the spread of viruses. However, current research suggest they will help.
One 2013 researchTrusted Supply looked at how masks may assist folks with the seasonal flu limit spreading it when they exhale small droplets containing the virus. General, researchers found masks led to a more than threefold reduction in how a lot virus folks sprayed into the air.
One other examineTrusted Source, analyzing data from thousands of Japanese schoolchildren, discovered that “vaccination and wearing a mask reduced the likelihood of developing seasonal influenza.”
Importantly, researchers additionally discoveredTrusted Supply that flu rates were lower when masks were paired with proper hand hygiene.
In different words, common handwashing remains an essential tool in preventing the spread of viruses.
Different types of masks
If you’re considering wearing a masks to protect yourself against infections, there are types you should 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 often wear them while treating patients.
These masks forestall massive droplets of bodily fluids that will include viruses or other germs from escaping by way of the nostril and mouth. They also protect in opposition to splashes and sprays from different individuals, reminiscent of these from sneezes and coughs.
But the average masks you should purchase from a local drugstore aren’t enough to filter out viruses.
For that function, specialists recommend special masks with fine mesh that can seize very small organisms. These also should 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 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 can filter 95 percentTrusted Source of airborne particles, in accordance with the CDC. N95 masks are additionally often used when painting or handling potentially poisonous materials.
Respirators are chosen to fit your face. They have to type a perfect seal so no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect towards airborne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and anthrax.
In contrast to common face masks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered a lot more efficient at stopping the flu virus than regular face masks.
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