Types of Face Masks
Let us catch a glimpse of the COVID-19 backdrop before getting into the details of different types of masks available in the markets for preventing the outbreak scenario.
At a media briefing, the WHO Director-General quoted,
“WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply
concerned both by alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming
levels of infections.”
The COVID-19 was emerged in Wuhan, China at the very end
of 2019. Since then, the testing for the new corona virus has rapidly expanded
with numbers and numbers of people getting diagnosed with it and the figures of
infected people, the death rates are changing every day. Therefore, WHO has
characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Director-General of WHO said;
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if
misused, can cause unreasonable fear or unjustified acceptance that the fight
is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and deaths.”
It is essential at this hour to stay update with the
facts and information related to COVID-19 outbreaks as it can prove to be
lethal as it is spreading quickly and affecting massive crowd. It is highly
significant to take care of yourself and others by following the guidelines
provided by WHO or heath care agencies which will prevent the virus from
infecting the mass on a large scale.
Washing hands frequently, avoiding social gathering,
practicing food safety and maintaining proper diet are some of the preventive
measures. Taking these preventive measures will surely curb the pandemic.
Masks are one of the preventive measures to
minimize the spread of the virus. Primarily, the
object of masks is to help
reduce the rising risk of exposure to not only corona virus but also different
infections. With the outbreak comes
different myths, one of the common myths floating around these days is using of
masks by everyone. However, according to the health care experts, healthy
people do not require a mask, since they would not do much and will deplete the
supply who needs it. Masks are required to sick people so as to prevent the
infection from transferring to others.
Let us examine different types of masks and their
requirements:
Firstly, there are certain criteria for selecting a mask.
(When choosing a mask look for following):
Fitting of mask:
- Inaccurate fitting of mask may not fulfill the requirement.
- It should be ensured that the mouth and nose must be properly covered and should seal the face to prevent the risk of exposure.
Filtration:
- The mask is required to eliminate the infected droplets without restricting the airflow and should allow the wearer to breathe properly.
- Example: N95 respirator.
Features:
- Use level 3 masks (ASTM test barrier protection) for better protection.
- It provides maximum protection against infections and other environmental conditions as well.
Fluid resistance:
- It is recommended to use a fluid resistant mask when there is any chance of blood or other bodily fluid splatter.
Different types of
masks and how they can be used during COVID-19 crisis:
Surgical masks:
 |
| Fig- Surgical mask |
- These masks are disposable and are used by surgeons to avoid infections
- Protects the wearer from getting others sick through spit or droplet infections.
- Understand, it should be used only the sick people. When used by healthy people it does not do much.
N 95 respirator:
 |
| Fig-N95 Mask |
- It is also disposable and provided high barrier protection.
- Generally used when working around dust or during environmental emergency.
- During COVID-19 outbreak: it can be used by health care providers, offering upto 95% of small airborne particles.
- It is can be purchased and used by healthcare workers.
Full face respirator:
 |
| Fig- Full Face Respirator Mask |
- It is reusable and it is also designated as powered air purifying respirator.
- It is generally used by people who need protection from gases and vapour.
- During COVID-19 outbreak: It can be used by people in advance stages and who has problem breathing in regular masks.
Lastly, be safe from
the corona virus infection, be smart and inform yourself and others about it.
Stay alert and don’t pay heed to rumors and myths so that we can fight against
the COVID-19 outbreak because united we stand, divided we fall.
Stay healthy and safe.
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