Pandemic caused by coronavirus has not cooled down yet. Medical masks, N95 is always a scarce item, sold out more than ever, not everyone can buy those specialized masks. So, who are the priority subjects to use medical masks, and cloth masks can prevent epidemic coronavirus or not?
Medical mask, N95 “out of stock”. So, who are the priority subjects to use specialized medical masks, and cloth masks can prevent epidemic coronavirus or not?
Who needs to wear a face mask?
Besides, there is another question that besides masks, should I wear glasses or not. The answer is yes. Glasses can help prevent fluid particles from getting into the eye.
The coronavirus lives mainly in cells in the respiratory tract. They infect cells, reproduce, multiply in those cells and escape. Therefore, their presence in the respiratory tract fluids is inevitable. When an infected person coughs and sneezes, the compression of the released vapor turns the respiratory fluids into tiny droplets containing the viruses in it.
Science has shown that when sneezing, particles can be thrown out at a speed of 50m / s, up to more than 6m. When coughing, the droplets will move at a speed of 10m / s, diffuse further than 2m. From normal breathing, the fluid particles only travel about 1m / s and diffuse only within 1m.
In addition, according to a 2013 study, these fluid particles range in size from about 75 to 360 micrometers (1 micrometer = 1,000 nanometers). Conventional 3-layer medical masks are capable of effectively filtering particles over 5 micrometers in size. As a result, those fluid particles can be easily trapped on the outside of the mask.
In case of lack of masks, who should prioritize wearing masks?
1. People infected with virus: This is the object of top priority because it is easy to spread germs to people around. The number of infected people will continue to increase, uncontrollably.
Virus-infected people and health care workers are the first priority to use medical masks
2. Medical staff: These people have been in more contact with patients with carriers, so their risk of infection is higher. a lot compared to outsiders. Equipping them as much as possible so as not to get infected is essential.
3. Family members take care of sick people: Like medical staff, this person is in direct contact with germs so it is necessary to prevent infection.
4. Healthy people go to crowded places, there are many infected people in the area, but the community has not been identified yet (the phenomenon of community infection occurs). To prevent people in public settings from sneezing, coughing, spilling virus-carrying fluid particles out of their masks or even they are not wearing a mask or wearing it incorrectly.
Therefore, in situations where an epidemic occurs but there is a shortage of masks, you should “yield” in the order of priority as above. Young people give preference to the elderly, who have other chronic diseases because they have a higher risk of death.
How to use fabric mask to prevent coronavirus?
Recently, many people questioned: “Medical masks, N95″ burns “goods, can you use fabric masks as a substitute for coronavirus epidemic prevention or not?”.
The answer is yes. However, this is not the most optimal choice.
The fabric has a larger aperture than medical mask and N95, so the ability to resist droplets is lower. However, they also reduce infection when the droplets are absorbed onto the mask, preventing the virus from entering the respiratory tract.
Fabric masks also help reduce contamination when the liquid particles are absorbed onto the mask
Medical masks are disposable masks and fabric masks can be used multiple times, so you need to have several pieces to do the washing. often, at least once a day.
Reusable fabric masks should be washed with antibacterial soap daily and dried in the sun. In addition, when choosing to buy a mask, consumers should choose the type that clearly states the ingredients, is resistant to dust, and antibacterial.
The woven and knitted masking fabrics are breathable, soft, fit, convenient for daily use and reusable. In addition, fabric masks when impregnated with antibacterial compounds also add disease prevention effects.
In certain areas there is a high possibility of exposure to pathogens, for example where an infected person is identified, a medical mask is required.
In case people do not carry a mask with their body but want to cough or blow their nose, it is best for people to use a tissue and put it in the public trash. If not, then cough or sneeze into the elbow and avoid using your hand to cover your mouth.
Reusable fabric masks should be washed regularly with daily antibacterial soap and dried in the sun It is recommended to wear a respirator very well to prevent respiratory disease, but we must also determine the level of risk. What, when, when do we use a mask. Currently, although the epidemic has not spread too strongly in Vietnam, people should use medical masks in public places that have a high risk of spread such as when shopping at markets, public transports, hospitals, etc.
