Can Wearing a Medical Mask Protect You From the Coronavirus?

You don’t need to have been watching the news to know about the new coronavirus. It has been the talk of the town in most parts of the world altering several commercial activities. Just like many people, you must be seeking for the best way to protect yourself.

Many people keep asking, will a medical mask protect against this deadly virus? If yes, then what type of mask do I need? In this post, we will provide answers to these questions as much as we can. (Learn More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_mask)

A brief overview of the virus

Coronaviruses originate from a very huge virus family that causes several illnesses. Some of these illnesses include acute respiratory syndrome and the common cold. This virus gets its name from the crown shape that surrounds its particle. The new coronavirus is a strain of the virus that was not recognized previously.

It was first discovered in Wuhan, China following symptoms of potentially fatal respiratory illnesses including pneumonia. The coronaviruses discovered in Wuhan are closely related to those that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

Many people have resorted to the use of a surgical mask for protection against the virus. The question is does a disposable surgical mask provide any protection against coronaviruses? Medical research shows that these masks may be able to help even though their protection is highly limited. This is probably because of how this virus spreads.

How does the virus spread?

Initially, the virus was spread from animals to human beings. After this, the mode of spreading the virus was from one human to another. Currently, researchers are seeking out exactly how the new virus spreads. Thousands have met their death at the hands of this virus in China in 2020 alone. Even though drastic measures have been taken to quarantine infected individuals, the virus has spread to several countries.

Some of the initial facts stated by scientists regarding the spread of the virus include:

• Spread is majorly through respiratory droplets.
• A person can be at risk when the distance between both individuals is less than or equal to 6 feet.
• When the respiratory droplets land on the nose or mouth of another person, it causes infection. The droplets are mostly airborne.
• Touching infected individuals or surfaces that they touch can cause infection.
• At room temperature, the virus may last up to 9 days on an infected surface.
• Researchers believe that people who display severe symptoms are more contagious.
• It is possible to be infectious despite not showing any symptoms.

Can wearing a mask offer protection?

Medical masks have become very common with the rise of the virus. Many people believe that wearing a surgical mask is sufficient protection, at least from the airborne respiratory droplets. If you are confused about this, the truth is that a medical mask plays a role even though it is very limited.

According to the CDC, a disposable surgical mask is not the perfect solution to protect you from the virus. Here are some reasons for this conclusion:

Despite these facts, the advice is that individuals who are already infected with the virus should wear a mask. Also, people who are at a higher risk of contracting should make use of face masks. A surgical mask will still offer some amount of protection from your own hands as well as respiratory droplets.

You need to wear a disposable surgical mask if:

• It is confirmed that you are infected with the novel coronavirus.
• You care for an infected individual.
• You provide healthcare services.
• You make contact with infected individuals for whatever reason.

The face masks are called disposable for one reason. Once you interact with an infected individual, dispose of the medical mask safely. Wear a new face mask just before you come in contact with infected individuals or approach where they are.

If you offer care to infected individuals, especially when it is in a medical facility, then you should use an N95 respirator. This face mask is designed specifically with air filters that protect you against tiny particles in the air. They come in a round shape and you are given special training on how to use them properly. An N95 face mask is not to be used by members of the general public, it is majorly for healthcare providers.

How to protect yourself against the virus

Currently, there are no vaccines against the COVID-19 infection. The best way to protect yourself is by practicing good hygiene. If you are going to avoid falling sick, then you have to stay away from the virus. Here are a few recommendations to help you stay protected:

• Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds often.
• Once you use the restroom, ensure you wash your hands.
• Never touch your nose, mouth, eyes, or face using unwashed hands.
• When a place has been labeled with an outbreak, stay away.
• If you reside in a place where there is an outbreak, move out.
• Don’t have close contact with infected individuals.
• Frequently disinfect surfaces and objects that are used a lot.
• Cook your eggs and meat thoroughly.
• When you notice that you are sick, stay home.
• Use a tissue to cover your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of the tissue immediately.

Conclusion

A medical mask has a role to play in protecting you from coronavirus. However, a surgical mask is not complete protection from the deadly virus. As you make use of a disposable surgical mask, ensure that you adhere to basic hygiene measures to protect yourself. (If you want to know more, please visit https://www.trendebut.com.)