Do Surgical Face Masks Prevent Spreading Of Virus?

The year 2020, is probably going to be remembered by generations to come. A pandemic is raging through the world and of all things a simple mask seems to be the game-changer.

Face masks are an inseparable part of a PPE or a personal protective equipment kit which people across the world are using to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and other respiratory infections. If worn properly, it will not only save the wearer from getting contracted by the virus, but also break the chain of spread.

Masks are Usually of Two Variants- Surgical Face Masks and Respirators.  

Surgical Face Masks are those disposable nose and mouth covers, which are resistant to fluids, loose-fitted, and create a barrier between the wearer and his surrounding environment. These are usually worn during medical or surgical hours.

Respirators have a snugger fit and block 95 per cent of airborne particles. If properly fitted, respirators are a much effective measure compared to surgical or cloth face masks.

Though surgical face masks cannot completely prevent the disease from spreading, it acts as the primary barrier and is a must for all.

How to correctly wear a mask?

   Wash your hands for 20 seconds straight, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser. If you have soap and water at your disposal then you can opt for it.

  After washing your hand, place the mask on your nose, and adjust the nose pin first upon your nose and fix it rightly so that the gap is reduced between the mask and your cheek.

   If you are opting for a surgical mask, remember to put the correct side on. The white side is supposed to face your mouth, and the bluish/greenish part is to be faced outside.

Place the ear loops now, and pull down the mask over your chin. And wash your hands thoroughly again. Once your work is done, it’s time to dispose of the mask. The surgical masks are usually disposable and for one-time usage. Remove the mask without touching the front or inside of the mask. Dispose it off in a closed bin and wash your hands thoroughly, again.

Who should use a mask?

In the present situation, everyone coming in contact with the outside world, i.e. other people healthy or not, should properly wear a mask.

Otherwise face masks should be worn by people suffering from any sort of respiratory infection, and health workers taking care of them. On regular, pre Covid-19 days, healthy people are not needed to wear face masks.

Terminally-ill patients, especially kids, are usually prescribed by doctors to wear facemasks, to keep them away from secondary or tertiary infections.

But are masks the only shield?

But only masks cannot save you from the clutches of the virus.

Keeping your hands squeaky- clean is another most important way that would help us prevent contracting the deadly virus. Things are slowly normalising across the world, but even after that prevention is always better than cure.

Do not forget to sanitise your hands often when you are out, or clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Also avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or ears every now and then. Keep cleaning household objects with sanitising wipes. Don’t forget to sanitise stuff coming from outside to your home. Try to wash clothes with soap and water whenever you come home from outside.

This virus tends to stay for many hours on any surface that it touches. Also, if you experience any common flu-like sym=ptoms, stay home, away from people. Avoid going outside unless it’s absolutely necessary.Follow these few steps, stay safe and let us all overcome the challenge, together. And you can easily get hold of face masks online, at affordable prices, here.