In these days of pandemic it is highly recommended to use a face mask, if you are stepping out of your house for any purpose. Though, half of the world is under Lock Down right now but to get few daily essentials or commodities one needs to step out. To ensure your safety and your nearer and dearer ones safety, you shall need a face mask which covers your mouth and nose.
Why do you need a Face Mask
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| A sneeze can travel far more than you think. GACPR |
Most people understand coughing and sneezing can spread germs that cause illness, but the speed and distance they can travel might surprise you.
“Bless you.”
This simple saying is often heard after someone sneezes.
For many people it’s a common courtesy that’s become so engrained in them it’s an automatic reaction the moment they hear a sneeze.
However, according to new study, when a person sneezes near you, your first priority should be to back away before you offer any blessings.
Why?
Because contagious germs can spread further and faster than you may think.
Researchers at the University of Bristol assessed the airborne survival of bacteria in aerosol droplets from coughs and sneezes.
They found the average sneeze or cough can send around 100,000 contagious germs into the air at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.These germs can carry viruses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenoviruses, which cause the common cold.
They can also carry bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
The most critical time for spread of those germs, according to the researchers, is in the first few minutes after a sneeze or cough occurs.
“This type of transmission is of special importance since it doesn’t require proximity between individuals. The droplets’ small size adds the potential to penetrate deeper in the lung,” Allen Haddrell, PhD, one of the study’s authors, told Healthline.
While aerosols that carry the germs eventually drop to the ground, that takes time.
“Given the small size of bioaerosol droplets (diameter less than the width of a human hair), they can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods of time, from seconds to weeks,” said Haddrell.
Source : healthline.com
Previously, the CDC only recommended masks for front-line health care workers, those who are sick or those who are caring for someone sick. But on Friday, President Donald Trump said Americans should wear non-surgical masks when they're out of their homes to help stop the spread of coronavirus."The CDC is advising the use of nonmedical cloth face covering as a voluntary health measure," Trump, referring to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during his daily briefing on the pandemic. "It is voluntary.""The CDC is not recommending the use of medical-grade or surgical-grade masks," he added.N95 masks should still be reserved for health professionals who need them most since supplies are limited.Source : today.com
Also a news in Times of India states all the facts below, you would want to read it once -
" In the early days of the pandemic, WHO was pretty categorical:
You don't need to wear a mask unless you are unwell or treating someone. But on Saturday, the Union health ministry advised Indians to use "handmade, reusable face covers" when they step out of homes.
Hours before that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US asked all Americans to wear a cloth mask when outside. Latest research shows that the novel coronavirus might spread through air via normal breathing and speaking, not just coughing and sneezing. Besides, countries like the Czech Republic, which made masks mandatory, seem to have done much better than others that relied only on hand-washing and social distancing. And the best part is you don't need to go out and buy a mask-in fact, that is something you shouldn't do. There is a shortage of surgical and N95 masks - and you don't need them, health workers do. A simple, cloth mask will do for you, one that you can make sitting at home"
This is what CDC has to say
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out In public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
- The cloth mask is not a substitute for social distancing
HOMEMADE MASKS
- If you do not have access to store bought mask, you can make a mask at home.
- A homemade mask should have multiple layers of fabric that can be machine or hand washed without getting damaged
- Thicker fabric is better as It can offer greater protection-a heavy cotton T-shirt, for example, can be cut Into a mask.
- If you are using a bandanna or handkerchief fold it over twice or thrice before wearing
HOW TO CLEAN AND REUSE
- Change or clean the mask once its inner lining becomes moist.
- Cloth masks should be washed regularly, either by hand using soap or in a machine with regular detergent, and air dried Mask can be reused even if you are sick, but don't share it with others.
- Surgical and other single-use masks cannot withstand washing and should be disposed of.
- If you want to reuse a mask, ensure that it remains dry.
- You can store mask in dry ziplock bags, preferably with desiccating gel that can absorb moisture.
HOW TO DISPOSE OF A MASK
- Used masks lying around pose health risks if someone comes in contact with the respiratory secretions in them and then touches their face.
- To properly dispose of a mask, fold it in half inward so the inner lining is covered. Fold it in half two more times so it looks like a roll. Then, wrap the ear loops or strings around the roll so it does not open up. Wrap it in a piece of tissue before throwing in a lined, closed bin.
Source: WHO CDC
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