Walking around in CBD with my nose and mouth covered with a mask has become fashionable. Not that people are enjoying, but they have to force it for their safety. Coronavirus is known with code as COVID-19 has taught people to be conscious about their surroundings. Face masks that cover eyes and mouth are believed to be useful in fighting the spread of Coronavirus.
The virus is spread through aerosol and respiratory droplets. When someone is talking, sneezing and coughing can release droplets. If an infected person releases droplets, he or she might infect nearby people. Therefore, using a mask helps to contain droplets from reaching the next person. Due to the shortage of mask worldwide Wealth Health organization has advised people not to wear a mask when they are infected or when they are taking care of the infected person.
Alternatively, it does not mean that people should not move around wearing a mask in public places. But how can you tell that you are meeting healthy people in public? You might accidentally meet an infected person while your mouth and nose are not covered. These are the things that make people wear masks everywhere because you might catch the virus accidentally. If you can afford the mask, why not wear it. If you can’t afford it, why not use your scarf.
Face mask and its uses
A face mask is meant to cover your mouth and nose from being exposed to bacteria.
There are different types of a mask;
- Surgical Masks
Surgical is rectangular is used by doctors in the healthcare center when they are working. It is usually flat with pleats and tie or elastic band that used to secure it. This mask does not provide a tight fit, and you can inhale or exhale air particles through the sides of the mask.
- N95 respirator Mask
The N95 face mask is tight-fitting, which is usually in an oval or circular shape. It comes in different sizes; therefore, you must make sure that your mouth and nose are sealed to avoid any exposure. This mask provides a tight fit, but it might feel uncomfortable to wear it. It must also be tested for tight-fitting so that it adequately covers your face.
There are also homemade masks that are used by individuals to over their faces. Some people use scarfs to cover their faces from contracting the virus.
These masks are meant to protect your nose and mouth from spreading viruses or from inhaling the virus. The Coronavirus can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or talking, releasing saliva droplets. If another person inhales those droplets with infection may also be infected. If anyone touches the surface that has the virus can be infected if he or she touches his or her mouth.
Therefore a face mask can be useful in slowing down the spread of the Coronavirus. It can contain the spreading of saliva droplets from the infected person and also block the virus from reaching other people’s faces or nearby surfaces.
Who should wear a mask and why
A mask can be worn by anyone who deems it necessary. Coronavirus infected persons are advised to wear a mask so that they protect their cough and sneeze droplets from landing all over the place. Protecting the escape of the infected saliva droplets slows down the spreading of Coronavirus. People who take care of sick people should also wear the mask so that they protect their nose and mouth from inhaling the saliva droplets from the sick people.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the facial masks must be worn by sick people and those who are taking care of the sick people. Generally, the masks must be used in health care places not at homes or in public places—this advice from WHO was influenced by the shortage of masks worldwide (1).
Therefore if everyone wears a safe mask, people who require those masks may suffer and result in a massive spread of Coronavirus. In other countries like the United States advises everyone always wears a face mask even if they are not sick. Countries with a shortage of masks advise people to cover their faces with other homemade masks.
Benefits of wearing a mask
- Slows down the spreading of infected saliva droplets from the sick people
- Protects social workers and doctors or anyone taking care of the sick from being exposed to the virus
Tips on how to use a mask
- You should clean your hands before wearing or touching a face mask. You can wash your hands with soapy water or by using a sanitizer.
- Make sure that you are wearing a clean and new mas that has not been used by anyone. Also, inspect it before using it to detect any damages
- You should know how to wear a mask, don’t wear in upside down, or the inside part out. Most of the mask has a metal strip, and it can guide you on how to wear the mask. The metal strip is meant to be on top of the nose.
- Make sure that the mas is securely fitted without leaving any gaps that might expose your mouth and nose
- The mask might feel uncomfortable to wear but avoid touching it, instead use the strips to adjust it
- When you are removing the mask, use the strips to remove it and don’t touch the front of a mask.
- Dispose of the face mask after use and don’t keep it for reuse
- Clean your hands thoroughly after using the mask
Other alternatives
The virus, which so far has no treatment, can only be controlled by other means. The face mask is used to lower down the spread of coronavirus infections. Few other alternatives used to slow down the spreading of the virus.
You are ensuring to practice a safe distance from sick people and practice social distancing. Avoid going to places that have high coronavirus cases. You should stay indoors and go out where necessary to work, buy food or medication.
You should clean your hands thoroughly using soapy water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure that nearby surfaces are clean to avoid breeding of bacteria. Dispose of dirty material appropriately. You should clean door handles frequently and other surfaces that are regularly touched by people.
Cover your mouth with a fabric, when you have a cough or have a need to sneeze with a disposable napkin or tissue. Dispose of the tissue or nappy in an appropriate garbage bin. You can shield your mouth when coughing or sneezing by using your elbow to control the sudden spread of your saliva droplets.
Coronavirus is spread through inhaling the virus particles through the nose and mouth, ensure to refrain from touching your face unnecessarily, as it may lead to an infection. In worst-case scenarios, use your non-dominant hand.
The reality about-face masks and Coronavirus
WHO has warned of the shortage of the face mask and that people should reserve them for the sick people and the health care workers. People should use mask sparingly and where there is a necessity.
If you have extra masks at home, you can donate them to the healthcare centers. If you are not sick, you can use other means such as scarfs and bandanas, to cover your face. You are advised to cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or a tissue.
Some people with Coronavirus might not wear the mask. The mask might make them breathing difficult and worsen their situation. Therefore people who take care of such people require face masks to protect them from contracting the virus.
Video
Conclusion
Coronavirus is a dangerous and infectious disease that has resulted in the death of people. In the meantime, the virus does not have a cure. Extreme precautions should be observed to remain healthy and stay away from viral infection.
Wearing a mask is one of the measures that they can use to avoid the spread of the disease. Other measures like social distancing and cleaning your hands must also be used together with masks to prevent the spreading of the virus.
Wearing a mask is not a forced matter but voluntary. With the current shortage of masks that are not reusable, you can purchase a reusable and washable face mask called OxyBreath Pro Mask. Anyone is free to wear a mask whether they are sick or not, but with the shortage of masks, the mask must be reserved for the sick people and health care workers.