The novel coronavirus that emerged in China has spread rapidly throughout the world and has become a pandemic. This virus causes upper respiratory issues such as difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, and even respiratory failure. It is most risky for older individuals who have underlying health issues and has been fatal to many people, hence this is a serious illness that you need protection against.
As there is no vaccine or cure against it yet hence the best way to protect yourself from the virus is by staying safe. Manny countries have also issued lockdowns to control the spread of this virus hence we highly suggest you stay home as much as possible and if you need to go out in the public space, then maintain a distance of one to two meters from other people around.
As the virus enters through the respiratory system hence using a face mask can protect you against COVID-19. here are the types of masks you can use for protection against the virus.
Homemade Cloth Face Masks:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended everyone to wear cloth face masks while they visit public places as it is not always possible to maintain enough distance from others.
This kind of face mask offers a lower degree of protection, but these are better than not using any mask at all. Such masks also prevent the spread of the virus from asymptomatic people. Remember to wash the homemade cloth mask after every use.
Three-Layered Surgical Masks:
Surgical masks are disposable, loose fitted masks that cover your nose and mouth. While studies have shown that three-layered surgical masks do provide some level of protection against COVID-19, but you should remember that it is not a tight-fitted mask hence there is a possibility of leakage. Healthcare workers who directly come in contact with COVID-19 patients should use N-965 masks for better protection.
Patients who are suffering from COVID-19 should use this mask to stop the virus from further spreading.
N95 Respirators:
The N-95 respirator is a tight-fitting face mask that is the best mask option to use right now for COVID-19. This filter piece can filter out 95% of particles, including bacteria and viruses. This respirator is designed to form a tight seal to your face as the elastic band holds it firmly to your face. A few N95 respirators come with an exhalation valve that helps in breathing out the heat built up.
This respirator is not one-size-fits-all and needs to be fit tested or else it will render useless. People with facial hair and children cannot achieve a tight seal with this type of face mask. It can also become uncomfortable to wear it for long periods.
Currently, CDC does not recommend the general public to use this type of mask if you are not a healthcare worker as the supply is limited hence, they need to be made available for healthcare workers and first responders.
Extra Precautionary Measures to prevent COVID-19
According to bestmask.net experts, COVID-19 spreads from one person to another via respiratory droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes. If a healthy person breathes in these droplets, then he or she may contract the virus. The use of a mask can prevent this from happening, hence use them to protect yourself and your family from contracting coronavirus.
The virus can also land on objects and surfaces and can stay there for hours hence touching the contaminated object and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth can infect you as well. Here are a few extra precautionary measures to avoid contracting the virus.
- Clean your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- practice social distancing
- Stay home as much as you can.
- Do not touch your face too many times.
Currently, there is a shortage of surgical and N95 masks for healthcare workers and first responders hence if you have unused masks with you in excessive quantities then you can donate them to your local hospital or fire department by contacting them.
