Who knew that one day we would be dependent on Face Masks? Who knew that one day a face mask would help us stay away from being infected by a deadly virus called coronavirus? No one would’ve imagined the criticality of wearing a mask on a day-to-day basis. They’ve now become a part of our wardrobe which keeps us and people around us safe and protected. Wearing a face mask is one of the precautionary measures we all need to take to stay safe.
1. Advantages of wearing a face mask:
- When someone (specifically infected patients) talks, coughs, or sneezes, they may release droplets into the air that can be infectious to others and by covering your nose and mouth with a face mask can keep these droplets away from you to protect you from fluid splashes
- Whenever you leave your house, it is essential to wear a face mask, this will not only protect you from the infection but will also safeguard lives of people around you, who you interact and socialize with
- Since face masks also need to be worn while practicing social distancing, these masks will help prevent the transmission of coronavirus and saves lives
2. Use face mask effectively to contain the spread of the virus and this can be primarily done by wearing it the right way:
- Do not touch the mask directly, pick it up by its ear loops
- Touch the ear loops of your mask only after washing your hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth, chin and cover it till your nose
3. Types of face masks:
▪ Homemade cloth mask – Can be easily made at home from common materials readily available, wash them after every use to avoid collection of germs
▪ Surgical mask– Disposable face mask that covers your chin, mouth and nose. These masks keep droplets away at a distance from the mouth
▪ N95 respirator mask– Along with keeping droplets away from the mouth, these masks filter 95 per cent of particles like virus and bacteria.
4. Do’s and Don’ts of a mask:
Do’s
- Before putting on a mask, do wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Ensure your mouth & nose are well covered on the face without leaving any gap
- Replace the disposable mask once worn for 8 hours as it may get moist
Don’ts
- Touch your mask while wearing it on your face
- Re-use one-time-wear face masks
- Share your masks with anyone else, each of you should own & wear a face mask suitable and of use for your face only
While wearing a mask you can certainly keep the droplet particles away from you, but you can still become infected while wearing one. Washing your hands frequently, maintaining social distancing, covering your cough with your sleeve or hand, not touching your eyes, nose and mouth are still vital to keep you safe and healthy.
Do not panic, stay calm, stay hopeful, stay home, stay safe!!!