Dr.. Osama Abu Al-Rub
With the increase in new infections of the Corona virus in China and its arrival in many countries, the focus is more on preventing infection with it. What kind of face mask protects against the Corona virus? What is the difference between masks? How is it worn? Does it prevent infection with the virus?
The outbreak of the Corona virus began in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province last December, and the National Health Committee said the number of deaths in China rose to 361 as of Sunday, an increase of 57 cases from the previous day, and the number of new confirmed infections increased by 2829, bringing the number Total to 17,205 injuries, Wuhan remains in isolation with severe travel restrictions.
At least 171 other injuries have been reported in more than twenty other countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Britain.
Reports persist of running out of facial and surgical masks from pharmacies in the cities where the Coronavirus has spread, yet there is a split in opinion as to whether it protects from corona.
For example, University of London virologist Dr. David Carrington says that the routine surgical masks used by the public do not provide effective protection against viruses or bacteria carried in the air, and are also loose (that is, they do not completely isolate the area of the mouth and nose, where a space will remain between The edges of the mask and the face) do not have an air filter, he told BBC News.
For his part, the German expert in the field of infectious diseases, Brander Salzburger, said that measures to protect citizens from infection with the Corona virus - such as putting a muzzle - are unnecessary, according to what the German news agency quoted.
The German expert explained that what is known as the face masks that are similar to the masks of surgeons is no longer to protect the human from infection, but rather is intended originally to prevent the arrival of infectious drops from the respiratory system of surgeons to the area of surgery.
Salzburger stressed that this mask is useful and useful when infected with influenza to protect others from transmitting the infection to them, but it does not protect much of the wearer from transmitting the infection to him from others.
For his part, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, told LifeScience that the surgical face mask does not protect against the new corona virus.
But he noted that a more specialized mask known as the N95 Respirator Mask can protect against the new corona virus. This mask is thicker than the surgical mask, but it must be worn in a certain way.
There are classifications of masks based on the environment for which they were designed and their ability to filter pollutants. The mask classification consists of a letter and a number as follows:
Character:
N: Means that the mask is not oil-resistant.
R: The mask is oil-resistant.
P: Oil Proof.
the number:
95: It removes 95% of all air pollutants with a diameter of 0.3 microns and larger.
99: It removes 99% of all air pollutants with diameters of 0.3 microns and larger.
100: It removes 99.97% of all air pollutants with diameters of 0.3 microns and larger.
The "95" respirator mask is more compact and more effective in protecting against airborne diseases, and it removes up to 95% of non-fat materials in a size of 0.3 microns, but it is ineffective in oily environments.
It is effective against bacteria and suspended dust, and has been found to thwart the spread of diseases such as swine flu, bird flu, tuberculosis and influenza, and is commonly used in hospitals and laboratories.
The use of a "95" respirator mask is effective in preventing airborne infections, and studies have shown that it is very effective in preventing viral diseases, but only in people who wear the mask correctly, as it is difficult to wear a "95" breathing mask. Before people who are not medical professionals, noting that when properly worn it leads to a hot and suffocating feeling, so many people may take it off.
A "95" breathing mask can reduce the risk of corona infection, but only if you use it correctly, and in addition you still have to continue other preventive measures, such as washing your hands frequently, not touching your mouth or nose and avoiding other patients.
If you cannot reach the "N95" respirator mask, the surgical face mask can be used. It provides less protection from airborne viruses. A scarf or other cotton fibers can be wrapped around your nose and mouth to close the space between the edges of the mask and the face.
We summarize the recommendations for the use of respirators as follows:
1- Wearing a mask that reduces the risk of transmission but does not guarantee safety.
2- Refer to the Ministry of Health in your country and inquire about the type of masks that you recommend using now.
3- Using the "95" breathing mask is more effective in preventing infection, but you should consult a doctor first and learn to wear it correctly.
4- Surgical masks provide less protection.
5- When wearing surgical masks, you must follow the instructions, and when disposing of them must be held from the earpiece, and not from the same mask so that viruses do not pass from the mask to your hands.
6- You should not tamper with the face mask with two hands by touching it or moving it toward the eyes, because this may lead to the transmission of viruses to it.
In conclusion, we recall the general guidelines for infection prevention:
1- Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
2- Avoid close contact with sick people or people who have respiratory symptoms.
3- Stay home when you are sick.
4- Cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
5- Clean and disinfect things and surfaces that have been touched repeatedly.
6- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.