Wearing masks scientifically is an effective means to reduce cross-infection among the public, reduce the risk of transmission, and prevent the spread of the epidemic. On July 16, in response to some misunderstandings of citizens wearing masks, Ma Lili, director of the Urumqi International Hospital Hospital Office, conducted a review.
Myth 1: As long as it is a mask, it can play a role in preventing new coronary pneumonia
Ma Lili: Not all masks can play a role in preventing infections, such as paper masks, activated carbon masks, cotton masks, etc., because the material is not dense enough, the prevention effect is limited, and it is not recommended to wear it. At present, it is recommended that ordinary citizens can wear disposable medical surgical masks in general environments, and pay attention to the purchase of masks through formal channels.
Myth 2: Wear a mask to cover the mouth
Ma Lili: Some people wear masks and feel suffocated because of poor breathing. Put the mask under the nose for inhalation. If you don’t wear the mask according to the correct method, it will not play a good preventive role. If you are wearing a disposable medical surgical mask, the correct method should be to clearly distinguish the inside, outside, top and bottom of the mask. The metal strip with the nose clip inside is the top, while the light side of the mask is the inside and the dark side is the outside. Wearing a mask should ensure that the dark side is facing outwards, pressing the metal strips on both sides of the bridge of the nose with both hands to make the mask close to the bridge of the nose, and then stretching the mask down so that the mask does not leave wrinkles and cover the nose and mouth tightly. Note that you must try to make the mask and face have a good adhesion.
Myth 3: Do not wash your hands and wear a mask directly
Ma Lili: If you wear a mask without washing your hands, it will contaminate the mask and increase the chance of infection. The correct approach is to strictly follow the seven-step hand-washing method before wearing a mask, and dry your hands before wearing it, to avoid getting wet. At the same time, pay attention to avoid touching the inside of the mask with your hands during wearing. The process of removing the mask may contaminate your hands. When removing the mask, be careful not to touch the outside of the mask. After removing it, wash your hands with soap or alcohol.
Myth #4: Wear a few more masks to better prevent new coronavirus infections
Ma Lili: Under normal circumstances, as long as you wear a qualified medical mask correctly, one can achieve the protective effect. Multiple stacks will increase ventilation resistance and discomfort, and may cause breathlessness. Wearing a multi-layer mask at the same time cannot form a good fixed pattern. Under the pressure of multiple masks, it is easy to cause air leakage around the mask.
Misunderstanding five: masks are not replaced in time
Ma Lili: Disposable medical masks are generally valid for 4 hours. If the time is exceeded, they will not play a protective role. You should avoid wearing masks repeatedly, replace them regularly, and be careful not to wear them on the inside or outside, or even wear them on both sides. It should be noted that after the mask is wet or contaminated with blood and body fluids, replace it with a new clean and dry mask in time.
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