Wearing face masks is the need of time. The surgical masks, respirators, and fabric masks have become a symbol of protection today for people suffering from the deadly, Coronavirus or Covid-19.
The question is: How much protection do face covers provide to their wearers? Can they be used time and again? Are there any limits for using the face mask like the Bella Canvas ST323 face mask? These are the questions for which we need the right answers.
How Do the Novel Corona Virus Spread?
When human beings cough, sneeze or talk; then they emit small drops of moisture (droplets) from the upper respiratory system of different sizes, and these droplets may carry the virus, such as Coronavirus. The large droplets of greater than 5 mm (micrometres) settle quickly, so it is recommended to the public to stay 6 feet (ft) away from the people around them. For the same reason, it is advised to people to clean dirty surfaces and wash their hands after touching contaminated surfaces. The small droplets come out from mouth and nose and travel farther than 6 ft. These droplets may stay in the air for an hour or a longer period of time contingent on the ventilation in the room. People spending time in close proximity to these small droplets can be exposed to these small drops of moisture.
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How Do Different Types of Masks Protect People from the Viruses?
N95 respirators, the surgical masks, and the fabric masks mainly protect people from Covid-19 viruses. Let us see how:
- N95 Respirators: N95 respirators, as the name indicates remove at least 95% of the droplets from the air. They are factory-made to fit with a close-fitting seal around the nose & mouth so that the air or viral particles are unable to penetrate them.
- Surgical Masks: Surgical masks are made up of special material, and they do not protect the nose and mouth, so smaller droplets can be inhaled by their wearers. However, it does not mean that these masks do not work. The surgical masks protect the wearers’ nose and mouth from larger droplets that may be emitted when a person coughs or sneezes.
- Fabric Masks: The fabric masks just like the surgical masks may remove large droplets and not the small ones. However, the fabric masks are very breathable; for this reason, many people prefer to wear fabric masks. The fabric masks are a perfect replacement for surgical masks.
Who Need to Wear Masks?
Healthcare professionals need to wear N95 respirators if they are taking care of patients with infections that can be propagated in tiny airborne droplets. Sick people do not need to wear N95 respirators. Surgical masks come in handy to avert the spread of droplets from infected people. Research also proves that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators for reducing influenza infection or Covid-19 among healthcare professionals. The fabric masks protect the nose and mouth of people from large droplets from infected people; however, these masks are not very effective for medical staff. People should go for fabric masks only if they are unable to acquire N95 respirators or surgical masks.
Can Face Covers be Reused?
If face covers are stored in a separate breathable paper bag at room temperature, then you can use them again and again. The fabric mask should be washed time and time again if you desperately want to use it by making sure that it remains sterile.
When Should Face Masks be Discarded?
You must discard a face mask if it becomes filthy with blood or bodily fluids, and when it does not completely protect your nose and mouth or when it is damaged or dirty and becomes hard to breathe through.
The Face Masks and Coronavirus:
A face mask is the very first thing that comes to the minds of people these days to deal with the novel, Coronavirus. Most of the governments in the world have imposed regulations for the public to wear face masks when they are outside. In addition to face masks, people are also advised to wear gloves and use hand sanitizers to make sure they remain protected from germs.
Conclusion:
A face cover or face mask is the need of time. A face mask can protect human beings from the virus, such as Coronavirus or Covid-19. The three common types of face covers are N95 respirators, surgical masks, and fabric masks. The N95 respirators are the best face masks, as they can take care of 95% of the germs. The surgical masks are also very handy face covers, but they do not protect the wearers’ bodies from small droplets that may contain germs. The fabric masks are breathable face masks. Healthcare professionals and infected people need to wear face masks. The face masks are reusable face covers, and they can also be discarded. Lastly, the face covers have become a need of time to remain protected from the deadly, Coronavirus.
