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face mask

It's been half a year since the coronavirus has paralyzed many countries, while most parts of the world are going through severe and mild lockdowns, researchers and scientists are yet unable to invent a drug for the respective virus's treatment. 

However, certain measures are being followed around the world in order to be safe from the transmission of disease. Apart from the basics of being clean and neat; the use of face masks tops the precaution. But how to use the best face mask for virus protection is a million-dollar question that people want answers to.  

There are a lot of guides and information for the general public to select and wear what's suitable for them. A brief look at what you need to know is gathered down below. 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

There are three main types of masks to wear i.e., homemade cloth face masks, surgical masks, and N-95 respirators. 

  • Homemade cloth face mask

The homemade face mask is recommended to wear when you're in a public place where it's difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. 

  • Surgical mask

Surgical masks are disposable, loose-fitting face masks that cover your nose, mouth, and chin. These are typically used to protect the wearer from sprays, splashes & large-particle droplets; moreover, to prevent the transmission of potentially infectious respiratory secretions from the wearer to others.

  • N-95 respirator

An N-95 respirator is a more tight-fitting face mask that can filter viruses & bacteria. 

HOW SHOULD I WEAR?-TIPS TO REMEMBER!

STOCKED UP ON SURGICAL MASKS?

  • If you're rooting for a surgical mask you should always clean your hands as your first step. Before putting the mask on, look for tears or holes on it then locate the metal strip to know the top of the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask at all costs, because the surface could be contaminated from when you wear it.
  •  Once you're done using the mask, dispose of the mask right after in a closed garbage bin, and clean your hands afterward. 
  • You should only wear the surgical mask if you have symptoms of the disease since this would help prevent you from transmitting the particles in your environment, other than that the surgical mask doesn't really protect a healthy person from viruses to attack him. 

SOME MORE GENERAL TIPS?

Use Multiple layer fabric

If you're going to have a cloth face mask, make sure that the mask shall have multiple layers of fabric fitting comfortably but snugly and that do not lose their shape after being washed. When you go out, keep the mask on until you're back at home or away from a whole lot of people. 

You should always have in mind that you cannot take the mask off, snack on chips, and put the mask on again. By doing this, there's a hundred percent chance that you are going to put whatever's on the mask into your mouth.  

Make sure the mask fits well.

A good fit is essential for ensuring that the mask provides maximum protection. If the mask is too big, it will not seal properly against your skin and may let in contaminants. If the mask is too small, it will be uncomfortable to wear and may also be ineffective.

Make sure the mask is clean and free of dust, dirt, and other contaminants.

putting on a face mask, be sure to check the inside and outside of the mask to ensure that it is not dirty. A dirty mask can allow contaminants or irritants to enter your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Replace old face masks if they are ripped or torn.

Tattered pieces of face masks may further damage your skin after prolonged use. Also, latex allergies are common so you should look for non-latex versions instead, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Do not reuse disposable face masks more than once

Don't use such masks unless they were specifically designed for multiple uses (i.e., some types of medical face masks). Not only does reusing a single-use mask increases your risk of infection due to bacteria build-up on the mask, but it also violates many health regulations.

Do not share your face mask with other people

Even if the mask is one designed to be shared (i.e., surgical masks) dot share them. A mask that fits perfectly on one person may not fit as well on another individual and may therefore provide reduced protection for you and the other person sharing the mask. Also, some viruses can live outside of a host body and can infect a second person via an inanimate object like a face mask. It is better to use separate masks for each person requiring them rather than spending more money on multi-use masks or passing along your own infection by using someone else's single-use mask.

Wash your hands before putting on or taking off your face mask.

Washing your hands will remove any contaminants that may be on your hands and can help prevent contaminating your face mask.

Cover both the nose and mouth

Covet the nose and mouth with the mask to ensure maximum protection against viruses, even if you are only being exposed through one of them. A face mask does not have to cover all of the skin on your face to provide adequate protection but avoid covering just one or two areas if possible.

Breathe normally when wearing a face mask

But avoid talking excessively as this increases the amount of airflow through your mouth which can cause you to inhale more contaminants than usual without the protection offered by a sealed-off facial airway caused by using a properly fitted mask. Also, speaking or laughing with a mask on can loosen the seal and allow contaminants to enter.

Make sure to remove your face mask

When you are no longer in an environment where there is a risk of exposure to viruses. Removal of the mask may also help to prevent the build-up of bacteria on the mask.

If you are feeling sick, have a fever, or are exhibiting other symptoms of illness, it is best to stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible. In this case, using a face mask is not recommended as it may further compromise your health by preventing you from getting necessary rest and fluids. A better solution in this situation would be to isolate yourself from others you have fully recovered.

HOW DO I DUMP THE USED MASK?

  • Take the mask off by untying the straps around your ears. Be sure not to touch your eyes, mouth, and nose meanwhile. 

YOU BETTER WASH THAT CLOTH MASK!

  • Instead of hand-washing your cloth face mask, a washing machine shall do a better job of sterilizing the masks. 

Should one wear a surgical mask?

The CDC recommends that you wear a surgical mask if you're in the medical profession, but no one else should use them. The cloth face coverings recommended by doctors are not what we call "surgical masks" or N95 respirators; they are critical supplies reserved only for workers at risk of acquiring COVID-19 like nurses and paramedics who come into contact with patients infected with this virus on a daily basis!

What risks are there for wearing an extra mask during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Adding an additional layer or cumbersome face coverings like masks can increase your risk of getting hurt. Reduced vision is one potential hazard, which could lead to trips and falls in some cases--or worse!

What types of masks are most and least effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19?

There are many different types of masks that can be worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One study found this out by giving people one hour each with 14 different face coverings and then counting how many droplets were released when they said "stay healthy," five times in a row while wearing them all together or separately without protection against air pollutions like PM2.5

Researchers at Duke University created an interesting setup where it was possible for researchers to count down exactly what number breathes into their sample volume during exposure time periods lasting up until 60 seconds - which made measuring particulate matter easy because simply halved numbers represented inhaled breaths (such as 24).

While you're at home, not infected, it's better to leave high functioning masks i.e. N-95 for healthcare care workers and first responders. Since this respirator mask is hard to tackle because of its tight-fitting and suffocating design, you might just over-conserve yourself-which is not too great if you want to build strong immunity. 

Overall, using a face mask when you are in an environment where there is a risk of exposure to viruses can help to reduce your risk of infection. However, it is important to follow the proper guidelines for using a mask so that you can be sure that you are getting the most protection possible. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the dangers of viral exposure.

Knowing what's best for you is also a genuine tip in order to keep yourself safe from the virus. Choose the best, stay home, and stay safe!