Everything You Need To Know About Covid-19 Face Masks

Covid-19 is a virus that causes respiratory illnesses in humans. It is called corona because it has spikes on its surface which look like crowns. The intensity of these illnesses can range from mild to severe, and death. It can cause lung problems like pneumonia, ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and sepsis. These can harm the lungs and the other organs to a great extent and for a long period of time.  But, having a strong immunity can save you from this deadly virus. To make your immune system strong enough to defend your body from the virus, oral vaccines are available.

Why is Wearing a Mask Necessary?

Face masks and physical distancing have been the major preventions from Covid-19.  Since the virus is highly contagious, following the precautions is mandatory to stop the spread. Face masks help to limit the traveling distance of the droplets exhaled when we breathe out air. They help to filter the virus-containing particles when we inhale and exhale air. This helps to lessen the chances of getting infect by the virus. Wearing masks is necessary especially when you are in a gathering. Even though various types of vaccines such as oral vaccines are available in the market, you must still wear a mask to stay safe. It is mandatory to wear a mask when you visit any crowd place even if there are vaccinate people around you.

How do Masks Prevent Coronavirus from Spreading?

The virus spreads through the droplets released in the air when we cough, speak or sneeze. Though oral vaccines are easy to take and provide enough protection from coronavirus, face masks are necessary. The face masks prove helpful in stopping the spraying of these droplets, hence stopping the spread of Covid-19. Face masks contain layers of sheets i.e. filter sheets. These sheets help in filtering out the virus particles from the air we breathe in and breathe out. Though vaccines (including oral vaccines) do help in the prevention of this virus, masks are still necessary to be worn. This way, our chances of getting infect by the virus are reduce Similarly, the people around us will be safe from the virus.

Types of Face Masks for Coronavirus

There are various different types of masks and respirators introduced during the rising period of Coronavirus. Here are some concise descriptions provided:

Cloth Masks

Cloth masks consist of multi-layered fabric which can prove to be great barriers filtering out exhaled droplets. Also, they prevent the transmission of the virus if you wear them properly and consistently. The intake of oral vaccines does provide enough protection, but still, covering of mouth and nose is mandatory.

Surgical and Procedural Masks

Surgical and procedural masks are excellent in the provision of protection because of their higher capability of fluid resistance and filtration. These masks are made to loose-fit easily to your mouth so that they can cover your mouth and nose. If too loose to fit, you can simply tie a knot and tuck it behind your ears to make it fit well. Besides oral vaccines, surgical masks are also a great way of boosting your immunity.

N95s and Other Respirators

N95 respirators provide a much better level of filtration as compared to surgical, cloth, or procedural masks. But, in order for the respirator to be effective, make sure that it is worn properly and fits well on your face. Otherwise, they do not guarantee to protect you from the virus spread.

N95 respirators and PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators) are use by medical health care workers looking after the patients infected with Covid-19. Also, when performing high-risk procedures or the procedures which involve aerosol-generating.

If the masks N95 and KN95 are worn consistently and properly, they are highly effective to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Also, along with masks the intake of oral vaccines is equally important. They are easily available to the public.

Face Shields

A face shield is basically a big piece of stiff, transparent plastic connected to a headband. The plastic piece covers the mouth completely extending below the chin.

Even before the covid-19 pandemic, you may have observed the health care workers and providers wearing face shields, in spite of having oral vaccines. People working in the health department, especially dentists, when working close to a patient’s mouth wear face shields. Doctors, surgeons, and scientists often use face shields while performing such operations that could propel substances like blood in the air. In addition to this, scientists also wear face shields when performing several experiments to protect their faces from harm.

Face shields must be worn along with the face masks. It is not safe to wear them without wearing a mask with them. Also, the face shields which have gaps around are not recommend to wear as they do not provide enough protection as require. Face shields (if worn properly) and oral vaccines work hand in hand in protecting one from covid-19.

In simpler and lesser words, face shields are not something recommend to be worn by the general public. This might are worn by health care workers and providers as they are the ones working in extremely dangerous conditions having hundreds of infect patients around them. Or, they are better use by scientists and technologists to protect their faces from getting injure while experimenting.

Things to take care of when wearing a mask

There are some precautions you need to take when wearing a mask. They are listed below;

• Before wearing or removing you face mask, must wash your hands with soap or clean them with a hand sanitizer.
• Make sure that your mask completely covers your face and is consistently worn. If it is not worn properly, or remove constantly for breathing and talking, it is of no good.
• Make sure if your mask cover your face completely without leaving any gaps. Because, the air you inhale or exhale must be filter out from the mask. It must not flow from the gaps your mask has.
• Do not stop wearing mask even if you are vaccinate or have taken oral vaccines.
• Select the one that fits your mouth best and also does not slip while talking. This way you would not need to continuously touch your mask.
• Check if the mask is comfortable enough to wear and does not irritate you or your skin.