Lately, people are increasingly busy looking for masks to protect themselves from the Corona virus. However, the large selection of masks on the market can make you confused. To choose a mask, you need to understand the function of each mask first. Check out the following article for an explanation.
Currently, wearing masks is recommended for people traveling to anticipate the transmission of the Corona virus. This virus is found in the saliva of a sick person when he sneezes, coughs, or even talks. Transmission occurs when splashes of saliva are inhaled by other people who are around.
Masks also need to be used when someone is in a closed room with other people, for example when in the office. Masks are also important for breastfeeding mothers with flu or COVID-19 who want to breastfeed their babies.
Choice of Masks for Corona Virus
There are many types of masks. Some of them are only useful for warding off pollution but cannot prevent the transmission of the Corona virus. Until now, there are 3 types of masks for the Corona virus that are recommended to the public:
cloth mask
In accordance with the recommendations of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, everyone is advised to wear a cloth mask when they have to travel outside the home, for example when they have to work or buy monthly necessities. Cloth masks can still dispel some of the splashes of saliva that come out when talking, exhaling, or coughing and sneezing.
So, if used properly, this mask can still reduce the spread of the Corona virus in the community, especially from people who are infected with the virus but do not have any symptoms.
Even so, as long as you are active in a place where there are quite a lot of people, it would be nice to keep doing it physical distancing even when wearing a cloth mask. If you are sick with clear coughing or sneezing symptoms, it is better to self-isolate at home.
In addition, it is not recommended to use a cloth mask twice. So, as much as possible wash the cloth mask every time you finish wearing it.
surgical mask
Surgical mask or surgical mask is a type of disposable mask that is easy to find and is often used by medical personnel while on duty. Surgical masks are an effective choice to prevent the spread of the Corona virus because they have a layer that is able to dispel splashes of saliva.
Most surgical masks consist of 3 layers that have different functions, namely:
- Outer layer, which is waterproof
- The middle layer, which functions as a germ filter
- Inner layer, which is useful for absorbing liquids that come out of the mouth
If you are sick, it is recommended that you use a mask with these three functions because it is effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, such as Corona virus infection.
Although effective to block the Corona virus, due to the depleting stock, currently surgical masks are prioritized to protect medical personnel working in health services or people who are sick in order to prevent transmission of the virus to others.
N95 Mask
N95 masks are also effective in preventing transmission of the Corona virus. Masks that tend to be more expensive than surgical masks are not only able to dispel splashes of saliva, but also small particles in the air that may contain viruses.
Compared to surgical masks, N95 masks feel tighter on the face because they have been designed to fit the nose and mouth of adults. For children, the use of this mask is not recommended because the size of the mask can be too large so that it cannot provide sufficient protection.
Despite their better protection, N95 masks are not recommended for everyday use. This is due to its design which makes it difficult for people who wear it to breathe, it is hot, and it is not comfortable to wear it for a long period of time.
These masks are prioritized to be used for medical personnel who are in direct contact with COVID-19 sufferers, for example doctors and nurses who work in the COVID-19 special isolation room or in the emergency room.
In addition to the various types of masks above, some people also often use valve masks. However, this mask turned out to be ineffective in preventing COVID-19 and could actually spread droplets or splashes of saliva that could potentially contain the Corona virus. Therefore, the use of a valved mask is not recommended.
How to Use the Correct Mask
Surgical masks and N95 masks can be used to prevent exposure to the Corona virus. However, the benefits of these two masks will only be effective if you use them properly.
Here is a guide to using the correct mask:
- Make sure you have washed your hands properly.
- If you are using a surgical mask, make sure the outside is green and the inside is white.
- Attach the mask strap properly. If the mask strap needs to be tied, tie the top first, then the bottom.
- Make sure the mask covers your nose, mouth and chin perfectly. Also make sure the metal part is on the bridge of the nose.
- Bend the metal strip along the curve of the nose until there are no holes.
- Avoid touching the center of the mask when putting on and taking off the mask.
- Throw the mask in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly after using the mask.
Using a mask for the Corona virus is effective in preventing transmission. Whatever the type of mask, you must understand how to use it properly. In addition, washing hands is as important as wearing a mask. Make sure to always wash your hands after doing or touching something, especially in public places.
Besides all that, maintaining health and endurance is equally important. If you have recently traveled to China or other countries that have been infected with the Corona virus, you should see a doctor for a health check, especially if you experience symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever, and shortness of breath.
