Many people like to wear a mouth mask when traveling. The reason is because the use of mouth masks is considered to have benefits for health, especially in preventing disease transmission. Let's see the explanation in the following review.
There are at least two types of mouth masks that are widely used freely by the public, namely disposable surgical masks and N95 masks that can be used repeatedly.
Important Reasons for Wearing a Mouth Mask
According to research, using a mouth mask correctly has various health benefits, including:
1. Avoid exposure to air pollution
Smoke from motor vehicles, factories, cigarettes, and dust, are some types of air pollution that can be found every day. now, exposure to this pollution can affect the performance of the lungs and increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, heart disease, and premature birth.
For people living in highly polluted areas, this is the main reason to wear a mouth mask when going out. Anti-pollution masks, especially N95 masks, can filter dirty air before it is inhaled by the nose.
2. Prevent the transmission and spread of disease
According to a number of studies using a mouth mask can help prevent you from transmitting or contracting various diseases, such as flu, cough, ARI, and severe acute respiratory syndrome or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Therefore, wearing a mouth mask can be one of the best ways so that we are not easily infected or transmit the disease. A mask that is used properly can help prevent viruses and bacteria from spreading through the mucus or fluids that come out when you sneeze or cough.
3. Protects the face from the negative effects of sunlight and pollution
The reason for wearing a mouth mask that is no less important is to protect some facial skin from the negative effects of air pollution and sun exposure. Prolonged and repeated exposure to sunlight and air pollution is thought to cause premature aging and an increased risk of recurrence of eczema, acne, dark spots, and skin cancer.
In addition to masks, wear sunglasses, hats, and use sunscreen to protect the body from sun exposure.
Choosing a Mouth Mask
As mentioned above, there are two types of masks that are commonly used in general, namely surgical masks and N95 masks. The two types of masks have their advantages and disadvantages.
surgical mask
This mouth mask can protect the respiratory tract from splashes of sneezes and coughs of others. This type of mask prevents droplets of body fluids containing viruses and germs from coming out through the nose or mouth. The drawback is that small particles such as viruses in the air can still be inhaled even when wearing this mask.
N95 Mask
Named N95 because it is thought to be able to filter particles in the air up to 95%. This mouth mask is made to fit the face so that there are no gaps that allow the entry of viruses through the air. But the price is more expensive than ordinary surgical masks.
Basically, the reason for wearing a mouth mask is as a tool to protect, prevent, and reduce the negative effects of polluting particles or germs in the air that can interfere with our health.
But keep in mind, wearing a mouth mask cannot be a perfect protector from pollution, viruses, or germs. There may still be a loose gap between the mask and the face that allows germs or small particles to enter the mouth or be inhaled by the nose.
In addition to using a mask, you must also wash your hands diligently, clean the house and maintain air quality in the house, stay away from exposure to pollution, and keep a distance from people who are sick, to maintain health and prevent contracting the disease.