The battle with COVID-19 is still on. So, people must follow safe practices to keep the virus away and break the chain of transmission. As the cases have increased globally, top medical officials have announced the strict use of face masks to avoid spreading the disease. In that sense, are face masks really that effective? Yes. Use of face masks combined with other preventative practices like frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and maintaining physical distancing can help slow the spread of the virus.
Masks for general public and healthcare experts
While CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – US recommends fabric masks for general public, it recommended N95 masks to be preserved for healthcare providers and frontline workers.
WHO – World Health Organization – recommends medical masks for COVID-19 patients, their attendants and healthcare workers. WHO also recommends the use of medical masks by people who are at the highest risk of falling seriously ill after contracting COVID-19 Pandemic such as individuals above 60 years of age, and those having significant health issues.
Medical masks
These are loose fitting disposable masks, also known as surgical masks. It protects the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A surgical mask can also filter out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.
N95 masks
These are like respirators and of course are more effective than surgical or medical masks. It can prevent both large and small particles when the wearer breathes in. These masks are intended to be disposable in nature.
Cloth masks
Cloth masks can trip respiratory droplets when the wearer talks or coughs or sneezes. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling the droplets released by others. Experts are also suggesting wearing double cloth masks to increase the effectiveness.
As the fight with COVID continues, Sinai Medical Supply remains committed to provide the essential supplies online.