03/04/2020
MASK- Should you wear and when to wear?
Masks are designed to prevent spread of respiratory diseases. They are classified into various types based on their efficacy to filter out particles of different sizes and their ability to prevent infection spread through respiration.
We commonly come across 2 major types namely 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤/𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤 & 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 (𝐍𝟗𝟓 & 𝐍𝟗𝟗)
𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑮𝑰𝑪𝑨𝑳 𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑲- Made out of tissue works purely as a physical barrier. As they fit loosely, they play a role in preventing the wearer to spread droplets and aerosols . It 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 provide wearer protection from airborne infections
𝑵95 𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑲- It is called so as it has the ability to filter at least 95% of airborne particles but is NOT resistant to oil. Therefore render protection against suspended particulate matter in the air but not OIL AEROSOLS
𝑵99 𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑲- It is called so as it has the ability to filter 99% of airborne particles. Similar to N95, they too DO NOT filter oil-based pollutants
Therefore, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 recommend usage of N95 or N99 by General public . It is only meant for healthcare providers.
This is because it is challenging to use N95 at a stretch for a long time; if effectively worn makes it difficult to breath and hence becomes of no use. Moreover excess demand in general public creates shortage of mask for healthcare workers who needs it more than anyone else which worsens the situation.
Surgical masks can be worn by the general public without a doubt to curb spreading of diseases by reducing exposure of the wearer's saliva and respiratory secretions to others. At the same time should NOT render false sense of security as this is not a fool proof method of disease prevention.
Tip of the day: Choose your mask wisely coz someone somewhere might need it more than you
Picture courtesy Dr Anshuman Sikka
