If you are wearing a mask it is important that you wear it correctly. Even a cloth mask can help lower the chances of contracting Covid-19 if worn correctly.
Wearing a face mask often helps people feel protected and reassured. However, the best way to protect against Covid-19 is social distancing, washing your hands often, and only leaving your home for essential errands.
Although a surgical mask helps trap larger respiratory droplets, it can’t protect you from contracting – as it does not filter out smaller airborne particles or fits snugly on your face. So, airborne particles can leak in through the sides of the mask. The CDC does advise the general public to wear cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of the disease.
Why is it essential to wear a mask?
- It is essential to understand that a mask works best at keeping your germs in, rather than keeping others germs out.
- Your mask should be made of a fabric with a high thread count for durability.
- After you put your mask on, do not touch it.Use the string of the mask to adjust, do not touch the fabric. If you touch the fabric of the mask consider your self-contaminated and immediately wash your hands.
- Your mask should cover your nose and mouth. It should be snug but not so tight that it touches your lips, touching your lips will allow droplets to directly enter your mouth.
- After you wear your cloth mask in public, be careful when taking it off and immediately wash it in hot water – if it’s a cloth mask. Have several cloth masks handy, this will ensure you always have a clean one available.
When should you wear a face mask?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using surgical masks only if you:
- You have a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms.
- You are well but caring for someone with a respiratory illness – in this case, wear a mask when you’re within 6 feet or closer to the person who is ill.
How to put on a mask?
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before putting on the mask.
- Check for defects such as – tears, broken loop.
- Position the colored side of the mask outward.
- Make sure the metallic strip is at the top and positioned against the bridge of your nose.
- Hold the mask by both ear loops and put it on.
- Adjust the bendable metallic strip to the shape of your nose, by pressing it down with your fingers.
- Pull the bottom of the mask over your chin.
- Do not touch the mask once you have worn it.
- If the mask gets damp then replace it with a new one.
What not to do when wearing a mask?
Once the mask is positioned securely, there are certain precautions to keep in mind to ensure you don’t transfer pathogens to your face or hands.
Do not
- Touch the mask once worn, as your hands may not be germ free.
- The mask should not dangle from one ear.
- The mask should not be hanging around your neck.
- Reuse the mask once worn until you have washed it in hot water.
How to remove and discard a surgical mask?
It’s important to remove the face mask correctly to ensure you don’t transfer any germs to your hands or face. You also want to make sure you discard the mask safely.
- Wash your hands before taking off the mask.
- Avoid touching the fabric while taking off, hold it by the strings.
- Carefully take the mask off your face and discard the mask by carefully placing it in a covered bin.
- Wash your hand again after disposing the mask.
Although face masks may help reduce the spread of some disease-causing organisms, evidence suggests that using face masks may not always protect you or others from exposure to certain pathogens.
We hope you are taking good care of yourself. Do read http://bit.ly/2Qr2yZ0 for a wide range of articles and advice on dealing with Coronavirus covered by Seniors Today.
