Mehran Khaneditor’s Note: The COVID-19 Fact Check is a series where we talk to doctors and ask them vivid questions about everything from COVID-19 treatment, to vaccines to diagnosis.
To quote the Mumbai Police, denim over denim is a fashion trend, but wearing two masks is a safety trend.
Double-masking is the hottest new idiom in the city. while WhatsApp Group and instagram DMs are full of people discussing pros and cons, surprisingly, not many of them are practicing double-masking. Regular hand hygiene, avoiding large indoor gatherings and receiving vaccinations, along with adhering to physical distance, require double-masking time.
Dr. Tushar Tayal from Internal Medicine Department, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon told First position, “With various mutants getting closer to us, the next step should be better security measures, which means a dual layer of masks.”
A study published recently magazine Jama Internal Medicine It is said that wearing two masks nearly doubles their effectiveness and helps to keep the virus away. Another reason for double-masking is to eliminate any gaps or poorly fitting areas around your face.
Megan Srinivas, an American Medical Association (But) Member and an infectious disease specialist at the University of North Carolina said the fit of the mask is important because it creates “a circle around any orifice” that can release virus particles.
“It means covering your nose and mouth completely, but then do it in such a way that it fits on your skin,” says Srinivas.
Kitne Mask Safe Hai?
Poore 2 Sarkar!#MaskDole#TakingOnCorona pic.twitter.com/fZ2188PA2u- Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) 5 May, 2021
Tael adds, “Layering not only provides a strong protection for infectious microbes by becoming a barrier, but also reduces infectivity of infection. Double masking also improves fit and filtration, which makes the person especially public. And preserves in low ventilation. Spaces. “
Mask up x 2
But is there a right or wrong way to double-mask?
“You can’t wear two N95 masks or surgical masks on top of each other - it won’t be useful,” says Srinivas.
For best protection against SARS-CoV-2, the best approach is to tie the surgical mask under a cloth mask. Alternatively, you can also use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric or stick to wearing the same N95 mask without a valve. There are some mask combinations that you should absolutely avoid, as described in CDC, E.g. Combining two surgical masks, a KN95 or N95 mask with another type of mask. These combinations can either make it difficult to breathe or have no effect on ensuring a safe mask fit.
Face masks are mandatory in all workplaces and public places!
Do to fight # COVID-19
Surgical Mask + Double / Triple Layer Cloth Mask
Tighten the mask on the bridge of the nose
Ensure that breathing is not blocked pic.twitter.com/MCBPIQAJlZ- PIB India (@PIB_India) 9 May, 2021
Some people refuse to wear masks because they feel they cannot breathe. However, Tayal says, “Masks are safe for everyone, while they may cause slight discomfort, they are the best course of action to take during an epidemic. If a mask is due to severe asthma or shortness of breath If not, they should protect themselves from COVID-19 by following standard COVID hygiene protocols. “
Dr. Rohan Sikera, Consultant General Medicine, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, told First position Double masking causes no breathing problems.
“Double masking is for everyone; even if you have problems with breathing, it won’t cause any problems. Right now it is being recommended all over the world because double-masking is the new norm”, he says.
How can you improve the fit of a mask?
Jama Study It is said that wearing any kind of mask is better than not wearing any mask at all. A well-fitted mask works best to prevent aerosol emissions as well as to avoid risk. A unshielded surgical mask or cloth mask can single-handedly block about half of the aerosols projected during a mock cough in the study. On the other hand, just tying and tucking a surgical mask can block about 77 percent of coughing particles, while 85.4 percent can be blocked with a double mask - for example, wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.
And when two people double-mask (with an appropriate fit), the study found that the receiver’s exposure to the virus decreased by more than 95 percent compared to people not wearing masks.
To check if the mask fits properly around your mouth and nose, follow these steps:
- Use a nasal stringed mask.
- Use a mask fitter or brace to prevent air from exiting.
- Check for gaps by wrapping your hands around the outer edges of the mask. Make sure no air escapes the area near your eyes or from the edges of the mask.
- If the mask is well fitted, you will feel the warm air filter from the front of the mask, and you can see the mask material moving in and out with each breath.
- You can also knot your three-ply face mask where the wires attach to the edge of the mask
- Fold and tuck unnecessary material under the edges. Insert video
- Check if you can see clearly by applying a mask and make sure your vision is not obscured in any way.
When to change mask
Cloth mask, according to Jeremy Biggs, medical director for occupational therapy University of Utah Health, Should be washed every day, especially if they are worn for a long time. You can go several days without washing them if you wear them for only five to ten minutes daily.
How to wear a mask
Wear an mask so that the nose clip is over the nose. The outer pleats should be downwards.
️ Open mask pleats so that it covers the mouth and nose.
️ Tie the upper wire first. Then the lower wire. There should not be a gap between the face and the mask.#Be safe pic.twitter.com/VtD5392Iby- #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) 9 May, 2021
If worn properly, a medical mask will last for eight hours. If it gets wet in the middle, it should be removed immediately. If surgical masks are used for a long time, they should be discarded every day. If used for a short time, they can be reused three or four times before discarding.
.
Add comment