The current pandemic has increased the widespread use of surgical masks throughout the world.
How to Use a Disposable Face Mask On The Right Way?
It is more than necessary to be aware of the correct way to wear these surgical masks.
If it is not worn properly, the chances of contracting Coronavirus will increase considerably.
A surgical mask is a loose fitted mask that can form a barrier between the person wearing it and the environment.
It aims to protect one from large airborne particles, sprays and splashes of nasal secretions and other body fluids.
Who Can Wear a Disposable Mask?
Generally, surgical masks were used only by healthcare professionals prior to Covid 19 era.
Now, WHO recommends it to all people:
- who are having even mild symptoms of cough, flu, fever, muscle aches
- above 60 years of age
- with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory disorders, any type of cancer and immunocompromised patients
- those who are either tested positive or awaiting their tests results
- caretakers of people who are confirmed Covid-19 cases and health care workers.
Direction to wear a surgical face mask
Follow these directions to wear masks properly:
- Wash your hand thoroughly before wearing masks
- Use the loop and gently place them behind your ears. Touch only the loops when you want to wear or remove them.
- Make sure the mask has covered your face, chin and nose. Adjust them accordingly and wash your hand after.
- Make sure that you are able to breath through it properly.
- Remove the mask from the loops and dispose of it properly when you have used the mask or when it gets visibly dirty.
- Wash your hands again after discarding your mask.
Things to keep in mind
There are a few things that should be noted while wearing masks.
These surgical masks are not a substitute for PPE when worn outside the healthcare facility (1).
Children above two years of age should wear a mask.
One shouldn't touch the mask while wearing it.
If you do, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, pay attention to your hand washing technique or use an alcohol based sanitizer.
Make sure that there are no gaps between your face and mask and it fits on your face properly.
These masks should be used only once and should not be shared between family members or friends.
One should still wear a mask if they are asymptomatic carriers and even after recovering from corona virus.
It should also be kept in mind that these masks alone cannot prevent the transmission of Covid-19 virus, they should be coupled with social distancing, frequently washing hands with above mentioned items, avoid touching eyes, nose and face, sneeze or cough into bent elbow or tissue paper.
We should reduce the workload on frontliners and protect ourselves and our families by following the guidelines laid by the government properly.