Although most of us are now vaccinated against COVID-19, the lingering risk of getting COVID is still there. Hence, it is our duty as Indian citizens to protect ourselves and others from another surge of COVID cases.

How does a face mask help prevent infection?

Coronavirus, like common influenza, is an airborne disease and spreads when in the vicinity of an infected person. The fastest way in which it spreads is through the droplets expelled when an infected person sneezes or coughs in the company of a healthy person.

Another way it spreads is through aerosols (tiny airborne particles), and its release can be through normal breathing.

Face Masks, therefore, are considered by many as an effective measure to slow down or prevent the proliferation of the said virus. These face masks intercept disease-causing particles from entering your respiratory system.

Regions that have been affected by the Coronavirus disease have institutionalised mandatory usage of masks in public for that purpose. For instance, every individual in the Wuhan district (the epicentre of the virus) accompanied by those in South Korea and Japan has to mandatorily wear a mask in public.

Read more: Understand the benefits of Corona Health Insurance

There are currently two types of masks available in the market – surgical or disposable masks and N95 masks.

How are they distinguished?

1. Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are what doctors normally wear when treating a patient with influenza or any other airborne disease. However, its capacity for prevention is limited to large droplets; it is not efficient against aerosols, which linger in the air for a longer period.

The reason behind this phenomenon is its loose-fitting design which cannot catch or filter out aerosols, which are superlatively tiny air particles. 

2. N95 Masks

These masks are considered more efficient in terms of filtration. It derives the name “N95” owing to its capacity to block out 95% of airborne particles (lowest being 0.3 microns). Furthermore, its tight-fitting design prevents disease-causing molecules from infiltrating the wearer’s respiratory system.

When purchasing masks, you should consider a trustable source. Several studies have shown that masks, especially the surgical variant, sold by unregulated sources, tend to be of poor quality and can actually prove to be a breeding ground for the disease rather than preventing it. 

When to Use a Mask?

Health officials suggest the usage of masks, especially the N95 variant, under two circumstances:

• When you are in a neighbourhood or region in which someone has been diagnosed with coronavirus or flu; as chances are tiny airborne contagions will be on the loose.
• When you are tending to someone who is infected with the virus.

Even though the hysteria of mask-wearing is witnessed across the globe, it is only recommended to wear a mask only when you are subject to these instances.  

How to Use and Dispose of a Mask?

Follow these steps to use a surgical mask:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Choose a new mask.
• Check which side of the mask should be outside – it is important as the outer layer is waterproof.
• Wear it as per your convenience.
• Adjust the metal strip at the top for tight-fitting (for a proper fit choose the right size when purchasing).
• Adjust the lower end to cover your mouth and chin properly.
• When outside, abstain from touching the outer layer of the mask to avoid contamination.

It is strictly recommended by health experts to avoid reusing a surgical mask. To dispose of, abide by the following steps –

• Take it off by the ear-loops; refrain from making contact with its outer layer.
• Dispose of it in a trash can that is used for medical purposes and is tightly sealed.
• Rinse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Follow the below-mentioned steps to use an N95 respirator mask:

• Wash your hands properly before wearing the mask.
• Rest the outside of the mask on your palm and place it over your nasal region.
• Take the first ear-loop and rest in above your ears and the second one beneath those and untwist the loops.
• Mould the top region to adjust it to your nose’s shape.
• Place your palm on the outside region and exhale sharply to check whether air is leaking through any indiscernible gaps.
• Wash your hands again.

Dispose of an N95 mask if:

• It is contaminated with your nasal fluids or secretions.
• If you have visited or been in close contact with a patient suffering from flu or coronavirus.

Take off your mask by the ear-loops and refrain from touching its outer layer and then dispose of it in a closed bin. Wash your hands properly once you are done. 

If you are tending to an infected individual or staying in a region where someone has been infected with the virus, it is recommended that you use the N95 mask (without a respirator) due to its higher efficacy in preventing contagions from entering your respiratory system.

However, if you do not belong to the above categories and choose to take adequate precaution merely, you can go forward with a surgical mask; ensure that it is of proper standard and you purchase it from a regulated seller. 

Which mask is recommended for People Suffering from Flu or Coronavirus?

In the case of infected individuals, the best bet is on an N95 mask (without a respirator). Furthermore, such an individual should remain quarantined for the course of his/her treatment to prevent the virus’s spread. 

Is a Mask Enough to Prevent Coronavirus?

Wearing a mask while going out or coming in contact with other people is advised by health experts.

East Asian regions such as Taiwan have upped their production of masks by a manifold to meet its rising demand. Even India is one of the leading exporters of face masks in the Asian region.

However, there is no conclusive evidence that points to its efficiency and its rising demand is a mere demonstration of widespread fear. As to why it is so popular now, experts believe that it is because of the show a mask puts on as compared to other preventive measures such as regular washing of hand, blocking a sneeze with an elbow, etc. Regardless, if a mask is worn correctly, it does intercept the spread of the virus to your respiratory systems and can be considered as a viable measure.