At the beginning of what officials warned could be the deadliest week of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States recorded more than 1,200 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, bringing the total number to 32,000 as of Thursday, April 16th according to NBC’s official tally.
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by an unknown virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands, avoid touching your face, and coming into close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.
The novel coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or an object that has the virus on it. We’re going to be highlighting some basics about the effectiveness of facial masks, when they’re necessary, and how to use masks to to stay safe and avoid spreading the coronavirus.
Do masks work to protect against the coronavirus disease?
Ordinary medical masks cannot protect against the new coronavirus when used alone. Wearing a mask alone will not prevnt the current virus, it’s best to combine other preventive measures as well. The World Health Organization or WHO only recommends the use of masks in specific cases.
If you have cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, you should wear a mask and seek medical care. If you do not have these symptoms, you do not have to wear masks because there is no evidence that they protect people who are not sick.
However, if you are healthy, but you are taking care of a person who may be infected with the new coronavirus, then you should wear a mask whenever you are in the same room with that person. Remember, if you choose to wear a mask, use it and discard it properly. Clean your hands extensively with soap and water or hand sanitizer if you’re unable to access water and soap.
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When and how to wear medical masks to protect against coronavirus
If you do not have any respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or runny nose, you do not need to wear an ordinary medical mask. Masks alone can give you a false feeling of protection and can even be a source of infection when not used correctly. Masks should only be used by healthcare workers, caretakers, and by people who are sick with symptoms like fever and cough.
Who is at higher risk?
According to the CDC, early information shows that some people are a higher risk of getting very sick from Covid-19. This includes older adults and people of any age who:
- Have serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart, lung, or liver disease; diabetes; moderate to severe asthma; severe obesity; and renal failure.
- Have a weakened immune system, including those who are undergoing or have undergone cancer treatments.
- Pregnant women should also be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness; however, to date data on Covid-19 has not shown an increased risk for women who are pregnant.
- If you are at higher risk for serious illness from Covid-19, it is critical for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.
- Stay home, avoid close contact with others and follow the other steps above
- Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns or ask about obtaining extra necessary medications in case you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
- Call a medical professional as soon as Covid-19 symptoms start, if you are at higher risk.
How are facemasks effective, you ask?
They’re effective because those who are healthcare workers and caretakers come into close contact with ill individuals, so the healthcare workers are at higher risk of catching Covid-19. Sick people who are being taken care of should wear masks in order to protect others from getting the virus. This is how healthcare workers, caretakers, or individuals who have fever and cough should use the mask:
- Before touching the mask, clean your hands with an alcohol based hand rub or soap and water.
- You must inspect the mask for tears and holes.
- You must verify which side is the top. It’s usually where the metal piece is.
- Identify the inside of the mask which is usually the white side.
- Fit the mask on your face and pinch the metal strip/stiff edge so it molds to the shape of your nose.
- Adjust the mask on your face covering your mouth and chin, making sure there are no gaps between your face and mask.
- Do not touch the front of the mask while using it to avoid contamination.
- If you accidently touch it, clean your hands.
How to dispose a mask?
- To take off the mask, remove the elastics from behind, without touching the front and while keeping it away from your face.
- Discard the mask immediately in a closed bin and clean your hands.
- It is important not to re-use a mask and you must replace it with a new one as soon as it gets damp.
Remember, the best way to protect yourself from the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based rub and soap and water.
Stay safe and don’t forget to check out our website - https://www.nobledentalsupplies.com/ for all your medical supply needs. Call us at 1.866.333.6825 if you have any queries.
