About the use of masks in the season of the rise in the incidence of SARS and influenza
As you know, respiratory viruses, including influenza viruses, are most often transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets: through drops released from the respiratory tract during speech, coughing and sneezing.
Anyone who is near a patient with symptoms of a respiratory infection (sneezing, coughing, runny nose, chills or fever, etc.) is at risk of becoming infected after inhaling infected droplets from the patient's respiratory tract. Therefore, among the means of non-specific prevention, a special place is occupied by wearing masks, thanks to which the spread of the virus is limited.
Masks can have a different design, depending on which the time of use and the degree of protection provided by the mask varies. If necessary, the mask can be made at home. Simple disposable face masks, as well as homemade masks, can be used no longer than 3 hours. You can not wear the same mask all the time (even multiple-use masks are reused only after treatment), otherwise there is a risk of self-infection.
To protect yourself from infection it is important to wear a mask correctly:
- the mask should be carefully secured, tightly covering the mouth and nose, leaving no gaps;
- a wet or damp mask should be replaced with a new, dry one;
- do not reuse the disposable mask;
- the used disposable mask should be disposed of immediately.
When caring for a patient, after the end of contact with the sick person, the mask should be removed immediately. After removing the mask, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.
The mask is appropriate if you are in a place of mass congestion, in public transport, as well as when caring for a patient. During your stay on the street, it is useful to breathe fresh air and it is not advisable to wear a mask.
However, it should be remembered that the use of a mask does not provide complete protection against the disease. In addition to the mask, it is necessary to observe other preventive measures.
