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 droplets released from the respiratory tract during speech, coughing, and sneezing.

Any person who is near a patient with symptoms of a respiratory infection (sneezing, coughing, runny nose, chills, or fever, etc.), is at risk of infection after inhaling infected drops from the patient's respiratory tract. Therefore, among 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 varies the time of use and the degree of provided by the protection mask. 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't wear the same one all the time mask (even multiple-use masks are reused only after processing), otherwise there is a danger 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 sick. 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 from the disease. In addition to the mask, you must observe other preventive measures.