When the whole world is shaken over the coronavirus, the use of the mask is an essential step to protect ourselves from the infection. But, do we know the proper way to use it and then dispose of it, this very mask can become the carrier of the virus.
WHO, World Health Organisation has laid down certain guidelines to proper use of the mask and in this article I am going to simplify these for you.
However, the use of a mask is one of the several precautionary measures, you must know other ways to protect ourselves from this deadly virus.
Table of Contents
When to use mask
One of the best advice during this situation is to try stay indoor as much possible and try to work from home if it permits. Do not go outside until and otherwise it is truely necessary.
One should not get panic and rush to buy a mask. WHO says that if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with the suspected coronavirus infection.
You must use a mask when you have a cold and coughing or sneezing. This is because the initial symptoms of COVID-19 virus infection resemble the symptoms of cold and flu.
You should also take care of hand hygiene and frequently wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning.
How to put on mask
Before even touching the mask, ensure that your hand is thoroughly clean. Use alcohol based rub or soap and hand wash and follow a proper procedure to wash your hand.
Now, cover your nose and mouth with mask and ensure that there is no gap between your face and mask. Gaps can become a passage to virus destroying the very purpose of mask.
When you are wearing it, avoid touching the mask. If you actually need to touch it, then do wash your hand again.
How to take off and dispose of the mask
Its natural that mask will become damp after few hours of use, so replace it with new mask as soon as possible. Never reuse the mask as it may contain the infection.
When taking off, remove it from the behind and never touch it from the front. Dispose it of properly and again wash you hands.
Visit this WHO link to learn more on masks and its precautions
Stay away from rumors, myths
Stay away from rumors and don not believe everything you see. There was a rumor that spraying alcohol and chlorine can protect us from the virus. And WHO has clearly debunked this myth.
Visit this WHO link to learn all other myth buster and stay informed, stay safe.
Dr Sunit Sanjay Ekka is a physiotherapist in practice for the last 15 years. He has done his BPT from one of the premium Central Government physiotherapy colleges, ie, SVNIRTAR. The patient is his best teacher and whatever he gets to learn he loves to share it on his Youtube channel and blog.
