WTP Admin | 20-04-2020 05:49:59
PS: Public Post: Here is another sample to give you an idea of what we expect:
It’s always on the news: new infected cases, new deaths, new lockdowns, new upgrades in the quarantine facilities, more billions disbursed for research and containment efforts of the virus and so on.
Since December 2019, public health experts around the world have been scrambling to understand the covid-19 virus (better known as the Coronavirus) that has killed thousands and infected hundreds of thousands, as well as track it and contain it. With a good number of new cases being reported in new areas that many people have considered safe and far away from danger, and with the majority of new cases being reported outside China, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to predict the trajectory of this disease.
It’s therefore becoming ever more important for people to become aware of this disease and take the right steps to prevent infection and handle themselves right to protect others in the event they got infected, and one of them is learning how to utilize facemasks.
But I know that’s the reason you’re here.
You’ve heard the debate about the efficacy and use of facemasks and want some assistance to set things straight for you regarding the use of facemasks to take the right steps and have some peace of mind.
You also want to protect yourself and your family by understanding how this virus is transmitted, how masks help in curbing this transmission and other details and facts about masks to keep yourself updated. I know you have many questions such as:
Do I need a facemask to protect myself?
What types of masks should I know about?
What is the relationship between coronavirus transmission/infection and facemasks?
Why are some experts advising against wearing facemasks?
And many more…
As this epidemic continues to unfold, you deserve to be in the know, especially concerning what might be the most protective gear. Lucky for you, this book is here to answer all the questions you may be having about that, and to provide any other piece of information you may need about Coronavirus to have an upper hand and assure yourself and your loved ones safety.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Table of Contents
The Need For Facemasks: What Is Coronavirus And How Is It Spread?
How to wear a regular face mask the right way
Where Do You Turn When There Is A Clear Penetration Of Counterfeit Products Into The Market?
Selecting A Good Face Mask Amid The Negative Debate
The Common Reported Mistakes To Avoid When Using Face Masks
Face Masks And Bearded People, Kids And Infants
Boosting The Effectiveness Of Facial Masks With Good Hand Hygiene Practices
What Does The Future Hold For Facemasks?
Coronavirus is one of the viruses that cause disease in animals and seven of them, including the new virus, have been able to get into the human body, even though most of them just cause symptoms related to cold.
The Coronavirus we’re grappling with today is known as the Covid-19 (the name is based on the year it was discovered) and as we’ve seen, it is dangerous. So far (as of this writing), about 20% of the confirmed cases have either been classified as critical or severe, and the death rate stands at 2%. Over the recent past, we’ve had two other coronaviruses - The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)- that have been considered a lot more severe, as they’ve killed more than 1,500 people since 2002, with fatality rates (for MERS and SARS) being 30% and 10% respectively.
Coronavirus is believed to have originated from Wuhan, China, in a “wet market” that sold live and dead animals, including birds and fish. It has been argued that the nature of such a market (that involves butchering animals and keeping them on site, in large numbers) poses an increased risk of viruses moving from animals to humans. It’s also been speculated that the original host of the virus are bats which may have infected chicken or other animals being sold there.
Public health officers believe that the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is basically spread like other similar coronaviruses. Since it’s a new disease, scientists are still finding out the ways through which it spreads. However, here’s what we know so far:
The virus is thought to spread mainly directly from one person to another. More specifically, it’s spread between people who are in close contact- within an average of 6 feet. The virus moves through respiratory droplets when the infected person sneezes, coughs or simply exhales. These droplets can be in form of mucus, saliva or other bodily fluids. Once these droplets are inhaled through the nose or mouth, the virus gets into the body and starts wreaking havoc. These droplets can also fall onto other body parts like your hand, which may facilitate its entry into the body through the nose or mouth (for instance, you use the hand with the droplets to rub your face).
The virus may also be spread from contact with objects or surfaces that are infected. When you touch an object or a surface that contains the virus, and then touch your own nose or mouth, or even your eyes, the virus can gain access into your body. This is however not considered a major mode of transmission.
Experts also suggest that respiratory viruses can also be transmitted through the air in small dry particles known as aerosols. This is however the least effective mode of transmission because to be sustained, the virus needs to be able to survive in that environment for the entire time it’s exposed to drying. Viruses survive better in moist environment, but that doesn’t mean you should rule this one out.
You need to note that even though medical reports hold that the virus is spread most when the infected person is at their middle to late phase of the symptomatic stage- or when they’re most ill, it’s been noted that the virus can be spread even before the individual starts showing symptoms. This makes it even more difficult to contain or avoid.
Note: how easily the COVID-19 spreads from one person to another varies. Some viruses are spread easily than others. However, the virus that causes the COVID-19 has been seen to spread very easily and quite sustainably among people in fairly close contact within one area or “in the community” (“community spread”) in the affected geographical areas. A community spread simply means that people have been infected with the virus in a single area, and that includes many people who aren’t sure how or where they got infected.
Now that you know what the famous Coronavirus and COVID-19 are, let’s now talk about the facemasks.
Walk around any crowded place in China and countries in which there have been reported cases of this virus and you’ll see people wearing medical facemasks- in efforts to protect themselves from the virus. Face masks have flown off store shelves of many countries already, which shows that people have an idea of the importance of these items.
As we’ve seen, the virus is mostly transmitted through the air or any other means that facilitates the passage of the infected droplets to the mouth or nose areas; this means that a facemask may be one of the most important things to prevent the virus from spreading to you or to other people (if you’re already infected) as you receive treatment.
The features
A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable gear that creates a physical barrier between your nose and mouth and the potential contaminants in your immediate environment. They may come with a face shield or without one. While facemasks are often used in medical procedures, you can use them anywhere to keep yourself safe from contaminants.
These devices come in various thicknesses and have varying abilities to protect from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect your ease of breathing through the mask, as well as how the facemask protects you.
If you wear a facemask properly, it can assist block large-particle droplets, sprays, splashes or splatters that may contain not only viruses, but bacteria as well, which ensures it doesn’t reach your mouth and nose. Notably, a facemask can also tremendously reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to people. Remember that facemasks are not intended to be shared or used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled to whatever extent, or if you find breathing through the mask difficult, you should remove it and discard it safely, and replace it with a new one.
First, examine the mask for any tears or any kind of damage. Throw it away if you find any sign of it.
If your mask looks fine, pull the loop around your ears and expand the mask over your chin and nose, making sure it has a snug fit. Avoid touching the surface of the mask as you put it on, or when removing it.
If the mask is soiled with any kind of body fluid on either side (inside or outside), replace it. Remember that masks are single-use items, which should never be recycled or reused. Also, ensure you only touch the ear loops while removing the mask to prevent cross-contaminating fingers. Wrap the mask properly and dispose it off. Wash your hands.
The N95 respirators
The N95 is a respiratory protective tool that is designed to achieve a very close facial fit and a highly efficient filtration of particles in the air.
As the name suggests, the N95 means that the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small particles, which may include those ones carrying coronaviruses. If you fit it properly, the N95 respirator can work better (in terms of filtration capabilities) than the regular face mask.
Respirators are divided into two categories: insulating and filtering. Filtering respirators consist of a facepiece and a filtering device. Sometimes the filter element is integrated into the facepiece. Depending on the type of filter, the mask will either be effective only against particles, only against certain gases and vapors, or against particles, gases and vapors.
Filtering respirators can sometimes also be equipped with an exhalation valve to improve user comfort. The valve prevents condensation inside the mask, misting on the glasses and helps the user breathe in and out easily.
It should be noted that respirators also protect those who wear them from inhaling “droplets” of infectious agents. Respirators can be disposable or reusable. In the second case, it is possible to replace the filter when it is full.
Just keep it in mind that for the N95 to work as expected, you need to ensure it fits your face properly, so you need to check for a proper fit by putting on the respirator and adjusting the straps accordingly so that the device fits tightly but comfortably on your face. You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information on this. So if you consider yourself at increased risk of contracting covid-19, you should consider getting an n95 respirator.
Here’s a list of the N95s that have been cleared by the FDA in public health medical emergencies like the one we’re experiencing:
You’ll see a label that reads “Not for occupational use” on them to know you have the right product.
The N95 respirator can be tricky to put on, so here’re a few tips to ensure you’re doing the right thing:
First of all, don’t forget to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using this mask. Remember that it has to cover the mouth as well as the nose. Also, it should be in contact with smooth skin, which means that people with facial hair might have a problem with it. Even a small beard growth can let air leak in.
Don’t forget to use both straps on the mask to ensure it’s held in place to keep air from leaking around it.
Make sure the mask fits well
You can do a user seal check, which includes both negative and positive pressure checks to confirm that your mask is properly worn and well-adjusted to fit nicely.
As you know already, the main purpose of a face mask is to keep out the liquid of the cough or sneeze of an infected person from getting into your nose or mouth. You can protect yourself from getting sick simply by wearing one if you’re in close contact with someone who is ill, or like I mentioned earlier, from spreading your illness to someone else if you know or suspect that you have it.
A facemask can also be able to prevent hand-to-mouth viral transmissions, since you cannot touch your own mouth directly when you’ve worn one.
And in case you’ve thought about it, it’s true that some of us have gotten concerned about the efficacy of the N95s since viruses are generally smaller than the filter spaces. However, you need to understand that even in with their small sizes, the viruses get trapped in the mask layers by binding to the filter material ionically. What you may need to be more concerned about are the counterfeits, as discussed in the next chapter.
The best place to purchase this gear is in stores and online. You will find facemasks of all grades, material, style and variety. You’ll find masks made from medical-grade paper, washable fabric masks, decorative paper masks in many different colors, reusable dust and allergy masks and sleek polyurethane pitta masks. Most of these masks only offer partial protection against COVID-19, and the best protection can be offered by surgical facemasks and the N95 respirators.
More details on surgical facemasks and the other types of masks being used today discussed shortly.
Governments across the globe continue to seize tens of millions of fake masks. The rising demand for this safety gear and the resulting desperation from consumers to secure themselves a piece has been leading to shortages in some areas especially in China. This has led to an encroachment of the market by vendors selling counterfeit masks or practicing price gouging online. Reportedly, some companies which deal in electronics and previously had nothing to do with medical supply manufacturing have also gotten involved by purchasing new production lines to produce masks, further increasing the risk of the infiltration of substandard, counterfeit or illegal products into the market.
A good example is the Hong Kong market, which is a fairly unregulated. This market has previously been reported to having tons of overpriced commercial face masks even though many of them have been found to be ineffective.
On the other hand, Amazon also reported to have pulled down millions of products, which were part of an overcharging crusade by unscrupulous vendors, and products that were being falsely advertised against the virus. In a statement it released earlier in the year, Amazon said that it requires sellers to provide accurate details on product pages and abide by its policies, which includes the Fair Pricing Policy that states that sellers shouldn’t sell a price that is significantly higher than the price set in other places or sell something that misleads customers.
The company made the statement after the sellers increased their prices as high as five times the normal price.
The Better Business Bureau has been warning consumers of many scammers who have been taking advantage of fear surrounding the coronavirus epidemic. According to BBB, the vendors are opening phony online stores to sell facemasks, and some of these sites are sending substandard or counterfeit facemasks while others aren’t even delivering anything at all.
It even gets worse as BBB asserts that there are portals for scammers who steal personal and banking information from unsuspecting, desperate face mask seekers such as credit cards, which may result in identity theft.
So, how can you protect yourself from this disease and stay safe from scams? Here’re some of the best tips you can use:
It’s clear. The best face masks you can choose are the surgical face masks and the N95 respirators.
You already know why the N95 respirators are considered an ideal form of protection, but how about the surgical face masks?
Note that surgical face masks have to go undergo barrage of filtration, droplet, bacterial, flammability and splash testing to secure classification and approval of the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). It’s also important to emphasize that any protective medical mask shouldn’t contain any part or component made of paper. Surgical masks basically have 3-4 layers, which include melt-blown polypropylene (the part that filters), a dense non-woven polypropylene polyester/cellulose layer and one or more layers of melt-blown polypropylene filter material toward the side of the face.
That makes it very protective against the COVID-19 and other viruses.
On the other hand, the respirators have to meet the National Institute for Occupational safety and Health (NIOSH) standards within which there are a number of classes of respirators that vary based on the level of oil resistance.
Class N- doesn’t have any oil resistance. A difference comes in between N95, N99 and N100. Note that the number after the letter “N” indicates the percentage of filtration of the suspended particles.
Class R. this means the mask is resistant to oil for about 8 hours. We also have a distinction here- between the R95, R99 and R100.
Class P. This one is completely resistant to oil. We also have P95, P99 And P100 here.
But if these masks can offer a good level of protection, why have medical officers been discouraging people from using these and other facemasks?
The reason is simple, from what they’ve observed, many people aren’t able to use them properly, as we’ve discussed, making them less effective in protecting them against the virus. Other health officers think they’re unnecessary in low-risk areas and only overburden the consumers.
The other reason for the advice to stop wearing face masks is based on psychological factors. Some health officers argue that people who are sick are often reluctant to adopt prescribed gear (in this case, face masks) simply because it makes them stand out among other people. So, unless patients are ordered to wear a face mask, often because they’re in a hospital emergency room- they will always be reluctant to do so. This discomfort, according to experts, is unnecessary and unwarranted.
Also, there is no enough data to prove that masks can keep safe from Coronavirus by wearing masks or prevent yourself from infecting other people.
But as we’ve seen, common sense dictates that a facemask should be used in an emergency like the one we’re facing, and the fact that there isn’t enough data to validate their use or confirm their efficacy shouldn’t be a basis to shun them. During the SARS epidemic in 2003, trials in Canadian hospitals revealed that the nurses who wore a mask were less likely to contract flu. The nurses who wore N95 masks were reported to enjoying more protection even as they conducted dangerous procedures such as intubating SARS patients.
Outside the framework of COVID-19, respirators and surgical face masks have been studied for a long time, in hospitals, in pandemics and under surgical conditions but still, questions abound as regards to their actual efficacy. One systematic review of the literature published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that surgical face masks and N95 respirators are effective in the management of the spread of viral diseases. This particular study, however, shows that when worn properly, both types of protective masks have equal protective abilities. In light of the real-life user difficulties of using the N95 respirators I mentioned earlier, this study recommends the use of the ASTM-F2100 surgical facemask.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/184819
In any case, you know that it is a common protective practice even for medical officers to wear them around patients, so why wouldn’t you?
Reminder: go for reputable brands!
Just remember that if you don’t own an authentic face mask, it’s best to maintain a safe distance from other people, isolate yourself socially and practice good hand hygiene before you secure one. I mentioned that there are good vendors or companies who are offering the right products, so if it’s question of quality, you shouldn’t worry as long as you go to the trusted brands. Let’s take one example.
Not so long ago, companies started offering surgical masks and N95 respirators with embedded antiviral antimicrobial inclusions (into the normal filter layers). For instance, a reputable company known as Filligent Limited in Hong Kong creates such masks, and in 2012, the U.S FDA awarded the company a “First of Kind, First in Class” approval. This particular surgical face mask is similar to a regular ASTM-F2100 surgical facemask that is often used in hospitals and other health centers. The fact that the outer layer is hydrophilic, means that it effectively absorbs sneezes and coughed droplets; the compounds in this layer are also able to inactivate many different respiratory viruses.
It’s worth noting that this particular mask was tested against more than 15 influenza type A and type B strains as well as avian, equine and swine influenza. In all cases, there was a 99.99% inactivation. Other respiratory and common bacterial pathogens were also inactivated.
You can wear this mask (which is often known as the BioMask) for longer periods compared with the standard surgical face masks. What’s even better is that the problem of cross-contamination common in face masks is averted here due to the presence of antiviral compounds in the outer layer. The masks have been co-branded with Medline, CURAD and Target (the “Up & Up” house brand) and you can find them at Walgreens, CVS and Target in North America.
Now assuming you get the right mask, you should make sure it is 100% useful and effective for you. In that regard, there are mistakes that normally affect users that you should strive to avoid.
While pitta masks may have an N95 insert, these masks are generally made of permeable sponge material that doesn’t have a filter throughout the mask apart from a small circle valve insert.
On the other hand, there are homemade masks and some kinds of face shields made from raincoats, pieces of cloth, plastic bottles, cardboard boxes and other household items. These don’t offer any protection against the virus and only confer a false sense of safety for the desperate individuals.
Some experts have raised concerns about a popular DIY guide for making facemasks at home that was founded on a research done by the University of Hong Kong. This guide directs people to make the masks using tape and paper towels, and its proponents argue that it can confer up to 90% of the protection of manufactured face masks. You must have heard of such ideas and practices among some groups of people and wondered if it could work. This practice is generally extremely unsafe, and reflects irresponsible public guidance.
Let me conclude with a mention of an Australian randomized study that found that wearing cloth masks increases the risk of getting respiratory infections. Such kinds of masks tend to absorb moisture, thereby providing a breeding ground for parasites. Therefore, it’s not just about their ineffectiveness; these masks may do more harm than good.
Bearded people
Medical experts have pointed out that men risk not enjoying the benefits of facial masks because of facial hair, noting that various styles of facial hair can render these masks ineffective.
The U.S Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) noted that men who wish to maintain some type of facial hair may need to settle for a look that may not be on fashion. The agency revisited the graphic it had released in 2017, demonstrating how the various types of facial hairs are covered by facial masks.
Goatees, full beards and mutton chops can break the seal of the form-fitting devices, which may allow respiratory patches to get through. This also extends to the bold fumanchu and old-school mustaches. As you can see in the picture below from CDC, a variety of mustaches such as the walrus and handlebar and soul patches are acceptable.
However, the public health institute maintained that it’s best to maintain a clean-shaven style, especially if you don’t want to go through the hassle of ensuring the hair remains under the mask just because you want to sport a beard. It also said that for people using respirators that contain an exhalation valve, some styles may affect the valve- it may not work properly if the facial hair comes in contact with it.
Like most people, you might be wondering whether you should get your child or infant a mask, and if so, which type.
Therefore, face masks, regardless of type, may not be suitable for infants or younger toddlers below 3 years of age.
It can also be a challenging task to get a young child or toddler keep their face mask on. This is in addition to the constant grabbing and touching which leads to the damage or dropping of the mask or/and spreading of the infection through mucosal surfaces.
If your child is between 7 and 12 years, you can look for a brand that can fit them, as a study on specialized pediatric N95 masks revealed that they are okay to use during routine physical activities like walking to school, reading in class or even catching a bus, without inviting a problem to the child’s breathing ability or pattern. However, you should keep it in mind that the safety of the N95 masks for younger kids has not yet been evaluated or recommended.
All in all, the best way to protect your child from COVID-19 is keeping them away from high-risk areas such as confined and crowded areas like markets and shopping malls. This is the most important step in reducing the risk of contracting the virus. You should also teach them good hand-washing techniques or assisting your toddler with keeping their hands clean. What’s more, you should teach your children good hygiene etiquette, which includes sneezing and coughing into their elbows or into a tissue paper and ensure they learn how to dispose the tissue papers after use, and wash their hands afterwards.
As you already know, ensuring 100% safety when using facial masks requires your hands be clean at all times because of “cross-contamination” that is facilitated by fingers. As with other things related to the protection against Coronavirus, the sales of hand sanitizer gel has soared and with some supermarkets already run out, it’s possible the situation can be worse. Following this trend, many people have been making their own sanitizers, which continues to seem very convenient especially if the market runs out of stock.
But are homemade sanitizers effective? Keep reading…
Originally, sanitizers have been using alcohol as the active ingredient but nowadays, people are using things like vodka, aloe vera and witch-hazel. Hygiene experts, Public Health England and the NHS all agree that a hand sanitizer requires at least 60% alcohol content (though most contain between 60% and 95%).
Also, you need to note that viruses have been said to be more resistant to disinfectants than bacteria. Luckily though, Coronavirus is an envelope virus, which means it has a coating around it which can be attacked by alcohol, thus eliminating the threat. Making your own sanitizer may be effective against some kinds of bacteria but as some experts note, it’s not wise, and can be dangerous even. A shop-bought product contains emollients, which make them softer on the skin and remove the chance of your hands getting hurt. Since it’s not easy to get the mix right in your house, it’s not recommended.
The most important thing, however, is to know when to use your sanitizer. Given the fact that no one really knows with certainty how this virus spreads, objects have been flagged as possible transmission points. This means that you should try as much as possible to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand gel (if that’s not possible) when you go back to your “safe place” which can be your desk, your home or work station, train seat and so forth.
Avoid touching anything you don’t need to touch, and practice mindfulness when you’re going about your activities to know what you need to touch. After touching things that you have to touch, avoid touching your mask or your face before washing your hands or using the gel.
You definitely know how to wash your hands but just as a reminder, always use soap and water whenever you can. The American Society for Microbiology asserts that using soap and running water to wash your hands is more effective than a dab of gel you’ve probably not rubbed in properly.
https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00474-19
So wet your hands properly, on both sides, lather them nicely, including the area in between your fingers and beneath your nails, one hand at a time. Rinse them thoroughly under running water for about 20 seconds. Rinsing thoroughly is very important as it washes away viruses. Dry your hands with a disposable towel and then use it to turn off the tap before you throw it away.
The coronavirus epidemic has had scientists and medical officers spending days and nights in the laboratories trying to understand the nature of the virus, but also trying to create better ways of slowing down its spread. One of them is creating a better mask.
At the time of this writing, researchers based in the University of Alberta are creating a face mask that could neutralize the Covid-19 and other pathogens with a simple secret ingredient: salt.
Their novel technique is meant to make facemasks a lot more than a regular shield against illnesses that are potentially life-threatening. In case you’re wondering, the researchers have been investigating how salt crystals can cut through and kill airborne viruses- pretty much like a sharp tiny knife or needle piercing a water balloon.
Surprisingly, after the news of this research surfaced, many people in China began soaking their facemask in salt solution. However, Dr. Choi, one of the researchers discouraged them from doing so because the salt that was being used is not the right kind. Essentially, the kind of salt solution the researcher’s mask will use and other things are still top secret but they’re hopeful the masks will be out soon.
So, it’s safe to say that the future is very bright.
I hope this book has been able to answer all your questions regarding the use of face masks and to some extent, about the Coronavirus epidemic. We’ve talked about how you can protect yourself with good face masks, where and how to get good face masks, what to avoid doing to enjoy full protection of the facemask and many other details regarding best practices in using face masks and ensuring they protect you fully.
As we wait for the epidemic to fade away, let’s keep ourselves safe as much as we can.
