Covid-19 and Masks News!

Hotcakes have always been one of the most talked-about masks in the Corona epidemic. Everyone, regardless of ethnicity, has been involved in various discussions and criticisms about the use of face masks in one way or another. Why do we still use masks? What kind of mask should we use? Is it necessary to use a mask at all? Today’s article is about all these issues.

Science is clear to everyone here that using a face mask can prevent coronavirus and save many lives. We know the issues but no one tries to accept them completely. Whether it is due to lack of awareness or due to ignorance. An analysis of some preliminary data from a study of 194 countries found that in places where people were not aware of wearing a mask, the death rate was about 55 percent higher per week than in places where wearing a mask was compulsory. A model from the University of Washington found that if 95 percent of Americans wore masks regularly, more than 45,000 deaths could have been prevented by November. However, not all types of masks provide the same level of protection. Ideal face masks are very effective in preventing most viruses that are spread by sneezing or coughing. The main and primary means of spreading the influenza virus are aerosols or tiny airborne particles that are constantly emitted when a person breathes or speaks.

• According to the World Health Organization, medical or surgical masks should be used by all types of health workers who come into direct contact with patients, the elderly, and those who are infected with the coronavirus.
• People who are healthy or do not fall into any of the above categories should use cloth masks. The Disease Control and Prevention Agency has also encouraged the public to wear cloth masks.

But there are some issues here too, cloth masks are not all the same. According to Dr. Marzi Asfour of Marine County, California, cloth masks depend entirely on quality. If someone now makes a mask out of 600 thread count Egyptian yarn, it must be different in quality and meaning than a mask made from ordinary genji or T-shirt fabric. For the past few months, scientists have been conducting research on different types of masks, the use of any substance to reduce the risk of virus infection, etc. The most effective mask results of those studies are given below:

N95 and N99 masks

These two categories of masks have proven to be the most effective so far. Different organizations ask health workers to always give these two masks too much preference. This is because these masks are very tightly attached to the nose and mouth so that the aerosol cannot easily enter the mouth. Moreover, the yarn with which these are made is of very high quality and complex; Many are able to resist viruses or contaminated particles. A study in the Journal of Hospital Infections found that about 10 different masks were used in highly polluted and dangerous environments. The N95 and N99 masks have been able to provide the most resistance. The risk resistance level was about 95-99 percent. The number next to their name proves how strong they are against the virus.

Surgical mask

It is commonly used by almost everyone. Surgical masks are made of non-woven fabric so health workers who do not have access to N95 or N99 can use it without hesitation. A study conducted in April shows that surgical masks are largely able to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Another important issue is its availability. This surgical mask is three times more powerful than all other cloth masks. On the other hand, this mask is very easily available in most parts of the world. Surgical masks are most effective in remote areas where masks like N95 are not readily available.

Hybrid or homemade masks

Researchers in the United Kingdom recently published a paper on mixed-type cloth masks that are largely immune to the virus. Silk or chiffon-flannel fabric with 800-thread-count cotton with 2 layers is used here. It can withstand about 80 percent of tiny particles (below 300 nanometers) and is very effective at 90 percent of particles (larger than 300 nanometers). Studies have shown that cotton and silk are the most resistant. In addition, 4 layers of cotton and flannel, silk and silk fabrics provide adequate protection against the virus. The research team also found that the 600-thread-count cotton cloth is more effective than a surgical mask and can filter out many fine particles. Moreover, the World Health Organization recommends wearing a three-layer silk mask so that one layer will act as a sieve, the other two will be made of polyester resistant to absorbent and airborne particles, respectively. Research from the University of Illinois shows that a three-layer silk shirt or a mask made of 100% cotton fabric is just as strong as a surgical mask. A feature of cotton fabric is that it has stable electrical properties that can easily trap even the smallest particles.

Vacuum cleaner bag

Although it looks exceptional, the bag in the vacuum cleaner can act as a powerful mask. Filters made from vacuum cleaner bags can provide about 60 percent protection even in highly polluted environments. It is capable of filtering aerosols and other contaminants almost as much as a surgical mask. Another study in May found that if all the people in the world wore masks with at least 50 percent filter power, the epidemic could be brought under control.

Towel or pillow cover!

As the name implies, these items never work very well as filters. But these are much more advanced than single-layer cotton fabrics and can also be used instead of vacuum bags. Towels and pillow covers made of silk or satin are able to filter aerosols fairly, the researchers said. Putting a cotton scarf or a piece of cloth on the face does not make a mask, but they are at least better than having nothing on the face. Although the single-layer cotton fabric is very weak, it can filter out germs on a small scale. Cotton scarves can filter 45 percent of germs/viruses in a highly contaminated environment for about 20 minutes, and after 20 minutes it drops to 24 percent. But it is definitely better than 0! Aerosol particles can travel up to 16 feet with a sneeze or cough without a face mask. But even if you wear the thinnest mask on your face, it only goes up to 5 feet. Those who do not wear masks are 54 percent more likely to be infected than those who wear masks only with a cotton cloth. Even if you make a mask with paper, it is at least 39 percent effective.

Much also depends on how you wear the mask. The main difference between the N95 and the surgical mask is the limited space between them. No matter what mask you are wearing, you need to make sure that the amount of air leaks is about 0 percent. If you don’t wear a mask properly or if it’s not airtight, wearing a mask is almost the same. We have to keep an eye on this aspect as well. Above all, various studies show that the main cause of Covid-19 infection is airborne particles and aerosols. You can never underestimate the importance of wearing a mask and if every person follows this policy properly, the rate of infection will decrease drastically in about 4 weeks. So one request, please wear a mask, for your own sake, for the well-being of the nation.

Much also depends on how you wear the mask. The main difference between the N95 and the surgical mask is the limited space between them. No matter what mask you are wearing, you need to make sure that the amount of air leaks is about 0 percent. If you don’t wear a mask properly or if it’s not airtight, wearing a mask is almost the same. We have to keep an eye on this aspect as well. Above all, various studies show that the main cause of Covid-19 infection is airborne particles and aerosols. You can never underestimate the importance of wearing a mask and if every person follows this policy properly, the rate of infection will decrease drastically in about 4 weeks. So one request, please wear a mask, for your own sake, for the well-being of the nation.