Lots of disinformation has been circulating about the mask and how it reduces transmission of COVID-19. During the pandemic, politicizing about the usage of mask can be observed also. It can be looked as an unfortunate thing as far as public health is concerned. Science related to public health is quite messy. Novel coronavirus is new virus about which only limited data is available.
In the beginning, there has been mask shortage. Therefore, governmental authorities have not recommended everyone to wear a mask. Therefore, people may not able to understand the nature of the advice now. However, it is necessary to believe the scientist from the public health. Based on the new available data, change in nature of recommendation can be noticed quite naturally. To understand a virus like HIV, years have been taken by the scientist. Therefore, it is important to give enough time to the scientist to come out with a solution.
What Do You Know?
Through respiratory spray, coronavirus is generally spread from a person to another. Social distancing is one of the ways to decrease the spread of germs also. High quality study about the mask may not have been done yet. However, no one can deny the fact that wearing mask is important for public health.
Effectiveness of Masks
N-95 mask is a gold standard as it offers about 95% effectiveness. Mask prevents viral particle inhalation. Therefore, it can be looked as the best option for the frontline workers. They have been working in the high risk areas where viral particle aerosols can be noticed. In terms of effectiveness, surgical masks and face covering made from cloth come respectively. However, it may be good enough to reduce the viral load by even 50%.
One of the prime reasons behind wearing a mask is to protect the general public. Most of the infected person may not be aware about it. So, they may spread the virus unknowingly. Sometimes, few to no symptoms may be noticed. Therefore, you must show respect to others by wearing a mask. If you wear a thick mask then it may cause trouble while breathing.
Does the mask reduce oxygen level?
By the frontline workers, masks are worn everyday in the hospitals. Masks are designed in a way that it does not cause any problem while breathing. Evidence has not been found yet regarding lower oxygen level. In case of a COVID-19 patient with lung disease, build-up of carbon dioxide may be observed due to continuous and long use of mask. Therefore, people with lung disease may discuss with healthcare professional before wearing a mask.
What You Should Do?
To decrease severe nature of pandemic and chances of infection by 100%, you may have to isolate yourself completely. However, it may not be possible at all. So, social distancing and mask may be the next best option to decrease spread of virus from one person to another.
If you are away from an infected person then chances of infection can be reduced. It is better to keep a minimum distance of six feet on the occasion. Temperature, air flow, humidity and viral load play an important role on the spread of virus also.
