Mistakes in Using Masks | I'm healthy

The daily positive cases of Covid-19 at the end of June 2021 were very high, around 20,000 cases. The emergence of new virus variants, especially the Delta variant, which spreads very quickly, also contributed. In addition, people are starting to ignore and no longer obey health protocols, especially in wearing masks and avoiding crowds.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic a year ago, WHO has issued a scientific study that the transmission of the SARS-CoV2 virus, the cause of Covid-19, is through the air. (airbone). Therefore, the most effective way to prevent transmission is to wear a mask.

Did the Healthy Gang know that the use of masks is crucial. Not being disciplined in using masks, and wearing masks in a haphazard way, is one of the contributors to the number of positive cases of Covid-19.

Maybe all this time we think that the origin of the mask on the face is enough to prevent us from contagion. Even though this assumption is wrong, gangs. There are some mistakes that we often make when using masks. Let's find out and find out why.

Also read: Cases Increase, Use Masks More Disciplined. Need an N95 Mask?

Mistakes Using Masks

The following are mistakes using masks that are often encountered, and become the source of the rapid transmission of the virus:

1. Using a mask does not cover the mouth and nose perfectly

Maybe you think using a mask as long as it covers the area around the nose and mouth is enough. Whereas using the correct mask is one that perfectly covers the area above the nose, mouth to the chin. We have to make sure the nose, mouth and chin are tightly closed without gaps. That's why masks that have adhesive wires at the bridge of the nose have a function.

2. Lower the mask to below the chin

This we must often do, such as when eating or in the car. We don't realize that this behavior actually transfers the virus to our nose and mouth area when we raise the mask again. How could that be? The inner mask is usually sterile. When we lower it to the neck area, the inner mask will touch the neck area where the virus may have stuck to that area. When we raise it again, the virus will move to the nose and mouth.

If you want to eat, remove your mask by holding the mask strap. Put the mask in a closed plastic or cover the mask with a tissue covering the mask.

3. Use a mask that is too loose

A good mask is one that fits the size of our face. A loose mask certainly has the potential to enter droplets (splashes) into the nose and mouth. Choose a mask that fits your face, if it's still loose, you can tie the mask strap to the back of your head so that when you use it it fits your face.

Also read: Still Wearing a Mask on the Chin? Read Research on How Viruses Infect the Nasal Cavity!

4. Often touch the outside of the mask with your hands

The front of the mask is designed to be a virus barrier so this part is of course not sterile. Touching the outside of the mask with your hands can certainly be a means of spreading germs. Especially if you forget to wash your hands and touch other parts.

5. Using a medical mask upside down

Masks, especially medical masks, have been designed according to their function. Generally, medical masks contain 3 (three) layers where each layer has its own function. The outer part is made of water-repellent material that is able to ward off droplet splashes, the middle part acts as a germ filter and the inside functions to absorb fluids from coughs/sneezes. When using a medical mask, make sure which one is the outside and which is the inside.

6. Using a wet or dirty mask

Due to the limited supply of masks or being lazy to change masks, wet masks continue to be used. Even though, cloth masks are ideally used for 4 (four) hours because they get wet easily. Frequent use of wet masks is at risk of infection because germs prefer to live in humid areas. Likewise with dirty masks, so make it a habit to wash cloth masks after each use and use disposable medical masks. The Healthy Gang should have some masks in stock.

7. Take off the mask when around people

Because you feel the people around you are healthy, you then chat by removing the mask. Even though the distance between you and the friend you are talking to is close. This even raises the risk of transmission of the GGS virus. In addition, it is highly recommended that you use a mask together. We recommend that cloth masks be marked to distinguish your masks from other people's masks during storage.

Geng Sehat already knows the reason why you need to use a mask correctly. Let's start today by using masks properly and correctly. My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Still do physical restrictions (physical distancing) and wash hands regularly. Together we prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Also read: POGI Recommendations Regarding Covid-19 Vaccines for Pregnant Women Ibu

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Reference

1. World Health Organization. 2020. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks.

2. Greenhalgh T, Schmid MB, Czypionka T, Bassler D, Gruer L. 2020. Face masks for the public during the covid-19 crisis. BMJ. Vol. 369.

3. Susana E, et al. 2020. Universal use of face masks for success against COVID-19: evidence and implications for prevention policies. European Respiratory Journal.

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