The importance of wearing a mask during the flu

Do you often wear a mask when you have a cold? Or do you always advise people in your office to wear masks when they are sick? Your actions are correct, but how effective is the mask you are wearing? Did you put on your mask properly? Is wearing a mask enough to prevent flu transmission?

Is it true that wearing a mask when the flu is effective in preventing transmission?

For years, scientists initially doubted whether wearing a mask could prevent the spread of the influenza virus. However, it is only in recent years that the medical world has believed that wearing a mask when you have the flu or using it as a preventative measure is very helpful.

Research published in 2008, in International Journal of Infectious Diseases, concluded that masks must be used properly to be more effective in preventing the spread of viral infections.

Other research published inAnnals of International Medicine found family members reduced their risk of flu by about 70% when they also washed their hands and used masks.

Even researchers fromUniversity of Michigan also proved the same thing. The study, which involved 1,000 students living in the dormitory, divided into several groups, namely those who wore masks, those who wore masks and practiced hand hygiene, those who did not do both.

The results showed that the group that used masks and cleaned their hands in the dormitories had a 75% reduced risk of getting the flu. It can be concluded that wearing a mask is not enough, the researchers suggest that these precautions must be accompanied by washing hands.

Are there different types of masks?

When you want to wear a mask during the flu, make sure you know the types of masks to use. There are several types of masks:

1. Face mask

This type of mask is loose enough but fits well, and is often found anywhere. In America itself, the use of this mask has been approved by Food and Drug Administration in America to be used as an attribute of health.

Years ago, you may have only noticed that these masks were only used by medical personnel. However, since the spread of various viruses, such as bird flu, swine flu, and Covid-19, these medical masks are more often found in public spaces.

This type of mask is able to prevent false drops (droplet) originating from the nose or mouth that may contain the virus.

The disadvantage of this mask is that you can still breathe in a small portion of contaminated air. Therefore, wearing this mask cannot completely prevent the spread of the virus during the flu.

2. Respirator

Respirators, also known as N95 respirator masks, are masks specially designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air that may contain viruses. In fact, this mask is very rarely seen used in everyday life.

Again, after Covid-19 appeared, its use has become more common. In fact, the use of N95 masks is a priority for medical personnel.

This mask has been certified by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The name N95 itself comes from the ability of this mask to filter 95% of air particles. Apart from being used by health workers, this type of mask is also commonly used in painting or when someone handles a potentially toxic material.

Respirators are designed to adhere perfectly to the face and leave no opening for the virus to enter. Therefore, wearing a respirator mask is considered to be more effective at preventing transmission during flu.

How to wear a mask properly?

In 2010, the CDC updated its flu prevention line. They recommend the use of masks for health workers when in contact with flu sufferers. The CDC also recommends giving masks to patients showing symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Wearing a mask can indeed reduce the risk of flu transmission. However, this will only happen if the mask is used properly.

Here's how to wear a mask for the right flu:

• Use a mask if you constantly have to be within 2 meters of people who are sick.
• Position the mask strap properly, as this will keep the mask over the nose, mouth and chin. Try not to touch it (especially the front) unless you want to remove it.
• Usebefore You interact with people who have the flu, not when you have started the interaction.
• If you have the flu, you should also wear a mask, so that the virus does not spread.
• If the flu or other virus that spreads through the air in your environment is at a high level, wear a mask immediately.
• Never use a mask that is already used. After using it, throw it away and wash your hands immediately.

Prevention is better than cure. Preventing yourself from being exposed to viruses is the best method of dealing with the flu or other illness. Masks are a very good method, but of course they need to be accompanied by the right way to use them.

Apart from wearing masks, one of the preventive measures during flu season that is no less important is to wash your hands. In addition, you can also protect yourself with the flu vaccine to prevent yourself from contracting certain diseases.