Monday, March 9, 2020

Is Using Face Masks Useful?

Whole lot of Bhutanese are using face masks as a measure, in their opinion, to prevent being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Available resource material on the www tells us that inappropriate use of the mask can be more of a risk, than prevention. I believe that the Ministry of Health should set up a knowledge transmission program through the BBS to tell the people the truth about the face masks. The following are some knowledgeable views on the mask:

IF YOU MUST WEAR FACE MASK, WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW:
How to put it on, and remove it, the correct way.
Incorrect use of the mask is in fact more dangerous, than not using it.

IT CAN BE MORE HARMFUL IF YOU USE THE MASK INCORRECTLY:
Dr. Rajapakse of Mayo Clinic, USA says:

"Most people who do not work in a health care setting have not received training on how to put on and take off the masks properly. Doing this incorrectly can actually increase your risk of infection. Also, people who are wearing masks tend to touch their face more than those who are not, which can paradoxically result in an increased risk of infection as well."

WHEN AND WHO SHOULD USE THE FACE MASKS:
If you are an infected person, or if you suspect that you have been infected, you should use the mask – to prevent spreading the virus to others. If you are healthy, there is little or no benefit to wearing the masks. The masks are not airtight, thus they cannot prevent the viral particles being breathed in.

IS THE MASK YOU ARE WEARING DESIGNED FOR AIRBORNE PARTICLES:
Something that I learnt from the www is that you should know if the mask you are wearing is designed to prevent airborne particles. 

SINGLE OR MULTIPLE USE MASKS:
Apparently there are two types of masks: single and multiple use masks. How many Bhutanese care to learn what type of masks they are using?

No comments:

Post a Comment