Autumn and the beginning of winter is the season of epidemics of influenza, colds and SARS. That is why during this dangerous period, do not forget about additional protective equipment, such as respiratory masks.
Benefit and Protection
Due to the onset of cold weather in many cities, the epidemiological threshold rises from seventy-five to eighty percent from year to year. In addition to standard cold remedies, such as strengthening immunity, hardening, tea with herbs, one of the most reliable ways to avoid infection with the virus is a medical mask. In recent years, the number of people using respiratory masks on the streets of the city, in the subway, hospitals, has increased dramatically. Doctors say this is due to an epidemic of bird and swine flu, as well as ebola, the effects of which have been actively discussed by the media. Despite the fact that there are more people who prefer such a remedy, it is not yet possible to call this phenomenon massive.
This is confirmed by mass events, for example, hockey and football matches, which distribute medical masks during the flu epidemic. However, statistics show that too often fans are so passionate about the game that they forget about masks or do not change them according to operating conditions.
Recommendations for use
A respiratory mask for influenza is recommended as a means of protection not only to healthy and sick people, but also to those who have already had a viral infection this season, since a weakened body is not yet able to resist the onslaught of new viral attacks. Since the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets and can enter the human body even with indirect contact with the patient.
Doctors recommend wearing protective masks not only in unventilated rooms where there is a patient, but also in crowded places, for example, a bus, a shopping center or on the street.
According to epidemiologists, it is possible to reduce the risk of a possible flu infection by sixty percent by wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly with antibacterial soap. However, WHO warns: wearing a mask improperly increases the risk of contracting a viral infection.
How to wear a respiratory mask (expert advice):
- the medical mask when wearing should completely cover the mouth and nose;
- it is necessary to change disposable medical masks every two to three hours;
- after removing the used mask, it is necessary to wash the face and sinuses, as well as hands with soap, with warm water;
- Do not use a disposable mask repeatedly, that is, wash or treat with disinfectant sprays.
DIY medical mask
Not everyone who cares about their health can afford to use five to six medical masks per day.
This is due to the fact that, firstly, in some pharmacies of small towns and villages this is a scarce commodity, and secondly, the cost of such a remedy increases significantly with the onset of cold weather, as a result, the price of one mask can reach up to twenty rubles.
Virologists have confirmed that if absolutely necessary, the respiratory mask can be reused, for this you need to wash it with ordinary washing powder and iron it on both sides, the temperature of the iron should be at least seventy degrees. Subject to the above instructions, viruses are completely destroyed.
Many, to save money, prefer to make masks on their own.
How to make an anti-virus mask with your own hands? To do this, you need a piece of sterile medical gauze measuring 110x55 centimeters and cotton wool.
- Fold a piece of gauze in half, determine the center, then an even, slightly crushed layer of cotton wool measuring 35x25 centimeters is placed on it.
- The ends of sterile gauze, not filled with cotton wool, are cut with scissors, forming two pairs of drawstrings.
- The upper and lower layer of the mask is bent so that when worn, the mask covers the nose and mouth, leaving the lower part of the chin open.
Respiratory masks from fashion designers
During the cold and flu season, many online stores and specialized pharmacies began to distribute unusual haute couture medical masks. For example, on sites you can find masks depicting funny faces, fairy-tale characters, animals and even heroes of your favorite films. Also, many offer such a service as the manufacture of masks according to customer's designs.
The author of this idea in an interview said that such exclusive respiratory masks not only help protect against the virus, but also distinguish their owner from the crowd, and also contribute to a good mood. In addition, such masks are sewn from a special material, which means that they retain their color and shape even after repeated washing.
The cost of such medical exclusive masks is approximately one hundred fifty - two hundred rubles.
The choice of fabric basis
Exclusive face mask (respiratory) is sewn only from cotton fabric or medical sterile gauze. Since a mask made of synthetic fabrics retains harmful bacteria and does not “breathe”.
Pre-bent fabric is cut into ten identical rectangles. Press tightly to each other and sew on a typewriter. Colored gum is sewn to the edges of the mask. The finished product can be painted with special paints, decorated with embroidery or rhinestones. It is interesting that in addition to its direct purpose, a respiratory mask is an integral attribute of some photographs. Photo models mainly use it for “kagao”, that is, imitating the modern Japanese movement.
Healthy tips
Wearing a medical mask does not exclude the fact that a virus infection has occurred, so doctors recommend staying at least one meter away from people with the flu or ARVI, as well as:
- Wipe hands with disinfectant solutions.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Not to be in crowded places.
- Ventilate the office during work, as well as the bedroom before going to bed.
- Reduce contact with people who show signs of the disease, such as coughing, runny nose, and so on.
Tips for those who are already sick
At the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor, as well as:
- Stay at home, not in crowded places.
- Close your mouth when coughing or sneezing if you are not wearing a respiratory mask. A medical dressing for sneezing and coughing changes every hour.
- After use, disposable masks and paper handkerchiefs must be disposed of immediately.
- It is especially important to wash your hands with antibacterial soap during colds and flu.
Interesting fact
American scientists said that medical respiratory masks do not protect against viral diseases, but rather contribute to the propagation of pathogenic viruses and bacteria in the respiratory tract. Scientists conducted a study in which two thousand medical workers took part. The subjects were divided into two groups, the first group used masks on a fabric basis, the second - masks made of non-woven materials. The experiment was conducted for six months. After conducting a study, scientists came to the conclusion that weakened immunity and signs of respiratory diseases are much more common among medical workers who wear fabric-based masks.
Using respiratory masks, it is important to remember that they do not contribute to the retention of pathogenic bacteria by 100%, but are only an adjuvant in the ARVI season.