Due to the scarcity of surgical masks and N95 respirator masks which are ideal for preventing Corona virus infection, many are now using cloth masks as an effort to protect themselves from the Corona virus. However, what is the ideal way to use a cloth mask to prevent Corona virus infection?
Corona virus can be transmitted through splashes of phlegm or saliva when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, people who are coughing or sneezing are advised to wear masks to prevent splashes of body fluids.
Not a few people are wearing surgical masks in the midst of the Corona virus outbreak. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical masks have become rare and expensive items. Not only the public, doctors, nurses, and all medical staff who treat patients are now starting to have difficulty getting masks.
Therefore, many are forced to look for other masks alternatives, namely cloth masks. However, are cloth masks effective in preventing the spread of the Corona virus?
Cloth Mask and Corona Virus
Until now, there has been no research that proves that cloth masks are effective in protecting someone from the Corona virus.
There are several studies that show that compared to cloth masks, surgical masks and N95 respirator masks appear to be more effective at filtering dust, bacteria, and viruses and can prevent the entry of phlegm or saliva splashes from other people when they cough or sneeze.
Therefore, cloth masks are considered less effective in protecting you from exposure to viruses, including the Corona virus.
The following are some of the reasons why cloth masks are less effective in reducing the risk of transmission of the Corona virus:
- Cloth masks are not medical devices and have not been tested to recognized medical standards.
- The fabric used is not the same as the material for surgical masks or N95 masks.
- The ends of cloth masks tend to be loose, so they can't cover the area around the nose and mouth perfectly.
- Cloth masks cannot prevent the entry of the virus into the nose or mouth through the air.
- Cloth masks actually risk increasing the risk of viruses entering the body because these masks are easy to move and loose, so the wearer needs to repeatedly touch the face to adjust the position of the mask.
Even so, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionn (CDC) recommends the use of cloth masks to the wider community to suppress the spread of the Corona virus, especially by people who have been infected with the Corona virus but do not experience any symptoms and appear to be in good health.
However, keep in mind, some cloth masks are equipped with valves or ventilation. This valve mask is indeed more comfortable to wear, but it is not effective at preventing the transmission of the Corona virus.
How to Use Cloth Masks to be More Effective in Preventing Corona Virus
Although it is called less effective than other types of masks, it does not mean that cloth masks are not suitable for use at all. Due to the limited number of masks that are ideal for preventing the Corona virus, cloth masks can also be used as a last resort to protect you from exposure to the Corona virus.
This is considered better than not wearing a mask at all when you cough and sneeze or when you are close to other people who may already be infected with the Corona virus.
To keep cloth masks safe and effective, try the following tips:
- Choose a mask that fits your face size and can cover your mouth, nose and chin.
- Wash your hands before putting on the mask, then put the mask on your face and tuck the straps behind your ears or tie the mask straps behind your head tightly so that the mask doesn't come loose.
- When using a cloth mask, avoid touching the mask. If you want to fix a changed or loose mask position, wash your hands first before touching the cloth mask that is being used.
- After use, remove the mask by opening the mask strap behind the head and then wash the cloth mask with hot water and detergent.
- Immediately replace the cloth mask if it is torn or damaged.
In high-risk situations, such as in a hospital or in a crowded place where it is difficult to maintain social distance, a cloth mask can be used as part of a double mask, which is a combination of a surgical mask (inside) and a 3-ply cloth mask (outside). ).
Tips for Preventing Corona Virus
In order to avoid transmission of the Corona virus that causes COVID-19, there are several preventive steps you can take to protect yourself, namely:
- Wash your hands regularly with clean running water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If there is no water and soap, use it hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching the eye, nose and mouth area.
- Apply physical distancing by continuing to study, worship, and work at home.
- Keep your immune system strong by exercising regularly at home, eating nutritious foods and supplements, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and not smoking.
Wearing a cloth mask may not be fully effective in protecting yourself from the Corona virus. However, this can at least prevent transmission of the virus to others, if you have COVID-19.
If you have a fever accompanied by a sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, especially if in the last 14 days you have been in close proximity to a person who is positive for the Corona virus or is in an endemic area of COVID-19, immediately implement the self-isolation protocol and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
In addition, you can also try the Corona Virus Risk Check feature which has been provided free of charge by Alodokter to find out the magnitude of your risk of being infected with the Corona virus.
If you have questions regarding Corona virus infection, both regarding the symptoms and steps to prevent COVID-19, don't hesitate to contact us chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.
