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Which isolation mask would protect you from the coronavirus?
*****UPDATE Alert:The CDC RECOMMENDS MASKS WEARING FOR ALL SEE THIS LINK https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html*****
Why Use An Isolation Mask
The Coronavirus has infected approximately 14,380 people. As a result, 304 people have died.
The spread will likely increase over time. Therefore, you should protect yourself from the virus, but the protective measures may not be what you had in mind.
For example, you are probably looking for the most effective isolation mask to protect yourself. However, maintaining a healthy immune system, good handwashing, tracking, isolation, and quarantine measures are the most effective measures to protection.
You can track the virus at the link below. A graduate student at the University of Washington developed this tool.
(This is an affiliate link that supports the channel if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance for your support!)
Are Surgical Mask Effective
Consequently, I have noticed that there are several people wearing isolation masks. Seeing people with isolation masks alerted me of the concern for the Coronavirus.
Many people are wearing a surgical type mask. Although the surgical type mask might be better than no mask at all if you are sick, it may be unprotective if you are not ill, according to the World Health Organization. The surgical mask is not ideal for Coronavirus protection because of its inability to seal it around your face, but in my opinion, some protection is better than no protection at all.
For the best protection, be sure to get the appropriate mask and put it on and take it off correctly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend a face mask for Coronavirus protection if you are well. That said, it may be necessary to first check with your doctor or health care provider before wearing any mask. For the general public, surgical type mask are usually safe.
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What is Coronavirus?
I am no expert on this virus. All the information in this blog is referenced from my clinical knowledge of isolation mask and from the most current research at the time this blog was posted.
According to the CDC, Coronavirus is a contagious illness that affects the lungs, and you may become ill if you come in close contact (within 6 feet) with a person who has the disease.
How is Coronavirus Spreaded
The Coronavirus spreads through droplets from an infected persons’ cough or sneeze. So, which isolation mask should you get to protect you from droplets containing coronavirus?
The infected droplets may pass into an uninfected person’s lungs through their nose or mouth, causing flu-like symptoms and making it difficult to breathe over time. The first documented case of Coronavirus was seen in Wuhan, China in 2019, but has now spread to the United States.
The N95 mask is the recommended personal protective equipment for health care staff to prevent the virus. Again, fit testing must be done to determine the right size mask and correct application and removal. Fit testing is usually done by a hospital employee health nurse.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Coronavirus?
Some people have no symptoms or one or more symptoms of COVID-19. This could be very confusing because the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus are common to other illnesses such as flu and pneumonia. If you are having symptoms, there is a simple test that can determine if you have been infected.
What to do before going to the clinic or emergency room if you might be infected?
1). FOR THE BEST SERVICE, CALL YOUR DOCTOR AND THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY! TELL THEM THAT YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE CORONAVIRUS.
2). PUT YOUR MASK ON (IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A MASK, LET THE OFFICE OR ER STAFF KNOW, AND THEY WILL GIVE YOUR THE PROTECTION YOU WILL NEED)
3). Get to your doctor’s office or emergency room after you have called
4). Call 911 if you are having trouble breathing and TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING AND YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE CORONAVIRUS.
Signs & Symptoms of Coronavirus
1). Trouble Breathing
2). Fatigued or exhausted
3). Muscle soreness
4). Cough
5). Fever 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher (people with hypothyroid or other diseases may have a lower grade fever (i.e 99.4).
What Can You Expect When You Seek Medical Help?
1). You might see a doctor or a nurse in the medical office or emergency room
2). Think about who you may have been exposed to 14 days before your symptoms
3). Bring a friend of a family member who is familiar with your health history
4). Your blood and or body fluids from your nose, mouth, or lungs may be tested for the virus. Just know that most clinics and emergency rooms won’t have the capability to check for the virus.
5). Based on your health care provider’s clinical judgment, you may have a chest x-ray done
How is Coronavirus Treated?
Most people feel like they have a mild case of the flu and can be treated at home if they are not having problems breathing.
If you are having trouble breathing, you might need to be admitted to the intensive care unit to support your breathing with oxygen or a ventilator machine because there is no treatment for this virus other than protecting the airway and other essential body functions (airway, breathing, circulation).
Preventing Coronavirus?
1). WASH YOUR HANDS (WITH SOAP AND WATER) FREQUENTLY
2). Do not travel to China (if you must, do not go near animals and markets, and don’t eat raw meats, wash, peel, and boil first).
3). Avoid people with symptoms or wear a mask if you are sick or if you have a weakened immunity (organ transplant, HIV, ETC). However, again, the CDC does not recommend any type of face mask for protection
4). Sanitize your environment (wash COUNTERTOPS, COMPUTERS, door HANDLES, ETC)
5) IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE VIRUS, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!
Which Isolation Mask to Get to Prevent You from Coronavirus?
As was said eariler, isolation masks were not intended for the general public. A fit test and instructions for proper use are usually required yearly before wearing a mask.
There are several sizes and types to consider. The fit test assures that the mask is sealed around your face to avoid contaminated air to enter.
If the mask is not properly sealed, contaminated air could enter the mask. Who knows, you might then breathe in the contaminated air at a higher concentration, and it could potentially put you at higher risk for getting the virus.
Therefore, to avoid contraindications, always talk with your health care provider for advice before wearing any kind of isolation mask. Everyone should consult their health care provider but especially if you have a heart or lung disease. However, a surgical mask is usually safe for the average person.
What’s the difference Between the N99 and the N95 Isolation Mask?
An N95 or N99 mask would provide 95%-99% protection from the Coronavirus, respectively. The maximum amount of protection available is 99% using the N99 (FFP3). That is, only 1% of the Coronavirus droplets would get into the mask.
The N95 (FFP2) is the mask most hospital staff are required to use, and it would provide 95% protection from the Coronavirus, Tuberculosis, and other germs. T
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What Else You Need To Know About The Isolation Mask?
Having the right type of mask is essential, but there other important things you must do when wearing an isolation mask. Washing your hands and proper placement of the mask are among the two most important things you need to do.
According to our current knowledge, alcohol kills Coronavirus. In other words, alcohol Hand sanitizer is effective in cleaning your hands before each mask placement.
Proper placement of the mask is also critical to assure you have an occlusive seal around your face to keep germs out of your mask.
For the most comfortable mask, an N95 mask with a vale is recommended to allow air to escape the mask without letting any contaminated air inside the mask.
What Else Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus?
I cannot emphasize enough that the isolation mask is not enough to protect you from Coronavirus. However, use the type of mask your health care provider recommends and get fitted with instruction for safe protection. Please see the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control websites for more reliable information.
The main thing that should be done is the necessary universal protection to prevent infection. The most effective thing to do is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
As I said above, alcohol sanitizer is useful for killing the Coronavirus. Above all, frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is known as the basic universal precaution for all germs including Coronavirus. Remember,r to stay home from school or work if you are feeling sick. By all means, ask a friend or family member to help do your shopping and other errands to limit your public exposure.
How to Boost Your Immune System?
You Should Do the Following to Boost Your Immunity:
1) Get at least 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Try headspace sleepcast to help you get to sleep at https://www.headspace.com/sleep/sleepcasts Review the short videos below that will tell you all about (video 1) headspace and an example (video 2 and 3).
2) Stay hydrated as recommended by your health care provider (64 OUNCES Minimum, check with your doctor)
3) Take vitamin D3 supplement if you are deficient
4) Take Vitamin C or other antioxidants if recommended by your doctor
5) Take Elderberry as recommended by your doctor
References:
Crowley, K. & Martin, K. (Eds.). (2019). Patient Education: 2019 novel coronavirus 9The Basics). Up To Date. Retrieved from https://www-uptodate-com.ezproxy3.lhl.uab.edu/contents/2019-novel-coronavirus-the-basics?search=coronavirus&topicRef=8298&source=see_link
United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
This website is for information purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. It is for educational purposes only and was not intended to replace medical advice. Dr. Tonya has provided this content based on her research training and clinical and research knowledge. Consult your health care provider for medical advice and treatment and before starting any nutritional supplements or lifestyle practice.
