If you can't buy medical masks, can you use ordinary masks instead? If you can't buy medical masks, what can you use instead?

We all know that masks are a kind of protective equipment that is in short supply at present. They can prevent the new coronavirus to a certain extent and avoid infection and illness. Many people wear masks. So if you can't buy medical masks, can you use ordinary masks instead? Let's take a closer look!

If I can’t buy medical masks, can I use ordinary masks instead?

If you can’t buy medical masks, you can use ordinary masks instead. However, the protective effect is not very good. It is still okay for ordinary people to use it for a short time.

Although ordinary masks are not as effective as medical masks in protecting against viruses, they can still provide some protection. If you can’t buy medical masks, you can also wear ordinary masks. It is always better to wear one than not to wear one.

The protective effect of any type of mask is limited in time and must be replaced regularly. It is recommended to replace the mask every 2 to 4 hours. If the mask is contaminated, it should be replaced immediately.

What kind of mask can I use instead of medical masks?

If you can't buy disposable medical masks to prevent disease transmission, then it is necessary to find alternatives.

Expired disposable medical masks

Masks also have a shelf life. If they are out of date, even if they are N95 masks, it is best not to continue using them. Therefore, the protective effect of such masks will be greatly reduced, and they may even cause skin allergies. It is not recommended to use them.

Only one layer of mask

If you are wearing a medical mask with only one layer, it is best not to buy and use it, because such a mask does not have the ability to prevent and isolate bacteria and viruses. It is not recommended to use.

Dust masks

You can buy these masks in general stores. They only have dust-proof effects, but they are not effective in preventing the spread of diseases. It is best not to use them. If there are really no masks available, it is best to use a thicker and better quality dust mask, which will provide better protection.

Which mask can prevent the new coronavirus?

Liang Jiansheng, director of the Institute of Disinfection and Vector Control at the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that common masks on the market can be divided into three categories:

1. Medical surgical masks can block 70% of bacteria;

2. Medical protective masks (N95 masks), which can block 95% of bacteria;

3. Ordinary cotton masks can only block 36% of bacteria.

Liang Jiansheng introduced that if citizens go to public places and do not come into contact with patients, it is sufficient to wear a medical surgical mask and there is no need for excessive protection. However, if there is a chance to come into contact with patients, they must wear an N95 mask.

How to effectively dispose of used masks

Since the development of human civilization, there are dozens of ways to kill pathogenic microorganisms, including pressure steam, ultraviolet rays, high temperature, medical alcohol, chlorine (bromine) disinfectants, etc. However, it is better to use a sledgehammer to kill a chicken. For ordinary people like us, we must choose a simpler, more efficient and safer way.

In medical institutions

Whether you are seeking medical advice, visiting patients, or conducting interviews and investigations, please put all masks used in medical institutions directly into medical waste garbage bags. These masks will be centrally disposed of by professional treatment agencies as medical waste, so we don't have to worry about it.

Some people say, OK, you can just throw away the used masks in the hospital next time. Here, I want to remind everyone that you can’t do that, because going to the hospital will increase unnecessary infection risks.

usually

For people suspected of having infectious diseases, they should hand over used masks to relevant staff when seeking medical treatment or receiving investigation and treatment, and they should be treated as medical waste.

For people who have symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, sneezing, or have been in contact with such people, it is recommended that the mask be thrown into the trash first, and then 5% 84 disinfectant in a ratio of 1:99 should be sprinkled on the mask for treatment. If there is no disinfectant, you can also use a sealed bag/fresh-keeping bag, seal the mask and throw it into the trash.

For ordinary people, because the risk is low, used masks can be thrown directly into the trash can.

After handling the mask, remember to wash your hands!