Can wearing disposable masks prevent the unknown pneumonia in Wuhan? What kind of masks are effective in preventing the unknown pneumonia in Wuhan?

We all know that a serious outbreak of unknown pneumonia has recently occurred in Wuhan. The number of people infected has been increasing over time. Recently, many people have been infected. Experts remind people to wear masks when going out for prevention. So, is it effective to wear disposable masks for unknown pneumonia in Wuhan? Let's take a closer look!

Can wearing a disposable mask prevent the unknown pneumonia in Wuhan?

There are many types of disposable masks. Generally, disposable medical surgical masks have some preventive effect. Other disposable paper masks cannot provide good protection. It is best to wear surgical masks and N95 masks.

Generally, masks should be at least N90 grade, which means that they have a 90% filtration rate for particles of 0.3u/m (p/m0.3). Compared with the size of viruses and bacteria, which are C.lum and lum respectively, it means that even viruses are difficult to filter out cleanly. In addition, masks cannot filter gas molecules because the dynamic diameter of gas molecules is between 0.25-045n/m.

The N95 series of mouthpieces are internationally recognized as the best mouthpieces for preventing infectious diseases, but they are not suitable for my country's national conditions. First, they are relatively expensive (about 8 yuan per piece), and second, the harmful space is too large (it is a hemispherical mouthpiece designed according to the high noses of foreigners). When breathing, a lot of waste gas such as CO2 is inhaled into the harmful space inside the mouthpiece, which is not good for health.

What kind of mask is best for preventing Wuhan pneumonia?

Common masks on the market can be divided into three categories:

1. Medical surgical masks

2. Medical protective masks (N95 masks)

3. Ordinary cotton mask

Among them, medical surgical masks can block 70% of bacteria, N95 masks can block 95% of bacteria, and cotton gauze masks can only block 36% of bacteria, so we should choose the first two types of masks.

You do not need to wear an N95 mask when going to general public places.

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 they will come into contact with patients, they must wear a biosafety N95 mask.

Medical surgical masks are sold in general pharmacies, while medical N95 masks can currently only be purchased at the new drug and specialty drug store on Hankou Aviation Road or medical device companies.

Tips:

1. For those who have caught a cold, please wear a non-woven mask to prevent your saliva and sneezes from spreading to others. (It only prevents others from being infected, and cannot really protect against influenza.)

2. As a safety protection for people who do not have a cold, please wear a KN95 or higher mask that meets the national standard for protection.

The correct way to wear a mask

1. Medical surgical masks

Medical surgical masks have three layers, from outside to inside, they are waterproof layer, filter layer, and comfort layer. The comfort layer is a layer of gauze. When worn, the white gauze faces inward, the blue waterproof layer faces outward, and the side with the metal sheet faces up. Do not wear it upside down. After hanging the rubber bands on both ears, pinch the metal sheet and nose to fit it tightly, smooth the cheeks, and leave as little gap as possible between the mask and the face.

How to wear:

1. Cover your nose, mouth and chin with the mask and tie the rubber band behind your ears.

2. Place the fingertips of both hands on the nose clip, start from the middle, press inward with your fingers, and gradually move to both sides to shape the nose clip according to the shape of the nose bridge

3. Adjust the tightness of the straps

2. Medical protective masks (N95 masks)

Commonly used N95 masks are actually divided into two types: one is an anti-biological mask (blue-green), model 1860 or 9132; the other is a dust mask (white), model 8210. Citizens should choose anti-biological medical protective masks when purchasing. When wearing an anti-biological medical protective mask, cover the mask on the face, first fix the lower rubber band on the neck, then fix the upper rubber band on the head, pinch the metal sheet to make the mask fit the face without leaving any gaps.

How to wear:

1. Hold the protective mask with one hand, with the side with the nose clip facing outwards

2. Cover the nose, mouth and chin with the protective mask, with the nose clip facing up and close to the face

3. Use your other hand to pull the lower strap over your head and place it behind your neck, under your ears.

4. Pull the top strap to the middle of the top of your head

5. Place the fingertips of both hands on the metal nose clip. Starting from the middle, press the nose clip inward with your fingers, and move and press to both sides to shape the nose clip according to the shape of the nose bridge.

What should I pay attention to when wearing a mask?

Masks should be used by one person only to avoid cross infection.

As we all know, if the mask is not worn correctly, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced. Therefore, in addition to choosing a suitable mask, you should also pay attention to the following wearing principles.

When wearing masks, the principle of one person for one use should be followed. If they are exchanged at will, cross infection and other consequences may occur. The principle of not repeatedly using masks should be followed. Disposable masks should be replaced every day and should not be reused. For reusable cotton masks, they should be cleaned in time and placed in the sun for disinfection. Used cotton masks will absorb bacteria and dust. If they are casually put in pockets, they will come into contact with different pollution sources. If they are worn again without cleaning, they are very likely to cause respiratory infections.

In addition, you should wash your hands before wearing a mask. When wearing a disposable medical mask, you should unfold the folded surface completely to completely cover the mouth, nose, and lower jaw, and then press the nose clip to make the mask fit completely against the face. Also note that disposable masks have inside and outside. The light-colored side has a moisture-absorbing function and should be placed against the mouth and nose, with the dark side facing outwards.