Medical masks
Masks
— personal protective equipment primarily acts as a "screen" in front of the user. While masks have limited air filtration, they effectively trap saliva particles and other bodily fluids expelled during exhalation, providing safety for both the wearer and those nearby. The main purpose of masks is to ensure the well-being of those in the vicinity, making them meaningful in various scenarios, including:— People with symptoms of respiratory diseases, as well as those who are in direct contact with such people and may be a carrier of the infection without knowing it (incubation period, asymptomatic course);
— Healthcare professionals use this protective equipment primarily during procedures with minimal risk of infection transmission from the patient via airborne droplets. The focus is on safeguarding the patient or materials involved in the procedure from potential infection or contamination. Surgical operations are a common example, but it's important to note that specific sterile surgical masks with enhanced protection levels are necessary for such cases.
When considering the use of masks as a protective measure for healthy individuals during airborne disease epidemics, like COVID-19, it's essential to acknowledge their lower filtration efficiency compared to respirators. Masks have limited capability in retaining bacterial and viral particles. However, since infectious agents are typically transmitted through small droplets of liquid, masks act as a barrier to these droplets, reducing the likelihood of infection. While not providing robust guarantees, using a mask, even though less effective than a respirator, can still decrease the entry of viral particles into the body. In everyday situations with low infection risk, such as a trip to the grocery store, masks can be a practical means of protection.
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