Can wearing a mask prevent the spread of Viruses?

Wearing medical masks specialized in surgery is one of the long-standing illustrations when a viral outbreak occurs.

Using specialized medical masks in surgery to prevent viral infection becomes common in many countries around the world, especially China also wears medical masks during the current Corona virus outbreak. and also for prevention when pollution levels increase.

Virus experts also question the mask's effectiveness in preventing the virus from spreading through the air.

However, there is also some evidence that masks can help prevent transmission through contact (hands, mouth).

Special surgical medical masks were first used in hospitals in the late 18th century, but it was not until the Spanish flu broke out and killed more than 50 million people in 1919. into widespread use.

Dr. David Carrington, St George's University, London, told BBC News "The widely used conventional surgical medical masks are not an effective defense against viruses or bacteria. in the air, "is the transmission line for most viruses, because these masks are not too tight, do not have air filters and do not cover the eyes."

However, medical masks can reduce the risk of viral transmission through "splash" droplets when sneezing or coughing and provide protection against oral transmission.

A 2016 study in New South Wales found that people touched their faces 23 times an hour

A professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, Jonathan Ball, said: “In a controlled study at a hospital installation, medical masks were also effective in preventing infect the flu as a respirator. "

Respirator mask, equipped with a specialized air filter, specially designed to protect against potentially dangerous particles in the air

"However, taking these studies from a performance perspective to the general population, however, the data collected is less convincing - which is quite a challenge to maintain," said Professor Ball. Maintain use of the mask for a long time.

Dr Connor Bamford, of the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, at Queen's Belfast University, says "implementing simple hygiene measures" is much more effective.

"Cover your mouth when sneezing, wash your hands and don't put your hands in your mouth before washing them, helping to limit the risk of getting any respiratory virus."

NHS National Health Service believes that the best way to prevent flu virus infection is:

Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
Avoid contact with eyes and nose anywhere
Maintain a healthy and healthy lifestyle

Dr Jake Dunning, director of the Institute of Malaria Parasitology at British Public Health, said: "Although the notion of wearing a mask can be helpful, in practice there is little evidence. about the broad benefits from using the mask outside of these clinical settings ".

He also points out that the mask must be worn properly, changed regularly, and safely removed in order for the mask to work.

"Research has also shown that following these recommendations will help reduce the time you wear a mask over the long term," he added.

Dr. Dunning thinks that if people are really concerned, they'd better pay attention to hand washing and personal hygiene.

Source: BBC