Lately I had been travelling and noticed that a lot of people had been wearing face masks because of the coronavirus outbreak that is currently happening. In the airport, many workers had gloves on to handle passports and almost everyone was walking with a blue surgical mask covering their face. This left me wondering, to what extent do these face masks help you in not getting infected?
Surgical masks outside of healthcare areas are usually used for those that are already infected as to not infect any more people. Right now, according to Business Insider, there is a shortage of surgical masks as many are buying them to protect themselves against the coronavirus; this massive hysteria has caused an inflation in surgical mask prices, as supply decreases and demand increases exponentially while the virus makes its way around the world. But at what point does the demand become unrealistic? According to CNN, the blue disposable surgical masks do not help much in not getting infected with the coronavirus.
The blue surgical masks are designed as a physical barrier, preventing any bacteria- droplets from getting into a worker’s mouth during surgery, and preventing any droplets from coming out of a sick person’s mouth, while coughing. They aren’t designed to keep microorganisms from coming in through the air, as they are not capable of filtering them. However, respirators are what help in not getting infected, as they have a 95% filtering capability. As well as respirators, one can wash their hands frequently to prevent contamination and avoid close contact with people that have been infected. If you think you might be exhibiting any symptoms, contact a healthcare provider as to not put others around you at risk.
In conclusion, the masses are buying masks because there isn’t much one can do if they get infected with a virus (when there isn’t a vaccine) and it gives an extra layer of safety. Perhaps we can find a new method of fighting viruses effectively and being available to all.
