Put face masks away: Why you don’t need them
Face masks are generally believed to be the first line of defence against the Covid-19 outbreak. However, that’s not really true. You don’t have to wear one — unless you’re a health worker or you’re sick, authorities have said. In fact, putting them on could even increase one’s risk of contracting the virus.
Dr Hend Al Awadhi, head of the health promotion and education section at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said most people do not know how to wear the mask properly, and many are not aware of it.
“If the public wear face masks, they run the risk of infecting themselves with flu because every time you touch an infected surface and then touch the mask on your face, you increase the chances of infecting yourself,” Dr Al Awadhi said.
In general, face masks are recommended for people who have flu to prevent them from infecting others. Medical professionals also need to use them for protection.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) released a similar advisory, explaining how the N95 masks in particular may put unnecessary stress to the respiratory system and increase risks of developing respiratory diseases in the future.
An N95 respirator is a protective device carefully designed to fit the wearer’s face tightly, filtering out airborne particles. The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 per cent of very small test particles.
This special mask, however, must be used only by healthcare staff working in entities treating coronavirus patients, Mohap said.
It must not be used by children, it added.
Hand hygiene is your best defence
Maintaining hand hygiene is far more important than wearing face masks as a precaution, the DHA official explained.
Dr Al Awadhi said it is a must to frequenty wash hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid close contact with anyone showing the symptoms.
“If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitiser. If you greet someone with respiratory symptoms, do not touch their hands or hug the person,” she said.
Covid-19 symptoms, Dr Al Awadhi said, are like those for flu — fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and difficulty in breathing.
“People at risk of developing severe symptoms are those with chronic medical conditions or the elderly. Both flu and Covid-19 can spread from person to person through droplets from an infected person by coughing or sneezing or by direct contact.”
Those with flu should should always follow certain precautions to avoid the spread of the virus.
“Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of tissues properly. Hand hygiene is particularly important.
“I also find that people who are sick often go to work; they should stay at home and go back to work after they have recovered. If they are people with risk factors, they must definitely get themselves screened immediately.”