With coronavirus vaccines widely available for use and many vaccines that are partially or fully immunized, there is still a strong focus on the use of masks, which have been enforced since the pandemic began, and are just as important so far to stay safe, and vaccinated people are advised. Completely continue to wear masks to keep them safe and avoid infection, while mutated strains pose a threat and we await a possible rise of a new wave of the virus.
According to a report by the Times of India, we learn in the following lines to what extent the masks actually perform against these variables? Can some kind of mask provide more or less protection against a particular type of variable?
How effective are masks in preventing infection?
The first way that masks protect us is to eliminate the risk of transmission. Masks were not only created as a protection strategy that works against different variants of Corona, but multiple studies and clinical observations have also found that masks reduce the rate of transmission associated with the virus, i.e. reduce the possibilities of spreading infection from one person to another.
If the masks are used correctly by individuals, this may prevent the person from contracting the infection, and can prevent the infected person from spreading the infectious respiratory droplets that can cause illness, so it is very necessary to wear masks in areas where the infection is highly transmitted to reduce the risk of infection. Spread of infection, even after vaccination (partially or completely).
The different levels of protection provided by the different types of masks
Masks with filter
They are particularly useful if you are at high risk of exposure to the virus on a daily basis Medical guidelines recommend that in light of mutated variants that are spreading rapidly, use of this type of mask would be most beneficial for people who are exposed for extended periods of time to people who are not immunized, are not themselves immunized or are at risk Serious illness (immunodeficiency).
surgical masks
Surgical masks are the most economical and easily available type of mask in the market and while they offer a high level of protection from the virus and its variants, it is important to make sure that the mask you are using fits you properly.
Because surgical masks are often loose, the gaps in the side of the mask or around the nose can allow respiratory droplets that also spread faster with the delta variant to seep out and potentially cause infection, since the delta variant is known to be highly contagious, the use of such masks is Relatively less protective than other forms If you must make use of them, wrap them tightly around the ears to close all gaps The focus should be on getting the best fit from the masks to avoid the risk of infection and spread of the virus.
cloth masks
Cloth masks are widely used simply to benefit from comfort, fit and style, however, the main focus should be on the level of protection and the layers of fabric present in the masks Cloth masks can work well and prevent the spread of infection, as long as the layers in the mask are durable for the mask to be considered The cloth is effective against delta and other transmissible variants, there must be at least 3 layers of fabric in the mask, tightly woven and breathable since these masks can also be customized for a better fit, and the use of high quality cloth masks can be The best thing is to secure the protection against the delta variable.