What happens if you don’t put the mask on your nose?

How to wear a disposable mask so that it protects, not harms? The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem at first.



On the Internet you can find a variety of opinions, and we gathered them together and tried to dot all the "i".

Back in February, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that wearing medical masks during an epidemic is recommended only for sick people and doctors.



But recently, on the basis of the latest scientific research and the rich experience of Asian countries proving the effectiveness of masks in containing the epidemic, the WHO has revised its own preliminary recommendations.

Scientists at Aalto University using a supercomputer showed how particles of the coronavirus spread when coughing or talking, as well as how long they are in the air?

? Experts have simulated a situation in which a person sneezes or coughs in the grocery store. pic.twitter.com/VDzKX7OKzc

— Moscow 24 (@infomoscow24) April 11, 2020



Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the organization, said: “In light of the new circumstances, WHO advises governments to encourage the public to wear masks when there is active mass distribution and it is difficult to keep a physical distance.”



He said people should be encouraged to wear masks not only on buses and trains, but also where physical distancing can be difficult - in grocery stores, at work, at social events, at mass gatherings and indoors, including schools, churches, mosques and other places of worship.

The effectiveness of protective masks!! pic.twitter.com/Gf1KKXQ4Ne

Traveler (@Puteshestvenik9) April 1, 2020



It has been repeatedly mentioned that a typical facial mask does not filter out the tiniest virus-containing particles. But it can protect against large drops. And for someone who is sick, it significantly reduces the distance at which viral particles exhale.

723724

Since June 1, in most regions of Russia began the first stage of withdrawal from quarantine measures. However, there is a requirement to wear masks and gloves in public places, and masks in the street.

Even though stores are reopening, COVID is still real. I've seen so many people NOT wearing masks & even if you are wearing a mask around people who aren't wearing one, there is still a risk. PLEASE KEEP WEARING MASKS IF YOU GO ANYWHERE PUBLIC WHAT IS SO HARD?????

— © (@akacorinna_) June 7, 2020



Even though stores are opening, the virus is still dangerous. “My mask protects you and yours protects me.” Wearing masks responsibly will reduce the spread of the virus and the risk of a secondary wave of the epidemic, protect our families and help avoid worsening economic crises.

Wearing a protective mask under the nose With improper use of the mask can not only become useless, but also harm health.



First and foremost, the mask must protect your mouth and nose. After all, the upper respiratory tract is the “entrance gate” for infection. And it is absolutely pointless to diligently close your mouth, while exposing an unprotected nose.

So and live pic.twitter.com/WPolgFeYCh

— Drunk Twitter (@drunktwi) May 29, 2020



It seems like a simple requirement. But look around you. It is no exaggeration to say that half of the people around us wear a mask under our noses.



Moreover, when we lower the mask on the chin (for example, to talk on the phone), the inside of the mask may come into contact with the outside. Thus, the infection from the outer layer bypassing the filter will get to the inner, and from there to the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Until recently, almost none of us faced the need to wear medical masks. So it’s not surprising that this causes people questions and disagreements.



On the Internet, there is a widespread theory that two-tone medical masks must be worn with a colored side outside. Or even that the color of the mask is a secret sign: “If the white side of the mask touches your face, then you want to protect others from yourself.” If the white side is turned outward, you want to protect yourself from others.”

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation made clear: “What side to wear a medical mask inside is not important.”



All right, orderly. Remove a clean mask from the package and place it parallel to your face, holding the rubber bands. The top will always be where there is a metal or plastic strip.



Put your fingers on her nose, spread the folds. The mask should be carefully fixed, tightly cover the mouth and nose, do not leave gaps.

Additional difficulties may occur in people with low vision. Glasses and masks are not very friendly. How to wear a mask with glasses, so as not to fog the glass, will tell our article.

Imagine a man put on a mask at home when his hands are still clean. Walks in it on business, takes hands for handrails, handles in transport. And then he comes to the store and sticks his fingers under the mask or even removes it, for example, to scratch his nose. Or, when the fingers are not opened, the fingers are opened.



And here all his precautions go to hell. It is necessary to remove the mask carefully holding the rubber bands, having previously washed or disinfected the hands with an antiseptic. When removing, try not to touch the surface of the product. If you touch it, wash your hands again.

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation recommends changing the usual medical mask every two hours. In hot sunny weather, this should be done even more often, about every 30 minutes (a mask that is soaked with moisture under the influence of temperature becomes unsafe).



If you remove a disposable mask, it is not recommended to wear it a second time. These masks are designed for single use. Turn it inside the side that was adjacent to the face, and only then throw it in the trash can.

In addition, something to "process" To enhance the protective effect before putting on the mask, ointment with antiviral action can be applied to the nasal mucosa. But splashing essential oils, vodka or antiseptics on the mask is impossible in any case. It is strictly unacceptable to inject antiseptics into the nose. They contain alcohol that can burn the mucous membrane.

A medical mask is just one of the protective measures. This is not a panacea or 100% protection, but it definitely reduces the viral load and becomes a barrier to direct contact with the patient. Regularly disinfect your hands, ventilate your home and wear a mask to protect yourself and loved ones from possible infection.

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