In the early stages of COVID-19, humanity went through an unfamiliar test. To slow down the fast transmission of the corona virus, public health officials and experts called for obligatory use of masks leading to “flattening of the curve.”
It highlights the importance of masks in controlling the spread of viruses during this era and considers how they could be used as the main control strategy in case of any respiratory pandemics later on.
The Importance of Face Masks During COVID-19
Masks help stop airborne diseases like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. For these masks to work, they should be properly worn to completely cover the mouth and nose so one does not breathe in any particles. The more than half a year into the outbreak, it remains unclear whether it is better or worse than june 2020.
Public mask orders were an essential measure to control COVID-19 spreading rate, face coverings can obstruct leakages of air exhaled during respiration. When they are put on by persons, thus serving as physical barriers against pathogens bourgeoisies during their daily activities.
Face Mask: Standards and Effectiveness
There are standards that specify the requirements barrier face coverings, which are SWiFT 19 and ASTM F3502-21, to make sure that masks are efficient. Two things matter a lot: how the fabric is made and does it fit right when it comes to masks.
- Fabric/materials: Masks composed of several layers of dense fabric are more effective than single-layer or loosely woven ones at filtering respiratory droplets. The droplets are better shielded by thicker masks with multiple layers because they have more obstacles to get through.
- Proper Fittings: What is equally important is how well the mask fits. Droplets can escape or enter through the mask’s gaps unless it is well fitted and closely contoured to your face around the nose and cheeks. When there are openings in a loose mask, its efficiency in terms of filtering out particles from air is significantly decreased since they can pass right through these spaces.
Also read: How Do You Know if Birdflu has Transmitted to You? Signs & Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Retrospective View on Mask Effectiveness
Whenever one reflects on mask use during the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is certain that the masks have played a significant role in containing the virus. Modern laser-based methods have shown that what matters most in determining how well a mask functions is its structure and the material it is made from. When properly worn, top notch masks can cut down on the amount of air pathogens that are transmitted.
Masks as a Strategy for Future Pandemics
During COVID-19 pandemic showed that masks worked and are important antipandemic measures from the very beginning. Increased international mobility contributed to the emergence of global viilage. A term that popularly describes how fast zoonotic agents move around hence increasing chances for outbreaks occurring again. Under such circumstances masks act as a temporary but efficient measure for lessening infection rates until lasting solutions like Vaccines are invented.
Masks have been found to be very important in controlling the spread of Covid-19. This cannot be overemphasized how they help in lowering viral transmission due to their proper cloth as well as fitting. During the preparation for any possible breathing pandemics at some future time, taking up a culture of early mask-wearing could greatly aid in reducing effects of new infections.
So, wearing a mask is effective and benificiary for all. I hope you liked this article, if you have any messages or suggestion for us, please email or comment down below. Thank you.
