Respiratory masks (photo). How correctly to wear a respiratory mask?

Autumn and the beginning of winter - a season of flu epidemics, colds and SARS. This is why during this dangerous period, do not forget about additional protective equipment, such as respiratory masks.

Benefit and protection

In connection with the onset of cold weather in many cities, the epidemiological threshold increases from year to year by approximately seventy-five to eighty percent. In addition to standard cold remedies, such as strengthening immunity, hardening, herbal tea, one of the most reliable ways to avoid getting infected with a virus is a medical mask. In recent years, the number of people using respiratory masks in the streets of the city, in the metro, hospitals, has increased dramatically. Doctors say that this is due to the epidemic of poultry and swine flu, as well as ebola, the consequences of which were actively discussed by the media. Despite the fact that there are more people who prefer such a remedy, it is still impossible to call this phenomenon mass. This is confirmed by mass events, for example, hockey and football matches, on which medical masks are distributed during the flu epidemic. However, statistics show that too often fans are so passionate about the game that they forget about masks or do not change them according to the conditions of use.

Recommendations for use

The respiratory mask against influenza is recommended as a means of protection not only to healthy and sick people, but also to those who have already had a viral infection this season, because the weakened body is not yet able to resist the onslaught of new virus attacks. Since the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets and can enter the human body, even with indirect contact with the patient.

Doctors recommend wearing protective masks not only in unventilated rooms where there is a patient, but also in crowded places, for example, a bus, a shopping center or on the street.

Sixty percent reduce the risk of possible infection with the flu, according to epidemiologists, can thanks to wearing a mask and regular washing of hands with antibacterial soap. However, WHO warns: incorrect wearing of a mask increases the risk of contracting a viral infection.

How to wear a respiratory mask (specialist advice):

• The medical mask should be covered completely with the mouth and nose;
• Change disposable medical masks should be every two to three hours;
• After removing the used mask, it is necessary to wash face and nasal sinuses with warm water, as well as hands with soap;
• Do not use a disposable mask again, that is, wash or treat with disinfecting sprays.

Medical mask with your own hands

Not everyone who is concerned about his health can afford to use five to six medical masks per day.

This is due to the fact that, firstly, in some pharmacies of small towns and villages this is a scarce commodity, and secondly, the cost of such a protective equipment with the onset of colds increases significantly, as a result, the price of one mask can reach up to twenty rubles.

Virologists confirmed that if necessary, the respiratory mask can be reused, it is necessary to wash it with an ordinary washing powder and iron it on both sides, the temperature of the iron should be at least seventy degrees. If the above instructions are followed, the viruses are completely destroyed.

Many people prefer to make masks themselves to save money.

How to make an antivirus mask with your own hands? To do this, you need a piece of sterile medical gauze with a size of 110x55 centimeters and cotton wool.

• We fold the gauze cut in half, determine the center, then put a smooth, slightly crushed layer of cotton wool in the size of 35x25 centimeters.
• The ends of sterile gauze, not filled with cotton, are cut with scissors, forming two pairs of laces-strings.
• The upper and lower layer of the mask is folded so that when wearing the mask the nose and mouth are closed, leaving the lower part of the chin open.

Respiratory masks from fashion designers

In the season of cold and flu, many online stores and specialized pharmacies began to distribute unusual medical masks from haute couture. For example, on the sites you can find masks with funny faces, fairy-tale characters, animals and even the heroes of your favorite movies. Also, many offer such a service as making masks according to the customer's sketches. The author of this idea in his interview stated that such exclusive respiratory masks not only will help to protect themselves from the virus, but also will allocate their owner from the crowd, and will also contribute to a good mood. In addition, such masks are made of special material, which means that they retain color and shape even after repeated washing.

The cost of such medical exclusive masks is about one hundred and fifty to two hundred rubles.

Choosing the fabric backbone

Exclusive face mask (respiratory) is made only from cotton fabric or medical sterile gauze. Since the mask of synthetic tissues keeps harmful bacteria and does not "breathe".

The pre-folded fabric is cut into ten identical rectangles. Tightly press against each other and sew on a typewriter. To the edges of the mask is sewn a colored rubber band. The finished product can be painted with special paints, decorated with embroidery or rhinestones. Interestingly, in addition to its direct purpose, an essential part of some photo shoots is a respiratory mask. Photo models mostly use it for "kagao", that is, imitating the modern Japanese movement.

Health Tips

Wearing a medical mask does not exclude the fact of infection by a virus infection, so doctors recommend keeping at least one meter away from people who are sick with the flu or ARVO, and also:

• Wipe hands with disinfectants.
• Do not touch the face with unwashed hands.
• Do not stay in crowded places.
• Ventilate the study during work, as well as the bedroom before going to bed.
• Reduce contact with people who have signs of the disease, for example, cough, runny nose and so on.

Tips for those who are already sick

At the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor, as well as:

• Stay home, do not stay in crowded places.
• If coughing or sneezing, close your mouth if you do not wear a respiratory mask. The medical dressing for sneezing and coughing changes every hour.
• After use, disposable masks and paper handkerchiefs must be immediately disposed of.
• It is especially important in the period of cold and flu to wash hands with antibacterial soap.

Interesting fact

American scientists said that medical respiratory masks do not protect against viral diseases, but, on the contrary, promote the propagation of pathogenic viruses and bacteria in the airways. Scientists conducted a study in which two thousand medical workers took part. Subjects were divided into two groups, the first group used masks on a fabric basis, the second - masks made of non-woven materials. The experiment was conducted for six months. After the study, the scientists came to the conclusion that medical workers wearing masks on a tissue basis are much more likely to experience weakened immunity and signs of respiratory diseases.

Using respiratory masks, it is important to remember that they do not contribute to the detainment of pathogenic bacteria by 100%, but are only an auxiliary tool in the ARVI season.