Since the end of December 2019, there have been numerous cases of acute respiratory diseases due to the spread of dangerous coronavirus, also known as the Wuhan virus or Chinese virus. Most cases have occurred in China, but cases have already begun to appear in other countries.
The coronavirus is presented as a common cold, but its consequences may be worse; so it is important to take the necessary measures to prevent its contagion and protect our health. That is why the need to wear masks for the coronavirus is imposed; especially for people who work in medical or health services.
If you want to choose a more efficient mask to help you prevent the spread of this Chinese virus; Here we present the ranking of the best masks to avoid the human coronavirus.
What is the coronavirus?
This terrible microorganism, also known as the Wuhan virus, belongs to an extensive virus family, including the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that hit China in 2002 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). It can affect the human being and several species of animals and has a mortality rate of 3.1% of cases.
How are coronavirus infections transmitted?
Due to the novelty of this disease, it has not yet been possible to establish with certainty what the propagation mechanisms are. However, scientists agree that the most likely form of infection is through small drops of saliva that spread through the air when a carrier of the virus coughs
To everyone's relief, they seem to have a limited range of contagion; since the known cases have occurred between people with close physical contacts, such as family members and healthcare personnel who care for the patients.
Non-contagious and non-infectious masks
Although their use is mandatory in China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Masks have also become the main safeguard in other countries around the world, especially in places where people gather, such as airports.
"The mask has a clearly protective effect" both in preventing transmission and in preventing airborne reception of the virus from another infected person.
This does not mean that it has to be used universally, there is no indication from the World Health Organization. It should only be used in special circumstances.
Tips for choosing a good mask for the Chinese virus
Keep the following recommendations in mind to know how to choose your mask for the coronavirus:
- Degree of filtering: The masks that offer you the greatest security are those that have FFP3 or N95 classification since they retain smaller particles.
- The adjustment system. Check that your mask is ergonomically shaped and that it fits your face properly. Don't buy the ones that allow the air to stand through the edges.
- The restraint system: Make sure you buy the right mask size for you. The best models have elastic or adjustable bands for more comfortable and faster placement.
- The vent valve It is ideal that your mask offers a valve that allows adequate exhalation of hot and humid air. This allows greater durability, prevents condensation of water inside the mask, reduces fogging of the lenses and gives you greater comfort.
- Make a comparison of masks: Making a list of the virtues, defects and prices of each model can help you decide which one to buy.
- Take into account the opinions of other buyers: Knowing how the experience of other users has gone can be an important fact when choosing.
Contact contamination?
Another question about the coronavirus is whether it can be transmitted by contact with an object.
To prevent this, in addition to masks, healthcare workers also protect themselves with latex gloves and special suits.
It is very possible that this other way of contagion, by contact, is very inefficient. The most efficient route is through respiratory droplets, coughs, sneezes... from people who are very, very close to others.
In this sense, it is possible that some drops that have just fallen on a surface, a person can touch them with his hand and then take them to his respiratory tract and become infected.
But this mechanism is very unlikely to produce a significant volume of sick people. The vast majority, or virtually all, of those who are clinically infected with symptoms end up having the disease. Because it is spread through the air, through their respiratory tract.
That's why Chinese citizens don't take off their masks, although the quarantine that practically paralyzes the country keeps them confined to their homes, while in Wuhan not only mask scarce, but also the hospital beds are not sufficient to attend to thousands of infected people every day.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus disease?
The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of the common cold or flu. The most common symptoms are:
- Nasal discharge.
- Headache.
- Coughing.
- Sore throat.
- Fever.
- general malaise
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should go to a doctor immediately to try to rule out the virus and take treatment measures if it is positive.
How to prevent the spread of coronavirus?
The main measures against the spread of coronavirus recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are:
- Avoid contact with people with the aforementioned symptoms.
- Avoid contact with live or dead farm animals or wild animals, as well as eating meat and eggs that have not been fully cooked.
- Wash hands frequently.
- The use of facial masks is ideal.
- Practice cough etiquette: Maintain distance and cover yourself when you cough or sneeze with tissues or use disposable masks.
- If possible, avoid traveling to the affected areas, especially to the city of Wuhan in China.
- It is important to protect against the cold and keep the rooms ventilated. It is also advisable to avoid crowded places as much as possible.