We have had our first Corona virus diagnosis here and i am now looking at using a face mask while out. But there are so many conflicting opinions in the media, some say face masks can make catching the corona virus more likely while others say a face mask protects. Obviously the all important thing is to make sure our hands are washed regularly and correctly. But stocks of anti bacterial products are flying off the shelves here in Rugby. I went online to check what was available and the amount of rip off merchants taking advantage of the situation was unbelievable !! One was selling carex antibacterial hand wash pack of 12 for more than £40 !! Just checked and he has put the price even higher to £68 !! Pure greed !! They are only £1 each at poundstretcher and also 33 % extra to each bottle at the moment.
Face mask or not ? : We have had our... - Lung Conditions C...
Face mask or not ?
I think most medical sourced advice is that they will not protect you. Those that say they do have a vested interest.
My daughter is training to be a chemist. In her shop when they sell the mask they inform each customer that the masks offer little or no protection to the virus. They may give some protection from a sneeze but that is about it as the virus is very small and most masks are porous. I would not tell anyone not to wear one but the only person to benefit is the seller.
I researched this thoroughly at the time of the SARS outbreak. Viruses are much tinier than bacteria & very few masks will give any protection. Those which do are the close fitting ones with respirators, which are very expensive, especially as you have to change them so often.
The only benefit of a mask I can see is, it stops you touching your face (not your eyes tho, unless you wear one with eye protection.) So just train yourself to stop doing that. I’ve managed that in just a week of being aware of it.
Imagine how a mask inhibits your breathing. I definitely couldn’t tolerate that.
I was just talking to my son about this today. The Lung Foundation (Australia) nurse told me they were of little value to stop getting the virus - unless it’s actually the infected person wearing one. Personally, I’d feel safer with one in crowded situations. I’ve noticed on tv and in newspapers that personnel working with people infected with the coronavirus ALL wear one - which tells me one thing. There must be some protective value having a mask on.
Masks available are designed to protect other people from you and your bacteria, and viruses are very much smaller. . I read that they get damp , dont fit very well and need changing regularly. There are respirator ones but will be expensive and complicated.
It's awful we have such conflicting reports of what we should do. And yes I agree about the rip off merchants, they don't see public health all they see is money it's disgusting. You have a lovely day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx
I have always wore a Mask long before this Virus, in waiting rooms etc. Whether they work or not ? I feel confident having my Mask on. Right now, I am staying indoors as I have No immunity, on my exercise Bike 3 times a day with some side Bends, arm pumps etc. Wishing you & everyone a safe & Peaceful daily Life. Xxx love n hugs 😘❤😘❤🍷
I am not paying a bit of attention to those who advise against the mask. Plain old commonsense tells one that some protection is provided by the mask. In this corona case, every little bit helps. The surgical masks will at least prevent one from repeatedly touching their own face, and it will keep droplets from going directly into one's mouth or nose. Additionally, I wear my very light colored but UV protected sun glasses. Those who have been promoting this anti-mask info have been trying to prevent a run on masks, so that medical personnel will have enough. Fortunately, when I began having lung issues, my dentist gave me an entire unopened box of surgical masks like he wears when he cleans my teeth. I previously did not use them very often, but now I am...I'm wearing mine too, Hacienda...
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Morning Hun (6.42 am here) , Good on you, I have always worn a Mask as I said in my Post. My Daughter Bought me 3 x Boxes per 100 masks a couple of Years ago, from Amazon as I couldn't at that time buy them anywhere here in my Area. Stay well and carry on being Vigilant against this Virus. Love n Hugs Sweetie. XXX C.
In spite of everything I will stay wear a mask!
Its recommended not unless you actually have the virus yourself. Please view the video on page link below:
bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-517141...
Also if you’re caring for someone who may have it
if worn they have to be changed regularly as when they get moist they become ineffective. As medical professionals do. N95 masks.
Yes they’re good, if genuine, and some are washable. There are a lot of fake N95s online though. I shan’t be using one, couldn’t bear anything over my face
I think people diagnosed are in isolation at the hospital, it would be too dangerous for them to be cared for at home unless the carer is fully trained on the precautions to take. People wearing the mask and removing with their hands - pointless, carry on spreading it around. I would steer clear of any one caring for someone infected, they would have to be in isolation as well. Refer link above posted for carrina.
Medical professionals wearing masks of course they are genuine. They don't buy them off the internet.
Obviously I didn’t mean medical professionals
people who want to wear masks and pay extortionate prices for what could be fake masks its up to them to take that risk and also up to them if they want to self educate about using them and disposing of them. No touching once used, no reusing, double bagging after use etc. Entirely up to individuals to that risk, but really they could be spreading the virus around for everyone else if they are not using and disposing of them properly.
Wearing a silk scarf over your nose and mouth will give you as much and more protection as a mask. Everyone is jumping on the "let's rip 'em off" bandwagon. you can also wash the scarf as often as you like. Just my uneducated opinion.
Firstly, this is virus, not a bacterium, so antibacterial hand washes are only as good as the surfactant in them (though some may provide further protection); the antibacterial action is useless against a virus, soap and water being just as good (and cheaper). The only exceptions to this are antiseptics (like bleach, which you can dilute for wiping surfaces) and 60% alcohol hand cleaners.
On the issue of masks, which I think others have addressed, is that they tend to absorb the droplets on which the virus rests. This means that the outside of the mask becomes damp and further contaminated; as you tend to dampen the inside of the mask with your own breath, presumably the moisture will ultimately meet in the middle and the virus transfer to the inside. So you would have to be careful removing the mask and you may still retain the virus on your face. Consequently, the best use of a mask is to prevent someone else from being contaminated if YOU are infected, since they will never be in contact with your mask.
Further to my post above, this is the official PHE line on facemasks in a response to my MP on the subject:
Public Health England’s (PHE’s) advice is that face masks play a very important role in clinical settings, such as hospitals, but there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use outside of these clinical settings. If used, facemasks must be worn correctly, changed frequently, removed properly, disposed of safely and used in combination with good universal hygiene behaviour in order for them to be effective. Research also shows that compliance with these recommended behaviours reduces over time when wearing facemasks for prolonged periods.
PHE’s advice is updated regularly and is available to view here: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus...
"Give a man a mask and he will tell the truth." Oscar Wilde.
Has the UK government issued guidelines for those of us who struggle to breathe with a face mask/coverings?
