Having met a few people at The Christie wearing very smart ‘fashionable masks’ - I asked each the veracity of protection with these masks over the simple ones I wear. Apart from the cost implication being very different - they were certain that they had near 100% protection - I started to look into all the options. I’d bought some antiviral disposable masks which were ill fitting & about as much good as a chocolate fire guard.
So I came across this article which was really interesting :
Hi Sepsur,
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Many of the medical professionals assert that the N-95 or N-99 masks used by already infected people will reduce the amount of droplets and aerosols that can infect nearby people and surfaces.
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However an uninfected person would not be completely protected by only wearing a mask -even if it was 100% effective. It is important to make certain the mask fits well and there are no gaps. Anyone that has gone through fit testing of a respirator or breathing apparatus can tell you how challenging it is to eliminate all gaps. (I hate the smell of banana oil and smoke test sprays). google.com/search?q=fit+tes...
There are other paths to infection via droplets contacting your eyes, or touching your own face after touching a contaminated surface, that would bypass the mask.
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Len
Interesting one Sepsur!
However, I got stuck with: what to do with the mask as it filtered the bugs, fungi and viruses etc, collecting increasing concentrations in the fabric. Clearly the mask would then in itself become a risk to me as its infected contamination mounts. Further when to discard as they are not washable. Do I handle the mask with gloves?
A conversation with the company on this very issue was futile. I extracted no solution, guidance or advice.
All I was told was the effectiveness deteriorates as filtered stuff, including dust etc, accumulates. The greater the air pollution the shorter the effective duration etc.
I still have no answer.
I have 3 unused masks, expensive ones, and 3 in varying degrees of "contamination ".
I do believe the cheap masks, many on display, are effective for very short periods.
Also fitting, as lankisterguy states, is important, as air will funnel into our mouths through channels of least resistance.
In my woodwork shed I use a well fitting mask for dust protection. Its a totally different experience. These "anti-viral" masks I have would not work with dust from my table saw. They simply dont fit well enough.
I welcome further insights on this issue of some importance.
Jig
My daughter has her opening performance tonight at school - I intend going - masked because my neutropenia is scrapping along at 0.2. I’ll kiss no-one, shake no hands & resist embracing anyone. I intend washing my hands before & after, not biting my nails, rubbing my eyes or picking my teeth 😜- I’m also going to mask up & change it every 20 mins - sounds like a plan. I might not resort to wearing swimming goggles - which maybe sensible idea but a step too far for my daughter’s credibility.
Yeah! I hope it goes well for your daughter!
and... sit near a door - draught wafts stuff... and on the edge of the crowds.
Good luck
Jig
Definitely agree with making efforts to
Not rebreath other people’s air eg if you sit on the edge of a nice area and turn your head towards the empty space. Six feet space between your mouth and someone else’s would be ideal.
But here’s a radical idea: have your doctors considered giving you GCSF injections? It’s amazing to me the variation in how ready different doctors are to give that. But I can tell you it does work really well in many cases at boosting the levels . Now there may be reasons why they haven’t in your case, but I would definitely ask them. Also if you have been given some GCSF a repeat blood test might give you some reassurance too (ie knowing it’s gone up).
Oh and one thing nobody has said: don’t touch door handles and don’t use air dryers or towels others have touched for your hands.
Oh and you need to keep Your phone clean and disinfected too and other surfaces you might touch at home:
Definitely agree with making efforts to
Not rebreath other people’s air eg if you sit on the edge of a nice area and turn your head towards the empty space. Six feet space between your mouth and someone else’s would be ideal.
But here’s a radical idea: have your doctors considered giving you GCSF injections? It’s amazing to me the variation in how ready different doctors are to give that. But I can tell you it does work really well in many cases at boosting the levels . Now there may be reasons why they haven’t in your case, but I would definitely ask them. Also if you have been given some GCSF a repeat blood test might give you some reassurance too (ie knowing it’s gone up).
Oh and one thing nobody has said: don’t touch door handles and don’t use air dryers or towels others have touched for your hands.
Oh and you need to keep Your phone clean and disinfected too and other surfaces you might touch at home (great for metal glass etc)
Clinell Alcohol Wipes Large - Pack of 100 amazon.co.uk/dp/B01H3M8YU0/...
Then there are These are more suitable for surfaced that need cleaning (not for computers phones glass or metal
If you like using a pump action soup dispenser at home this stuff is great to replace it (tho soap may we’ll be equally as good)
Carex Dermacare Original Antibacterial Hand Wash Liquid Soap Refill 1000ml, Multipack of 3 x 1L amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GVCBHT8/...
And for washing hands when there’s no paper hand towels (I use kitchen roll at home) to dry them safely with.
Clinell Antibacterial Hand Wipes (Pack of 200 wipes) amazon.co.uk/dp/B073TXQW9Y/...
Or to carry with you Clinell Pocket Carry Size Hands Face Body Cleansing Clean Sanitising Wipes - 6 Pack, 60 Wipes amazon.co.uk/dp/B072BD2ZX3/...
Many of the above are ask available cheaper from a company called Medisave but are out of stock of some items.
Periodically I have GCSF & am having alternate day injections at present - which normally works - I’m in Christie’s at present waiting for bloods - so I’m hoping for good results - last time my figures jumped from 0.1 to 2.1 in a week.
Face Masks: What Doctors Say About Their Role In Containing Coronavirus
npr.org/sections/goatsandso...
"...health care workers interacting with a coronavirus patient should wear a heavy-duty mask called an N95 respirator. These respirators are designed to fit tightly around the nose and mouth, and, when worn correctly, block out at least 95% of small airborne particles, according to the CDC."
Neil
Good news about your neutrophils, enjoy your daughter's performance. I too have noticed patients at Christie's wearing more substantial masks, interesting post.
Maureen UK
Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Conclusion - respirators (N95/FFP2) work bestAre you wearing gloves or a mask? You might be doing it wrong. Masks DO save lives from the coronavirus!Respirator / Mask for travel & extended time in high COVID-19 risk environments
Mask Wars
when to wear a mask
