Facemasks for the public

[WinterSwimmer]

I don’t know if people will find this useful. Just saw it and thought I would share:

bmj.com/content/bmj/369/bmj...

[PMRpro]

As of last Tuesday, here in Italy we must cover our faces if outside and near someone else or when in any enclosed space such as a shop. If we can't get proper masks then a scarf will do. But if you don't cover your face then you risk a fine. If it prevents one person getting this it is worth it.

And I'm beginning to think there is something positive about a burka.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

California is under the same rule.

Burka, ha, ha! I get face rashes (and sometimes swelling) so bad with my UCTD that I’ve told everyone I’m going to invent a ‘Lupus Burka’. (It would be a pretty shade of purple.)

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Thanks WinterSwimmer ,

We're carefully monitoring this for any changes in guidance that may be coming. At present, the British Lung Foundation is still advising against the use of masks for the general population as a preventative measure.

[overnighthearingloss in reply to Paul_Howard]

I think that in may be in part due to potential shortages for healthcare workers if the public panics again and buys up any remaining masks in quantity.

That is of course a valid stance.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to overnighthearingloss]

It may be, but I think it was also based on a lack of evidence of efficacy at the beginning of the outbreak. Their guidance may change soon.

I remember reading some concerns that certain face masks could increase your risk of contracting the virus because you a providing a warm, damp habitat in front of your face for any viruses to propagate. I'm not sure there is any evidence to back-up this theory though.

[overnighthearingloss in reply to Paul_Howard]

Yes I know.

There have also been differences in treatment methods in different countries so it not necessarily a one size fits all to say the masks are the answer.

There are also different calculating methods at work in different countries so to latch onto one thing alone, although easy, may be incorrect.

[stiff19]

Interesting 👍 I just look back in history and masks were used even then to stop spread of infection, if it’s not harmful I don’t see why they’re not used in the chance of doing good. If it helped in history it may help now 🤷‍♀️

Food for thought 🙌🏻 Thsnkyou

[overnighthearingloss]

I think there is a growing train of thought that although they may not be self protective, they may assist in reducing the chances of somebody who has a viral load themselves, being able to pass it on in a dangerous quantity.

There have been suggestions in some quarters that somebody coughing or sneezing on you without them wearing a mask will deliver a high amount of virus at one time. And that the body often then struggles to mount an effective immune response in time. Whereas a smaller first dose may be more benign in the early stages, allowing the body more time to produce a response.

But there are additional worries about where people may place a mask when it is removed and whether that will cause contamination on additional surfaces.

I have seen it suggested that in multi person households any possible infected persons should wear a mask to attempt to reduce spread.

This all comes on the back of a story in the Daily Mail of a fit and healthy 33 year old Uber driver who died. He said that a passenger he transferred was repeatedly coughing in the back of his vehicle before he then developed symptoms.

[junemc]

I am also coming to the conclusion that we should all be wearing masks. It is, of course, difficult to find one. My husband is using a mask bought from B&Q which is made for DIY so is not exactly designed to prevent viruses! However, in the Daily Mail a few days ago I saw a feature about a type of mask called a VIRUSTATIC SHIELD. It claims to offer 96% protection. I have now ordered one and I am waiting for it to arrive. I will report back after I have received it. If anyone is interested just google Virustatic Shield and you will find it. Surely wearing a mask is better than nothing? It must reduce the spray from coughs and sneezes. As long as we don't reduce availability for health care workers I don't see a problem.

[Wendy39 in reply to junemc]

I think that’s why the advice has stayed as it is. We have NHS workers complaining about lack of PPE, so Government had to get them sorted first.

You can buy on amazon. You can make your own.

Watch the video I posted with my reply. It’s really interesting to watch.

Best wishes

Wendy

[Gracey888 in reply to junemc]

I just had a look at it. It seems quite good. Although it says the protective part only lasts 3 hand washes? The websites being a bit tricky and I can’t seem to get onto their “how it works” page.

[junemc in reply to Gracey888]

I hadn't noticed about the protective part only lasting 3 hand washes. I am still waiting for mine to arrive. As it is the Easter weekend it has probably been delayed. When I finally receive mine I will report back with more info.

[junemc in reply to Gracey888]

Hi

I received my virustatic shield last week and my husband has been using it. I just thought I would pass on a bit more information in case anyone is interested. It is made of bamboo with some added lycra to give it stretch. It was invented by scientists at Manchester University who worked with the supplier to manufacture it. It is impregnated with a chemical which disables the virus so that you can safely touch the shield even after using it. As you say it can be hand washed 3 times. However it can be worn for 50 hours between washes, so effectively each shield can be worn for 150 hours. My husband is using it for around an hour a day to walk the dog so the shield should last him for nearly 5 months. After that you could still use it but the chemical protection will have gone. However, it would still provide as much protection as the cotton masks being sold. The virustatic is a snood, not a mask. You pull it over your head and it encloses the bottom half of your head, thus covering your nose, mouth and ears. This provides better protection than a mask which has gaps at the side. My husband really likes it, finding it lightweight and comfortable to wear. So far, I am happy to recommend it to anyone thinking about buying a mask. I think the time will come very soon, when wearing a mask in public will be compulsory.

[Wendy39 in reply to junemc]

Interesting, as I ordered one and have received it, just not used it yet. A friend of mine shared the link to the company, as she knows someone working for the manufacturers. So she and her family had already ordered a few. I just got one for now, as they aren't cheap. But wanted to see how good they were. They might well be the answer for me, once our self isolation is over and we are going out in public again - until a vaccine is ready???

I really think the Government are going to change their advice on this. The video I linked to, was highlighted on the BBC One 10 o'clock news just 2 nights ago? The BMJ is also saying they should be used now, despite no strong evidence to support their use, we've got to go with it and try it. Because any protection for life, is better than none.

youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-...(Not working as expected?)

bmj.com/content/bmj/369/bmj...

Wendy

[Wendy39]

I have a friend who has a GP as a close friend, sorry long winded, but she’s been relentless in her posts about masks.

Here’s a video made in Czech Rep.

Take a look at their data. It’s impressive, especially compared to ours.

We also know that sneezes and coughs are travelling further than the social distancing rule of 2 metres - 6-8 metres.

youtu.be/jZtEX2-n2Hc(Not working as expected?)

Like I said, worth a watch.

Wendy x

[WinterSwimmer in reply to Wendy39]

I have a lovely mask made for me by a friend. If nothing else I hope it sends out a message to others to keep away from me. I don't care if they think I have got it - just so long as they don't come near me. Not that I am going anywhere ATM - but still.

[Wendy39 in reply to WinterSwimmer]

I totally agree.

After our 12 weeks self isolation, if we are then allowed out, I will still be petrified, so will be wearing one.

I’ve also ordered a kind of snood with anti viral coating, that can be hand washed and reused.

I think the key is, masks aren’t 100% effective, but even if they’re 40% it’s better than nothing. Common sense, you still don’t tough your face and you wash your hands when you’ve removed it.

There a fashion designer locally, has been successful enough to open a couple of shops locally - she’s making them and hats to NHS staff, a bit like a cloth shower cap. I think I might ask her to make me some.

I hope you are able to relax this Easter weekend. It’s sunny here and I’m covered but it’s certainly better than rain.

Best wishes

Wendy x

[Jumper99]

Let me first say that the general public should only get masks when all of the front line people have enough to last them throughout the coming weeks, and that doesn’t sound as if it’s happening yet. We really need them to stay as well as possible.

My opinion is that masks of any sort, even scarves, might help stop infected people spreading the virus, at the very least it will lower the distance the drops travel when they breathe, cough or sneeze. As we don’t know when we are first infected before the symptoms start then I can see some reasoning why everybody wearing masks would slow down transmission of the virus.

[Hidden in reply to Jumper99]

I don’t understand why the mask industry isn’t jumping on the potential here. (The toilet paper industry too) I mean, these masks can’t take a lot of time to make, or material.

I find the best way to help the health care industry is to keep well and not have to end up in the hospital, esp on a ventilator. Stay in as much as possible. But when you have to buy groceries, wear a mask and gloves. Keep yourself as safe as possible and others around you incase you are a carrier without realizing. But if masks help, then I think it’s right that the public have them and I think in the big picture, it helps our health care industry by not over burdening them.

[Jmiller623]

Masks work. The right ones prevent viruses from going in or out the mask. There’s just a shortage for healthcare workers so there’s confusion on if we should be regularly wearing them. In South Korea, they handed out care packages to citizens which included masks and biohazard bags for trash. But you know....just like HCQ, shouldn’t everyone have the right to masks if it “might” save lives....😂🤣😂.

I started sewing my own duckbill masks from vacuum bags with hepa/micro filtration. It’s second best and almost as good as a surgeon mask.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=W6d3t...(Not working as expected?)

[overnighthearingloss]

Apparently this one is doing the rounds at the moment. I think it is benign but happy to delete if anyone is offended.

+++++++++++++++

If anyone is thinking of making a face mask out of a bra, make sure you use the left cup.

You wouldn't want to go out looking like a right tit. 😀