At Tacoma Elder Care, your safety and security are one of our biggest priorities. As part of our commitment to helping you through these challenging times, we want to share important information you may find interesting or relevant. There seems to be a lot of confusion about masks right now, so here are some basic tips you may find useful. During these challenging times, Bob Michaels is available for consultations in person, by phone, or using Zoom or Skype. Please contact Bob HERE to request a meeting. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent many into a preventive panic, donning face masks as a sort of immunity accessory. But not all masks are created equal, and not everyone needs to be wearing one. Here’s what you need to know. Do they help?
Yes, face masks are effective
Masks are one of many tools to protect against the transmission of viruses. One way you can catch a virus is by inhaling or ingesting droplets of respiratory fluid from someone who has it. According to a 2013 study, the spread of a virus can be significantly reduced if people who have the virus wear surgical masks. And a 2015 study noted that surgical masks are a vital means of physical protection for healthcare workers when treating people who are sick. Also, frequent handwashing is an incredibly effective way to protect yourself, since viruses can live on all kinds of surfaces (doorknobs, cardboard packaging, plastic, you name it) that you touch all the time. What Masks Are Best? To protect yourself from the coronavirus, there are two types of masks to consider: surgical masks and respirator face masks. Surgical face masks are relatively loose-fitting disposable masks. They are FDA-approved medical devices, and many healthcare professionals, including dentists and doctors, use them when treating patients. Only masks with a fine mesh can trap small organisms like viruses, and the masks you find at your local drugstore probably won’t do the trick. They also have to be worn correctly to be effective. And face masks, no matter how effective, won’t protect your eyes — a possible target for airborne contaminants. Respirator face masks, unlike surgical face masks, are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the CDC to protect against large and small particles. If they fit someone’s face to form a perfect seal, respirators can protect against airborne contagions like anthrax and tuberculosis. This kind of mask is often referred to as an N95 respirator mask because it can filter 95 percent of airborne particles — including viruses and potentially toxic materials like paint. Unlike surgical face masks, respirator masks have a rating system to designate how effectively they block out airborne contaminants. Some can filter up to 99.7 percent of small particles from the air, and those masks are given a 100 rating. Mask Guidelines As tempting as it may be to mask up, it’s not always a good idea. The CDC does NOT encourage healthy people to wear face masks as protection against COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness. Instead, face masks should be reserved for medical professionals and people showing symptoms. The CDC also recommends healthcare workers mask up when treating those with the ordinary flu and any patients demonstrating symptoms of respiratory infections. However, if you feel sick or live with someone who might be, wearing the right kind of face mask can help prevent you from spreading the virus to others. How to mask
When it comes to preparation, we’re experts here at Tacoma Elder Care. Every day we help folks make sure they have everything in place in case an emergency happens. So, if you don’t have an estate plan, now would be a good time to think about putting one in place. We recently posted another blog about these concerning times, you might also find helpful called, “These Are Very Strange Times,” which you can find HERE.
8 Comments
6/24/2020 01:49:59 pm
It's good to know that it needs to be placed firmly over your nose, mouth, and chin. My sister was telling me last night about how she is needing to go back to work in a couple of weeks, and that she wants to make sure that she can wear a make correctly once she finds one to get. I'll make sure to pass this information along to her once she gets a mask so that she can know how to wear it correctly.
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1/28/2021 01:27:01 pm
It's great that you mentioned face masks are effective to protect ourselves. I think that now more than ever, it's crucial that we are well protected. I've heard that protecting your whole face with a plastic shield is the best option, and I'd be interested in learning more about it. I'm grateful for your information about the health benefits of using a face shield.
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4/9/2021 08:29:56 am
Thank you for elaborating on how face masks are effective for preventing the transmission of certain diseases. I want my employees to be safe when I start my business next year, so I'm considering buying some face masks in bulk. I'm going to search for a reputable business online that can sell me a bulk amount of face masks.
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4/9/2021 10:38:13 am
Thanks for pointing out that wearing face masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19. I want my whole family to be safe this year, so I'm considering buying some face masks that we can wear. I'm going to look for a reputable company that can sell me some face masks.
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4/19/2021 12:22:42 pm
It's good to know that masks are FDA-approved. I only trust things that are. Then I know my risk of bad things happening is reduced.
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5/1/2021 04:34:46 am
Great blog post helpful and informative.I always read your blog . I would like to thanks for sharing this information with us .
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6/5/2021 05:51:28 am
Great blog post.Helpful and informative tips. I like it thanks for sharing this information with us
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