Faced with the coronavirus epidemic, is the medical masks really effective? When and how to put it well to protect yourself? Where to buy it? We take stock.
To fight the spread of coronavirus 2019-nCoV, which has been raging since the end of December 2019, many cities and provinces in China have made it mandatory to wear a mask. These measures push the world to rush to pharmacies to get them. Result: surgical masks are out of stock in most pharmacies. But can these masks really protect us from respiratory viruses? If so, how do you choose the right mask? Where to buy them? their reviews? When and how to wear them well? Follow our instructions.
What is surgical or medical masks?
Medical masks, also called an anti-virus mask, an anti-spray mask or a protective mask, is a product intended for sick people to avoid contamination. It traps the droplets of saliva or secretion of the upper airways (VAS) when the wearer expires. During surgical procedures, it prevents germs present in the caregivers’ mouth from contaminating the patient’s wounds.
When to wear a surgical mask?
It is useful if and only if you are sick yourself. This small piece of paper will protect those around a person with symptoms of respiratory infection, such as the flu or coronavirus. Please note, the surgical mask does not constitute a barrier against the virus and therefore does not allow you to protect yourself against it.
Protective mask: which one to choose?
There are two types of paper masks: the surgical mask, which protects the patient’s entourage, and the FFP2 protective mask, which protects the non-stick. Unlike the first, the second is used to filter the inhalation of infectious agents. Remember to choose products that comply with European standards: they must have the NF EN 14683 mention.
Where to find an FFP2 mask?
Like surgical masks, FFP2 masks are available in pharmacies and drugstores. They are also found on platforms like Amazon. Attention, faced with a significant demand, the prices of these have soared on the internet.
How much does a mask cost?
While surgical masks sell on average at 8 euros per box of 50 (or about 15 cents per unit), FFP2 is much more expensive. Their prices vary from 15 to 20 euros on average.
What is the lifespan of a mask?
The life expectancy of FFP2 surgical and protective masks varies between three and eight hours depending on the type of mask (read the instructions before application). They are not reusable and must be thrown in a closed bin with a plastic bag to avoid contamination.
How to wear your mask properly?
First of all, it is absolutely essential to wash your hands before touching it, whether surgical or protective. Then remember to position the nose strip in front of the nose, then place the elastics behind the head. Then check that the piece of paper covers the entire chin. When removing, be sure to wash your hands again.