When we get back to the basics face masks’ main purpose is to stop the spread of respiratory droplets that can readily enter the mouth and nose and infect new hosts, such as SARS-CoV-2.
This defence is made possible by the complete barrier between your nasal and mouth canals from the outside environment.
Your chance of contracting the virus will rise if you wear the mask sloppily such that it doesn’t fully cover your mouth and nose.
In many regions of the world, wearing a mask has been common in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing a surgical mask in Malaysia is also very important. Despite initial opposition from some places, the scientific community today agrees that surgical face masks are a reliable technique for stopping the virus’s transmission. The importance of wearing a mask for both individual and group protection will be discussed in this article.
Importance of wearing a mask
1. Protecting yourself
The primary and most obvious benefit of using a medical surgical mask is to ward off illness. When an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released which are the main method of transmission for COVID-19.
A mask can protect the user from breathing other people’s droplets as well as prevent the spread of these droplets to others. This is important in situations like crowded stores or public transportation where it is impossible to keep a physical distance from other people.
2. Protecting others
Another crucial benefit of wearing a mask is that it protects others. You can be unaware that you are still infected with the virus if you are asymptomatic or presymptomatic. By donning a mask, you reduce your chance of infecting others, especially those who might be more sensitive, such as the elderly or those with chronic medical conditions.
A key component in limiting the virus’s transmission and preventing it from developing into a greater public health emergency is this community defence.
3. Reducing the rate of virus spread
Wearing a surgical face mask not only protects one’s own health but also the health of the entire community. The widespread use of masks acts as a “barrier” that prevents the infection from spreading from one person to another. By limiting the virus’s spread, we can lower the number of new cases, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and ultimately reduce the pandemic’s overall effects.
4. Observing regulations
Wearing a mask in some public places has been required in many parts of the world. This is a result of government and public health agencies realizing the value of masks in stopping the illness’ spread. You are not only protecting yourself and others by wearing a mask, but you are also showing your commitment to these rules and encouraging others to follow suit.
5. Sending a Message
The act of wearing a medical surgical mask makes a strong statement about your concern for both your own and other people’s health. It shows your seriousness about the pandemic and your willingness to put your needs aside to safeguard people close to you. By donning a mask, you are not only defending yourself but also fostering the culture of responsibility and safety that will be essential in battling the pandemic.
How should you wear your mask?
Here are some guidelines for wearing a mask properly:
● Protect your mouth and nose
Your mouth and nose should be entirely covered by the mask, with no gaps. Make sure the mask, if it has a metal strip, fits snugly over your nasal bridge.
● Avoid Touching the Mask
Do not touch the mask while wearing it. If you do touch it, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser immediately.
● Replace the Mask
Replace the mask as soon as it becomes damp, or soiled, or if you have touched it. A mask should be replaced after every use.
● Avoid Removing the Mask in Public
Do not remove the mask in public, except to adjust it or if instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. When removing the mask, be careful not to touch your face, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately.
● Wash Reusable Masks
If you are using a reusable mask, wash it after every use following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Finally, using a mask is an effective way to stop the COVID-19 infection from spreading. Masks are essential for minimizing the pandemic’s overall effects because they protect you, and others, and decrease the virus’s transmission.
There is a strict rule to wear a surgical mask in Malaysia. By wearing a mask, you are also displaying your commitment to laws, conveying a message of responsibility and safety, and helping in the creation of a better and healthier world for all.
