How do Face Masks protect us?
Face Masks have been highly prominent during these current times of health uncertainty. With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing and Winter upon us, more and more people are choosing to wear face masks to protect their health.
Commonly people wear face masks for one of two reasons. They are either trying to prevent themselves from spreading an illness they’ve knowingly or unknowingly contracted, or they are trying to prevent themselves from contracting a virus from others in the community. With that said, it is important to understand what face masks can do and how they can protect us?
The main purpose of a face mask is to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and bacteria. They should be worn by those who have symptoms that suggest that they may have a respiratory infection. Key identifying symptoms include coughing and sneezing. Healthcare masks are designed to cover the nose and mouth, so that when a person coughs, sneezes or speaks, particles that are expelled from their mouths do not spread widely and are less likely to contaminate people and surfaces. This in effect, will reduce community transmission, particularly in pandemics such as Covid-19 which are highly communicable.
Whilst face masks help to reduce the chances of spreading an illness, if you know for certain that you have a respiratory infection, it is best to refrain from coming into contact with other people, until you are fully recovered.
Face masks are also often worn to prevent the spread of illness from people who are unaware that they have contracted a respiratory illness. For example, it is possible for people with Covid-19 to be asymptomatic and fall ill without being aware that they have contracted the illness. Hence, wearing a face mask even if you do not have symptoms, will prevent you from spreading an illness that you may not be aware that you have. Asymptomatic people can spread the virus within the community unknowingly and very quickly. That is why wearing a face mask even if you are feeling well can be beneficial in reducing community transmission.
A healthcare mask is an excellent way to prevent those that are ill from spreading their illness within the community. But for those that wish to protect themselves from contracting a virus by wearing a face mask, it is a bit more complicated. In order for the person wearing the mask to be thoroughly protected, a medical grade respirator face mask that is fitted correctly should be worn. Special attention should be paid to how the healthcare mask is put on, worn and removed. Before putting a healthcare face mask on, hands should be washed thoroughly. If you touch the healthcare mask whilst wearing it, you should clean your hands. Also, when removing the mask, try not to touch the front of the mask and wash your hands properly afterwards.
Biomed specialises in producing medical grade fabrics and respiratory face masks in Australia. Our high quality healthcare face masks feature antibacterial properties that are a result of using medical grade fabrics. Biomed face masks are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as the fabric is highly breathable and lightweight. Additionally, all of our face masks can be washed multiple times and reused. If you are concerned about your health and/or spreading a respiratory illness such as Covid-19, consider the Biomed face mask range available to purchase online via our website.
Biomed is a leading medical fabrics company, who has been providing high quality medical textile products for decades. We are committed to maintaining an ISO 9001 certification for quality management, with our medical textile products satisfying strict Australian and business standards. We understand the importance of robust and safe fabrics which ensure maximum comfort and reliability. For more information on our range of medical textile applications, please do not hesitate to contact the Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.
