Proper Guide to Using Facial Masks against H1N1
Posted in Health | 6 comments
At present, evidence suggests that the main route of human-to-human transmission of the new
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is via respiratory droplets, which are expelled by speaking, sneezing or
coughing.
Any person who is in close contact (approximately 1 metre) with someone who has influenza-like
symptoms (fever, sneezing, coughing, running nose, chills, muscle ache etc) is at risk of being
exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
In health-care settings, studies evaluating measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
suggest that the use of masks could reduce the transmission of influenza.2 Advice on the use of
masks in health-care settings is accompanied by information on additional measures that may
have impact on its effectiveness, such as training on correct use, regular supplies and proper
disposal facilities. In the community, however, the benefits of wearing masks has not been
established, especially in open areas, as opposed to enclosed spaces while in close contact with
a person with influenza-like symptoms.
Nonetheless, many individuals may wish to wear masks in the home or community setting,
particularly if they are in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms, for example
while providing care to family members. Furthermore, using a mask can enable an individual
with influenza-like symptoms to cover their mouth and nose to help contain respiratory droplets,
a measure that is part of cough etiquette.
Using a mask incorrectly however, may actually increase the risk of transmission, rather
than reduce it. If masks are to be used, this measure should be combined with other
general measures to help prevent the human-to-human transmission of influenza, training
on the correct use of masks and consideration of cultural and personal values.
1 The term “mask” is used here to include home-made or improvised masks, dust masks and surgical masks (sometimes called
“medical masks”). Masks have several designs. They are often single use and labelled as either surgical, dental, medical procedure,
isolation, dust or laser masks. Masks frequently used outside health-care settings may also be made out of cloth, or paper or similar
material. Masks, names and standards differ among countries.
2 Jefferson T, Foxlee R, Del Mar C et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: systematic
review. BMJ 2008; 336;77-80.
2
General advice
It is important to remember that in the community setting the following general measures
may be more important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza.
For individuals who are well:
Maintain distance of at least 1 metre from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and:
• refrain from touching mouth and nose;
• perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using an alcoholbased
handrub 3 , especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are
potentially contaminated;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.
For individuals with influenza-like symptoms:
• stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations;
• keep distance from well individuals as much as possible (at least 1 metre);
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable
materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use
or wash it. Clean hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions!
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.
If masks are worn, proper use and disposal is essential to ensure they are potentially
effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect
use of masks. The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in
health-care settings4:
• place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps
between the face and the mask
• while in use, avoid touching the mask
− whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean
hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub
• replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid
• do not re-use single-use masks
− discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon
removing.
Although some alternative barriers to standard medical masks are frequently used (e.g. cloth
mask, scarf, paper masks, rags tied over the nose and mouth), there is insufficient information
available on their effectiveness. If such alternative barriers are used, they should only be used
once or, in the case of cloth masks, should be cleaned thoroughly between each use (i.e. wash
with normal household detergent at normal temperature). They should be removed immediately
after caring for the ill. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask.
I used the facial mask for the first time when I travelled to Krabi last weekend. The usage of the masks were approximately 40% compared to a couple of weeks ago at less than 10%.
I read the PDF document made available by WHO, and the one single rule of thumb is to keep at least a 1 metre distance from others. The use of masks could reduce the transmission, however, if used incorrectly, may actually increase the risk!
Below is the excerpt that I extracted from WHO.
If masks are to be used, this measure should be combined with other general measures to help prevent the human-to-human transmission of influenza, training on the correct use of masks and consideration of cultural and personal values.
General advice
It is important to remember that in the community setting the following general measures may be more important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza.
For individuals who are well
Maintain distance of at least 1 metre from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and:
• refrain from touching mouth and nose;
• perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using an alcoholbased handrub 3 , especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.
For individuals with influenza-like symptoms
• stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations;
• keep distance from well individuals as much as possible (at least 1 metre);
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use or wash it. Clean hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions!
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible.
Proper Use of Mask
• place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and the mask
• while in use, avoid touching the mask − whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub
• replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid
• do not re-use single-use masks − discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removing. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask.
For more info please download this PDF: Advice on the use of masks in the community setting in Influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks
“minimise any gaps between the face and the mask” – there will always be (a) gap(s), and that’s why probably better use a proper gas mask.
Yupe! It’s better safe than sorry right? :p I’m wearing mask to work too.
i suggest to keep healthy by drinking vitamins and lots of liquids. sometimes, it’s really just the weather. i also noticed that those who get afflicted with fatal risks are those with pre-existing health conditions.
I wore the mask on board the plane but I noticed all the stewards and stewardesses were not wearing any. Anyway, it’s important to wear the mask correctly, but more importantly is to keep hands away from face.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. Thanks too for stopping over.
Whatever you do, just ensure you use the mask properly, and dispose them whenever possible. Re-using can actually increase the risk than not using it.