LATEST ADVICE FROM WHO AND VIETNAM'S MINISTRY OF HEALTH: WHEN AND HOW TO USE MEDICAL MASKS?

24/03/2020

The use of medical masks without other preventive measures such as hand wash with soap or personal hygiene can be wasteful.

1. Should you wear medical masks all the time during the epidemic season?

The use of medical masks during COVID-19 is a good way to prevent the disease transmission. However, should you wear them all the time? According to the Ministry of Health, wearing face masks anytime, anywhere is not necessary and can cause discomfort for users.

So, when to wear face masks? The Ministry of Health only recommends the use of masks in specific cases:

When you are in direct contact with or taking care of an infected person or someone with suspected infection.
When you are in direct contact with or taking care of those with symptoms of respiratory disease (such as cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, etc.).
When you are self-monitoring or quarantined at home.

If you are healthy and have no symptoms of respiratory disease, then you don’t need to wear face masks. Instead, you only need to wear a cloth mask when being in the crowds or public transports… Remember to regularly wash and iron the masks for reuse.

2. How to wear medical masks correctly?

Wearing masks incorrectly not only increases the risk of infection, but also wastes your money. Below are some guidelines on how to use masks that you need to follow to prevent the spread of Corona virus as well as other infectious diseases:

Determine which side of the mask is the front: This is to ensure the highest protection effect of the mask. The blue colored side is usually the front and should face out while the white side touches your face and is flatter.
Determine the top side of the mask: Wrongly locating the top – bottom side of the mask paves the way for bacteria to invade your body. The side that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of your nose, making it difficult for bacteria and dust to get inside. The bottom side usually includes a pressing line and does not have a metal edge like the top.
Wear the mask correctly: Grasp the mask by the ear loops, simply place the loops around each ear then adjust the mask. Use one hand to hold the top of the mask securely and gently pull the lower part so that it covers your chin; then use the thumb and index finger of one hand to mold the stiff edge to the contours of your nose in order to make sure there is no gaps between your nose and the mask.

bởi Super Admin
Danh mục: News & Events