Double masking is being increasingly recommended by medical professionals to effectively fight COVID19. The Ministry of Health has also advised people to follow double masking to further shore up their defences against COVID19 as the second waves continues in the country. But what is double masking and how to properly do it? Also Read: Do Face Masks lead to over exposure to CO2? Here’s what the latest research says
Double Masking: What is it
Leading doctors in the country and government advisory is recommending people about double masking. But what is it? Simply put, it is using two masks instead of one. It adds an extra layer of protection and would ensure that the chances of droplet infection is reduced by upto 98 or 99%. In fact, all the health care workers working in COVID19 wards have been following double masking for a while. Also Read: Diet plan for COVID19 and post COVID patients
Experts point out that with increased positivity rate being noticed across major metros, community transmission cannot be ruled out. Some have even suggested that this could even suggest that COVID19 is now largely airborne. While scientists discuss and analyse the possibilities, all are able to come to one consensus – double masking is highly recommended. In fact, US CDC study has shown that double masking with cloth mask on surgical mask can substantially reduce wearer’s exposure to COVID-19.
How to do it properly?
Though many have resorted to double masking, most of the people are doing it wrong, causing increased discomfort and providing no real advantage in the process. So how to do it properly. To understand this, let up quickly sum up types of masks available and in use.
- 2 ply or 3 ply surgical masks – these are the disposable surgical masks available in the market
- Cloth Masks – made from normal cloth at home and also readily available in the market
- N95 masks – the specialized masks that are usually used by medical professionals and are commonly available as anti-pollution masks.
But how to do it. For effective double masking, you need to knot the ear loops of your surgical mask where they join the edge of the mask. This is then the first layer. Once that is snug and placed to minimize the gaps, the second layer of either a cloth mask or an N95 mask can then be applied. Watch the video below to understand how to knot the surgical mask properly. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTAZDsNBe0
What one needs to remember is not to double mask two similar kinds of masks. Also, in either of the double masking, the surgical mask should go first followed by a cloth or an N95 mask. Wearing a surgical mask over cloth or N95 mask may cause discomfort due to reduced air flow.
Also, while double masking is effective, people must at this time avoid crowded places, especially crowded indoor placed. Ensure social distancing and hand hygiene. Also, it is important that people accordingly dispose off the masks once they return home. Remember to remove the masks from the ear loops, properly dispose them off (washing or waste), sanitize your hands properly before touching your face or washing your face. Also read: Weight loss to improved immunity 5 reason why you should switch from morning tea to lemon water
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only. These should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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