I am an infectious doctor disease and here's how to wash your mask
A specialist in infectious diseases of Yale explains everything we need to know about facial coatings.
The masks have become a key defender in our battle against Covid-19. Not only do they prevent us from protecting ourselves from potentially infected respiratory droplets, but we also keep ours to go to the nostrils of someone else, slowing the propagation and safeguarding lives in the process. However, if you do not wash your masks regularly,You risk your life.JAIMIE MEYER, MD, a specialist in infectious diseases of Yale's disease and associate professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, explains toEat this, not that! Health All you need to know about the washing of your mask - why it is so important to do it. Read on and ensure your health and health of others, do not miss these Without signs that you have already had coronavirus.
Why wash your mask? For one, it could save your life
Dr. Meyer explains that the washing of your mask is a crucial part of protecting you and others to become infected. For example, if you are infected with COVID-19 (even if you do not have symptoms), air droplets containing Covid could land on the side facing the mask. Alternatively, if you are exposed to a person with COVID, their infected respiratory droplets could land on the outer surface of your mask. "The mask itself becomes a contaminated surface and is potentially dangerous for anyone who manages", she points out.
Soiled masks are less effective
In addition to the virus, your mask can also be stained with saliva, sweat, makeup, etc., which can be hygienic if it is inhaled. "The soiled masks are also less effective than masks depending on the decrease in the propagation of droplets," she adds.
How long can the virus particles stay on a mask, anyway?
UnderlaboratoryConditions, Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, remained stable and lived on surfaces up to 8 hours, Dr. Meyer points out. "Although this study did not look at surfaces such as copper, cardboard, steel and plastic, one could expect Sars-Cov-2 also remains on the fabric as long," she says. It mentions that even if there is a theoretical risk of becoming infected by these contaminated surfaces, the CDC has updated theirWeb pagesTo say that people in the main way are infected is always through a person to propagation of the droplets.
How often should you clean your mask?
Whenever you remove or handle your face mask (and you are entering potentially in contact with its contaminated surfaces), you must wash your hands with a soap and a water-based tedd water or alcohol. Dr. Meyer. As for your fabric facial mask, she argues that you should clean it regularly, "at least a few times a week, and immediately if they are visibly dirty with bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, vomit, The mucosa, etc., "she explains. "The safest recommendation in terms of reducing the risk of Covid-19 infection and optimization of hygiene consists of washing your mask every day."
How should you wash your mask?
Dr. Meyer points to the CDCrecommendations, that fabric face coatings must be well washed with soap and water ("that is, as hot as possible on the fabric"). "If the manipulation of the face coatings of someone who is sick or infected, uses javel water or anotherEpa- Product appreciated active against the virus, "she adds.
At what temperature should you wash your mask?
While 140 ° F is generally the temperature that the temperature has been disinfecting, Dr. Meyer advises pay less attention to the temperature and more to what you wash your mask. "Certainly higher water temperatures will kill some forms of bacteria, but for Covid-19, the important part of disinfection is not water as much as soap!" she says. "Soap is the important part, whether you are by hand or machine, because soap sticks in reality on the virus particles such as Velcro and can be washed with wastewater."
How should you dry your mask?
Make sure to pay special attention to the fabric of your mask before launching the tumble dryer - or your adult mask could shrink you in the size of a child. "You can dry or use a tumble dryer, but it should be completely dried", suggests Dr. Meyer.
How Dr. Meyer washes his mask
Dr. Meyer does everything she can keep her masks in perfect condition. "Personally, I wash and hand in hand my favorite face masks but throw others in the laundry (washing the machine and dry) with the rest of our family's clothes," she admits.
Can you wash paper or surgical masks?
It's a big no. "Paper or surgical masks are a single single use," says Dr. Meyer. "They should be eliminated after each use."
How many masks should I have?
Due to the fact that you should regularly wash the masks of your face in fabric, you need more than one. However, the number you should have depends on the frequency you are using them. "The number of masks you need depends on how frequency you're heading in public spaces!" she explains. "If you leave your home regularly, you will want to have at least a few by hand so that you always have a fee to wear, especially if you are stuck in the laundry."
How to avoid Covid-19
Hide! And be tested if you think they have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars and evenings of the house), practice social distance, only manage essential races, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently affected areas and To cross this healthy pandemic, do not miss these37 places you are most likely to catch coronavirus.