30/01/2020
As a traveler and explorer, always remember that,
This is the Proper way of wearing face mask.
Keep safe everyone.
Keep exploring, but always take care!!.,
TODAY'S SCIENCE TRIVIA: Whenever a public health crisis emerges, waves of safety guidelines and preventative tips are almost guaranteed to follow. When obtained from credible sources and trained professionals, such advice is helpful and even life-saving. However, when the individuals and institutions sharing these bits of information have tremendous passion but little in the way of actual expertise, the result is a misguided public that may end up being at even greater risk. This is also why we sometimes get confused about even the simplest of things—like the proper way to wear a surgical mask, for example. It's time to answer this question: What 𝗶𝘀 the right way to wear a surgical mask?
Understanding why surgical masks are worn a certain way requires a basic knowledge of how they're constructed. Standard masks typically have a three-layer design, and are intended to hold viruses at bay, whether they're from outside or inside the body.
The first layer is often colored blue or green, and is water-repellent: It's designed to keep liquid droplets from coming into contact with the wearer.
The middle layer filters germs both ways, preventing them from leaving or entering the wearer's body.
Lastly, the white innermost layer absorbs moisture, preventing bodily fluids from escaping the mask.
All three layers are usually non-woven and made of polypropylene, a durable, recyclable thermoplastic. The mask itself has a bendable edge that you can mold to the shape of your nose, indicating which side goes up.
The mask serves the dual purpose of preventing the wearer from getting 𝗮𝗻𝗱 sharing infectious diseases. It doesn't just keep the wearer safe; it helps keep other people safe from whatever the wearer may be carrying, too. However, while surgical masks can protect us from large droplets, they aren't enough to protect us from smaller airborne particles, and they leave our eyes exposed. It's also worth noting that, according to molecular epidemiologist Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, there's more evidence for masks "preventing transmission from someone who is already sick."
Basically, masks aren't enough to protect us. In fact, relying on them too much could put us in danger, as we might forget to wash our hands and practice other hygiene measures. "The mask helps only if you're visiting a place where there are vulnerable people, like say, hospitals or facilities for the elderly, or where there may be suspected cases," says public health specialist Dr. Edrie T. Alcanzare. "Even during the worst of the SARS outbreak, people who were not directly in health care were not advised to wear masks."
So, how 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 people wear face masks? Salvana and Alcanzare agree: Colored side out. Additionally, when putting on the mask, the wearer must make sure to properly cover their nose, mouth, and chin.
Ultimately, though? The best way to stay safe is to practice "common-sense measures": Wash your hands properly with soap and water, avoid coming into contact with sick people, take a day off from work or school when you're sick, and avoid touching your eyes and nose as much as possible.
Oh, and unless it's verified by actual experts, don't just blindly share health "advice," whether you hear it from personal acquaintances or public figures.
References:
[1]https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/use_mask_properly.pdf
[2] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/01/28/show-your-colours-only-one-way-to-wear-surgical-masks-correctly-with-the-coloured-side-out
[3] https://www.sfcdcp.org/communicable-disease/healthy-habits/how-to-put-on-and-remove-a-face-mask/
[4] https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/coronavirus-spurs-a-run-on-face-masks-but-do-they-work/
[5] https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/
[6] https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51205344
[7] https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/28/health/coronavirus-us-masks-prevention-trnd/index.html
[8] https://www.georgetownpharmacy.com.my/pages/surgical-masks-which-side-out
-----
Still remember your 5th-grade science classes? Test your knowledge and see if you still remember these facts and fundamental concepts in human anatomy, biology, botany, and other branches of science: https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-news/features/are-you-smarter-than-a-pinoy-5th-grader-quiz/