Masks are not effective in preventing diseasesImage Credit source: Getty images
The World Health Organization (WHO) has given this warning in its new guidelines. According to WHO, existing surgical face masks no longer provide adequate protection against flu-like diseases, including COVID-19. If you want to avoid these diseases, then respirator masks like N95 and FFP3 should be used. WHO has said that surgical masks are not able to provide protection from viruses spreading through air, although they are being used on a large scale in hospitals, but it is not beneficial.
WHO has said that surgical maskare not able to provide protection from viruses spreading through air, although they are being used on a large scale in hospitals, but it is not beneficial. Some people use this mask several times even though it is single use. Repeated use also increases the risk of infection.
129 billion disposable masks used every month during Corona epidemic
WHO has said that during the Covid pandemic, about 129 billion disposable masks were being used every month worldwide. At that time, surgical masks were the most easily available, but now the scientific evidence that has emerged shows that these masks are inadequate. It does not have the ability to filter particles like a respiratory mask. These provide only one-sided security. These masks keep falling off the faces of some people again and again. In such a situation, the risk of infection increases even more.
Why is respirator mask beneficial?
Dr. Ajit Jain in the Department of Medicine at GTB Hospital, Delhi. It is said that masks like N95 fit tightly on the face. They filter the air. In many countries, their use has reduced infection among patients and health workers, whereas surgical masks are very thin. In these, infected particles can easily enter the body through mouth and nose. But respirator masks reduce this risk to a great extent, in such a situation their use is beneficial. However, now this warning is also being criticized at some places. It is being said that such guidelines have been issued quite late, but WHO says that this guideline has been issued after a long review.