As the awareness on swine flu increases, more members of the public can be seen wearing masks in their efforts to check the spread of the H1N1 virus in the country. They can be seen wearing the masks at public spots like hospitals, airports, train stations and shopping malls.
It appears that those that are sick and wear the masks don't restrain themselves at home. They should impose a self-quarantine at home as this is to stop them from spreading the H1N1 virus to others if they go to public places. At home they should wear masks, as there are others like their members of the family who are at risk. There's a myth that people think that by wearing masks, even people who are sick can go to any place they like.
It is recommended to remain at least 3 feet from any individual with influenza-like symptoms. The employment of masks could scale back the transmission. It has to be observed that if masks are going to be used, this measure should be mixed with other general measures to help stop the human-to-human transmission of H1N1 flu.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), among the other general measures are:
• Refrain from touching mouth and nose;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using a hand rub especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated;
• Reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill;
• Reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings;
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible;
• Stay at home if you feel unwell;
It is a good idea to replace the masks with new, clean and dry masks as soon as they become damp or humid. The practice of reusing the masks shouldn't be in use. Hands should be washed straight away after removal of the mask. You have to wear masks when visiting friends or family members at hospitals, or visiting crowded and poorly ventilated places. Wearing surgical mask is only one of the methods to forestall the dissemination of droplet and respiration tract infections. The practice of good private cleanliness is vital.
Even if you do wear the mask, you need to also maintain stern standards of private cleanliness, as the mask isn't a fool proof form of defense against the virus. The way to stop exposure to H1N1 virus is to avoid physical contact with people who could be sick or infected. The H1N1 virus often spreads when anyone touches surfaces with the virus and then touches his very own nose, eyes or mouth. Washing your hands often is the strongest defense against exposure. Wearing a mask is only good at helping you not to spread your sickness to others if you're infected.
