Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has stepped up its campaign to promote the use of face masks by all individuals, including those who are well, as an additional measure to prevent the further spread of the influenza virus.
World Health Organization (WHO) Advice on the Use of Masks in the Community Setting
In health-care settings, studies evaluating measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses suggest that the use of masks could reduce the transmission of influenza. Advice on the use of masks in health-care settings is accompanied by information on additional measures that may have impact on its effectiveness, such as training on correct use, regular supplies and proper disposal facilities.
In the community, however, the benefit of wearing masks has not been established, especially in open areas, as opposed to enclosed spaces while in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms.
Nonetheless, many individuals may wish to wear masks in the home or community
setting, particularly if they are in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms, for example while providing care to family members. Furthermore, using a mask can enable an individual with influenza-like symptoms to cover their mouth and nose to help contain respiratory droplets, a measure that is part of cough etiquette.
If masks are worn, proper use and disposal is essential to ensure they are potentially effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use of masks.
THE CORRECT USE OF MASKS
The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in health-care settings:
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Place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and the mask |
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While in use, avoid touching the mask
− whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing,
clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub |
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Replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid |
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Do not re-use single-use masks
− discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removing. |
Using a mask incorrectly however, may actually increase the risk of transmission, rather than reduce it.
If masks are to be used, this measure should be combined with other general measures to help prevent the human-to-human transmission of influenza, training on the correct use of masks and consideration of cultural and personal values.
Source: World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/Adviceusemaskcommunity.pdf
Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases in health care WHO Interim Guidelines (Jul 2007) available at http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/WHO_CD_EPR_2007_6/en/index.html
MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA
World Health Organization (WHO) Advice on the Use of Masks in the Community Setting in Influenza A (H1N1) Outbreaks
Please click on this link to view the full article
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/Adviceusemaskcommunity.pdf
THE US CENTERS OF DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) ON THE USE OF FACE MASKS
The term ”face masks” refers to disposable face masks cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as medical devices. This includes face masks labelled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks.
Such face masks have several designs. One type is affixed to the head with two ties, conforms to the face with the aid of a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge, and may be flat/pleated or duck-billed in shape. Another type of face mask is pre-molded, adheres to the head with a single elastic band, and has a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge. A third type is flat/pleated and affixes to the head with ear loops.
Face masks cleared by the FDA for use as medical devices have been determined to have specific levels of protection from penetration of blood and body fluids.
Face masks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them.
Face masks do not seal tightly to the face and are used to block large droplets from coming into contact with the wearer’s mouth or nose.
They also keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the facemask. They are not designed to protect against breathing in very small particle aerosols that may contain viruses. Face masks should be used once and then thrown away in the trash.
Source: US Centers of Disease Prevention and Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm
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