Search This Blog

Thursday, December 31, 2009

MASKS IN SWINE FLU HOW MUCH IT IS EFFECTIVE

One of the images we see frequently now a days is people wearing masks to avoid swine fle ,but how much it is effective.
On the public level it might be true but experts are skeptical.A viorologist from leading London Hospital says that''Really ,there is very little evidence that masks actually offer much protection against flu''.
Dr Ronald Cutler says ''The problem is that when someone sneezes they tend to take mask off .I think mask give people false sense of security''.However ,because people are wearing mask they will think they are safe and go to crowded areas .The best advice will be to wash your handsand cover your mouth when sneezing .Masks alone will not save , measures like handwashing ,safe use and disposal of tissue and cleaning environmental surfaces are key.Face masks should be well-fitted and can be continuously used for 8-10 hours ,but must be replaced if taken out at any stage.
So preventive measures can be
1.Stay home if sick and receive health advices.
2.wash your hand thoroughly and frequently.
3.stay away from crowd if possible.
4.N95 respirators are useful in preventing transmission of virus so it can be used by health personnel.But it is difficult to breath through and not useful for common people.
5.so it can be said that surgical masks doesn't block the virus entering lungs so cover your face while sneezing and wash your hand frequently after contact with object as door knob.

No comments: