Whether you’re using them to protect yourself from bushfire fumes, viruses or simply a fashion statement, in today’s episode of Dr Nora I take you through the surgical, P2 and N95 mask. Discussing what each are used for, how to perform a fit check and how to safely dispose of used masks.
SURGICAL MASKS
Surgical masks were originally designed to be used by surgeons helping to keep bugs from their mouth and nose from entering the sterile surgical field and thus reducing the chance of infection. As they are not tight fitting however, they do not provide protection against viruses. They are useful to use if you yourself, has flu like symptoms and do not wish to spread your illness to others.
P2/N95 MASK
Both the P2 and N95 mask block at least 95% of small particles. The difference between the two is where their testing requirements originated from, the N95 being tested in the USA and the P2 by European standards.
P2 RESPIRATORS
P2 respirators are considered to be sufficient for protection against viruses, however, in your local hardware store you may find some masks that offer additional protection to fumes, odours and pesticides. Always read the label to ensure adequate protection for your use.
HOW TO USE THE MASKS
It is very important that when using these masks they are fitted correctly. A fit check must be performed which ensures that there is no leakage of air around the mask on both inhalation and exhalation. To perform this, simply breath in and out with your hands around the mask to ensure there is no leakage. If you suspect there is an air leak readjust and tighten the mask.
DO’S AND DON'TS
Do cease using the mask if it becomes moist or soiled
Do a fit check prior to using mask
Do take off the mask once outside of the contaminated area
Do wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after use
With an increasing number of confirmed cases of the novel virus at present in Australia, measures are being taken to help stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I talk to you about my battle of finding protective measures to protect myself and my patients.
WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS?
Wuhan is a city in China where the virus originated from. It is not fully understood how the virus is transmitted but it is believe that it originated in a live seafood market and has so far affected many people in China and currently has a mortality rate of 2%. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The virus causes symptoms pneumonia, including, fever, cough, shortness of breath and feeling unwell and tired. It is believed that there is an incubation period of around 14 days which means that someone may not know they have the virus immediately.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those who have travelled to Wuhan or those who have close contacts with someone who has recently travelled or has a confirmed case.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Usual hygiene measures are crucial such as regular hand washing. It has currently not been recommended for the general public to use a mask outside of the health care setting.
I THINK I HAVE CORONAVIRUS WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have a suspicion you may be affected as perhaps you’ve recently travelled from there or know a close contact. You should maintain isolation and seek medical help. It is imperative that before you go to a doctor or the ED you must call ahead so that protective measures may be taken. You will need to be in isolation to protect others around you and hence stop the propagation of this virus.
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
With 4 confirmed cases of the novel virus at present in Australia, measures are being taken to help stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I talk to you about my battle of finding protective measures to protect myself and my patients.
It is thought that the virus may be transmitted through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing and it is felt that the P2/N95 mask may offer some protection. As a health care practitioner seeing around 50 patients a day it is my utmost priority to look after my patients and ensure that they are safe. After work I rushed over to my local hardware store and enquired about the mask. Unfortunately, they and all of their other franchises had run out and the only ones left were darth-Vader-esq masks.
After much deliberation I got over the aesthetics and remembered the purpose and brought one. As I drove away I thought I would call local pharmacies to check their stocks. After calling 20 different pharmacies over a span of 60km I was met with the same response ‘sorry we’re out of stock’.
Rather fortunately I drove past the hospital and thought perhaps I could ask my colleagues there and explain the situation. After speaking with the staff in ED they kindly gave me a mask for myself and my staff.
WHAT IS WUHAN CORONAVIRUS?
Wuhan is a city in China where the virus originated from. It is not fully understood how the virus is transmitted but it is believe that it originated in a live seafood market and has so far affected over 1000 people in China with around 40 people dying. It is believed that this who have died from the virus have had underlying medical conditions.
Australia has received its first confirmed case this weekend and to date there are 4 cases in two states, NSW and QLD.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The virus causes symptoms pneumonia, including, fever, cough, shortness of breath and feeling unwell and tired. It is believed that there is an incubation period of around 14 days which means that someone may not know they have the virus immediately.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those who have travelled to Wuhan or those who have close contacts with someone who has recently travelled or has a confirmed case.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Usual hygiene measures are crucial such as regular hand washing. It has currently not been recommended for the general public to use a mask outside of the health care setting.
If you have a suspicion you may be affected as perhaps you’ve recently travelled from there or know a close contact. You should maintain isolation and seek medical help. It is imperative that before you go to a doctor or the ED you must call ahead so that protective measures may be taken. You will need to be in isolation to protect others around you and hence stop the propagation of this virus.
Tests can be performed to confirm the virus and treatment may be initiated. The virus is new and not much information has been released. Scientists are working on a vaccination though this can take time.
Together with your help we can stop the propagation of the virus.
