The COVID-19 pandemic has made face masks and hand sanitizers essential items. But when and how should we use them? This article from healthcare nt sickcare provides tips on using face masks and hand sanitizers, along with general health advice during lockdowns and after vaccination.
How to Use Face Mask?
- Clean hands before and after handling masks
- Ensure the mask fits snugly over nose and mouth
- Avoid touching the front of the mask
- Remove by the ear loops without touching the front
- Wash reusable masks after each use
Incorrect use, like lowering the mask to talk, can actually increase your risk.
When Should You Use a Face Mask?
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face masks in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. This includes:
- Public transportation
- Grocery stores and pharmacies
- Workplaces
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Events with large crowds
Face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by blocking respiratory droplets produced when breathing, talking, sneezing or coughing.
Which Type of Face Mask is Most Effective?
The most effective masks for preventing COVID-19 infection are N95 and KN95 respirators, followed by surgical masks. High-quality cloth masks with multiple layers also provide good protection.
Bandanas and single-layer cloth masks are the least effective option.
How to Choose the Right Face Mask?
Consider fit, filtration, and breathability when choosing a face mask:
- Fit: Mask should seal tightly with no gaps at sides
- Filtration: Multiple layers recommended for cloth masks
- Breathability: Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics
Prioritize fit and filtration over style when buying face masks. An ill-fitting mask defeats the purpose of wearing one.
How to Use Hand Sanitizer?
The World Health Organization recommends using hand sanitizer:
- Before and after visiting a public place
- After blowing your nose or sneezing
- Before eating food
- After using shared equipment/surfaces
- If soap and water aren't available
Frequent hand sanitizing kills viruses that may have transferred to hands after touching contaminated surfaces.
How to Properly Use a Hand Sanitizer?
Follow these WHO steps for maximum effectiveness:
- Apply enough sanitizer to cover all hand surfaces
- Rub hands together until completely dry (no wet patches)
- Do not rinse, wipe off, or follow up with soap and water
Allowing the alcohol to fully dry eliminates more germs and viruses.
Health Tips During Lockdown
Lockdowns can negatively impact mental and physical health. Here are tips to stay healthy:
- Exercise daily even if indoor, like yoga, Zumba videos
- Eat fruits and vegetables to support your immune system
- Take vitamin D and C supplements to promote immunity
- Manage stress through meditation, reading, fun activities
- Stay connected with family and friends through video calls
Maintaining healthy routines can help provide physical and emotional comfort during isolation.
Is Pain or Fever Normal After COVID-19 Vaccination?
Mild reactions like pain, swelling, fatigue, fever, and chills are common after COVID-19 vaccination. These usually resolve within a week and indicate the immune system gearing up against the virus.
Rarely, some people may experience severe allergic reactions within minutes. Seek medical care immediately if you have difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, rash, or dizziness after vaccination.
Role of healthcare nt sickcare
healthcare nt sickcare provides affordable medical lab tests for early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. We offer home collection services along with personalized teleconsultations from certified doctors.
Invest in your health and wellbeing with healthcare nt sickcare. Book tests online or call +91 9766060629.
Should children wear masks?
Yes, masks are recommended for children over 2 years old whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Ensure proper size and fit.
How long can I reuse my cloth mask?
Cloth masks may be reused unless soiled or damaged. Machine wash after every day's use. Have at least 2 masks, so one can be washed while the other is worn.
What percentage of alcohol is best in hand sanitizers?
The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content for maximum effectiveness against COVID-19.
Can I stop wearing a mask after getting vaccinated?
No, masks must still be used even after vaccination until health authorities advise it is safe not to. Vaccines are not 100% protective and you could still transmit the virus.
How to wash cloth face masks?
Machine wash with regular laundry detergent and hot water, then dry fully on a hot cycle. Bleach can be added for extra disinfection. Avoid handwashing masks as it may not fully eliminate viruses.
How to make hand sanitizer at home?
Mix 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol with 1/3 cup aloe vera gel. You can also substitute glycerol for aloe vera. Optionally, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. Shake the mixture well before each use.
Conclusion
Face masks, hand hygiene and healthy habits continue to be crucial COVID-19 precautions. medical laboratory tests are also vital for monitoring immunity and early diagnosis. As India's trusted online pathology lab, healthcare nt sickcare enables convenient lab tests along with reliable results and doctor consultations. Invest in your health and schedule tests at www.healthcarentsickcare.com today.
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