India is battling through the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Believe it or not, every person plays a part towards recovery to a gradual and safe return to a pre-pandemic time. Especially, with the presence of new COVID-19 strains in India, it is crucial for every individual to follow safety guidelines diligently to mitigate the risk of spread.
Just as hygiene and cleanliness are being prioritised, safety protocols also need to be given high priority. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds are some precautions to be followed. Hand hygiene is of utmost importance and using hand sanitisers or soaps at frequent intervals is recommended.
Getting vaccinated for protection is every individual’s responsibility. If a vaccine is not available, we advise you to mask up, stay protected!
The more particles that are blocked, the better you are protected against getting COVID-19. You should not wear two disposable masks or combine an N95 or KN95 with any other mask.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Double masking is a preventive method, where one mask is worn on top of another. This helps improve the efficiency of the mask by improving the filtration rate and preventing the spread of the virus. It also limits the exhalation of droplets and the spread of droplets containing the virus.
For the prevention of COVID-19, there are generally three types of masks used:
Cloth masks are made of breathable fabric. They are recommended for the general public and can be worn daily. The fabric should be multilayered and should block light when held up to a bright source of light.
Cloth masks can be worn in public settings. It is not recommended for individuals with breathing issues. These masks can be washed frequently. However, wearing a mask must be combined with other safety protocols to ensure proper protection.
Double masking should be done by using 2 surgical masks or 1 cloth and 1 surgical masks. There is no need for double masking with N95 masks. As per CDC double masking with proper fit blocks 85 percent of cough particles.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Surgical masks are usually flat or rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. They have elastic bands to wear by looping the bands behind the ears. These masks are loose-fitting, designed to protect the wearer from large particle aerosols, sprays and so on.
However, by design, they do not filter or block small particles transmitted via coughs or sneezes. Due to the loose fit between the surface of the mask and the face, these masks are advised to be worn underneath a cloth mask for added protection.
An N95 mask is designed to protect from larger particles and smaller particles, such as bacteria. It contains a respirator, generally oval-shaped and some may have an exhalation valve. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. KN95 masks are also similar to N95 masks. However, they do not have exhalation valves.
These are commonly used in healthcare settings and are considered the best mask for COVID-19 as well. It is essential to note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used by people with symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic people and when sterile conditions are required.
Based on research, it is advised to double mask as it not only prevents the transmission of the virus but also helps protect against the threat of more contagious variants.
Double masking should be followed while continuing to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. Here, we outline some tips on double masking.
According to research, double masking is effective because of the enhanced filtration and gap elimination, rather than just the addition of layers of masks. Here are some precautions to be taken while double masking.
In addition to wearing masks, try our new LivEasy Covid Essentials!
Records and research prove that double masking offers a stronger barrier against the virus. A single cloth mask blocks around 52 percent of aerosol particles and the surgical mask with a knot blocks around 70 percent. However, a combination of cloth masks and surgical masks, the most common of double masking methods, blocks aerosol particles up to 85 percent. This emphasizes the effectiveness of double masking.
It is crucial to continue following safety guidelines such as social distancing, hand hygiene and restricting engagement with larger crowds. While double masking forms an essential tool to combat the ongoing pandemic, the road to recovery is possible when one also follows the rest of the safety guidelines.
Update: As of 23rd March 2022, over 70% of the Indian population has been vaccinated with 10 vaccines approved in the country. Certain studies (domestic and international) also indicate a potential need for booster shots (getting a third vaccine injection). The year 2022 saw the rise of the Omicron variant, and with its higher transmissibility rate, it has made double masking even more relevant. Vaccination for children between the ages of 15-18 started to roll out at the beginning of 2022 with younger age groups set to be eligible later in the year.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
For more than a year and a half now, we have been living with the perpetual threat of COVID-19. It has changed a lot of things in our daily lives. We have been flooded with advice on how to keep ourselves safe and we’ve often had a hard time separating myth from the fact because so many misconceptions and fake news have been doing the rounds.
But one thing cannot be doubted or questioned – face masks can literally save lives. It was established right at the beginning that the COVID-19 virus spreads through an infected person’s cough, sneeze and even while they exhale or talk and the best way to keep yourself safe is by wearing a mask which will drastically reduce the chances of you contracting the viral disease.
However, months after wearing masks became prevalent, people still make basic face mask mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of the mask and may not help with COVID prevention.
Here are a few things you could be doing wrong.
This is one of the most common face mask mistakes and almost all of us made it. You need to wash or sanitize your hands before you wear your mask. If there are viruses on your hand, they will enter through your nose and eyes when you put your mask on. But an alcohol-based sanitizer or a hand wash can kill all pathogens.
Similarly, once you take off a mask, you need to wash your hands because you have just touched a mask that could contain pathogens on the outer surface.
2. You are not washing your new masks (reusable masks)
Another dangerous face mask mistake is not washing your cloth mask with warm water and detergent after you have just purchased it. You might think it’s new, so it must be clean. But actually, it could be a den of germs, viruses and bacteria. Imagine how many people have handled the mask – the people who stitched the mask, the ones who packaged it and if there are weak spots in the packaging, pathogens could’ve entered the packet. For COVID prevention, washing your new fabric masks is mandatory. Remember only washable or reusable masks should be washed. Do not wash the disposable or N95 masks.
3. You are not keeping your mask in a clean place
If you toss your mask onto any surface, be it the couch, car seat or bed, then your mask won’t help with COVID prevention. Keep a clean mesh bag or hooks in your home and car for storing masks as boxes can cause mildew to develop. If you have to take your mask off for eating, slip the mask into a clean space.
4. You’re wearing an unwashed reusable mask
If you are not washing your masks after wearing them, they will not be any good in COVID prevention. When you wear a mask outside, it accumulates not just germs but also dirt and grime. Not washing your reusable cloth masks, may not only give you COVID-19 but also trigger other breathing issues.
5. Using an old mask
We all have our favourite masks that we wear again and again. But one of the most dangerous face mask mistakes you can make is wearing old masks. While old masks seem to have a very breathable fabric, the wearing and thinning of the fabric means it will not create a sturdy boundary between your nose and the viruses. If the elastic band is loose or if the fabric looks frayed, then it is time to dispose off the mask. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the usability of masks.
6. You are reusing disposable masks
Medical masks (the popular blue masks with white elastic bands) and N95 masks are meant for one-time use only. Washing the fibre will deform the size of pores and render the mask ineffective in COVID-19 prevention.
7. You are wearing a mask that does not fit you
Masks come in many shapes and sizes. After a few experiments, you will become familiar with which type of mask fits you the best. If there are any gaps between the mask
and your skin, there is potential for the viruses to enter your body. Also, ill-fitting masks will make you touch your mask and face frequently in order to adjust it. This will increase the chances of infection.
8. You yank your mask down your nose
This is another very common face mask mistake. People pull the mask down to talk or smoke. Talking with your mask on may muffle your voice a little but tugging it down can pose a risk to your life. And as removing the mask from its place for smoking can cause terrible damage to your health.
Extreme hygiene is required when you handle face masks. Take good care of your masks, in case of reusable masks, wash them, dry them and store them properly. Double masking is a better way if you are not using an N95 mask. It is important to understand the effectiveness of the mask that you are choosing. Always wear a mask when you go out, even if you are fully vaccinated and don’t forget to sanitize your hands.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The fear of Coronavirus has gripped the world. In India, the case count is rising every day, as we know. The situation indeed looks grim. So what is our ray of hope? It’s the doctors – who are working relentlessly to protect us. While we stay indoors, the doctors, nurses and hospital staff are working tirelessly on the frontline. They are risking their lives to safeguard ours!
Doctors are the soldiers who are battling the coronavirus threat at the frontlines, that is at the hospitals and clinics. They are the ones we entrust our lives upon and even at such times, they are not backing off!
But the fact is that there are few doctors in India, that is why doctors who are on duty are under immense pressure. They are all working overtime and sacrificing sleep and meals just for us. The danger does not end here. The longer they are exposed to the virus while treating the public, the more likely they are to contract the disease themselves.
We need to express our gratitude to those who are working day and night to keep us safe. Doctors are the lifeline of the country right now and yet they are the ones most exposed to coronavirus because they are dealing directly with infected people.
Amidst all the coronavirus scare and work from home and ‘getting bored at home’ issues that we all face, we forget that the sacrifice of the doctors is supreme.
No doctors are rejecting a patient who is maybe symptomatic. They take this head-on – not worrying about whether the virus will infect them and hence also maybe infect their families and their kids.
So, how can we make the lives of our doctors a bit easier? For that, we have started an initiative to contribute to the safety of doctors. Under this initiative, you can now gift an N95 mask to a doctor through PharmEasy. That’s not all! We too are a part of this plan. For every mask that you send we also will send one. Pay for it online – PharmEasy will top it up with the same number of masks for free! These will be handed over to the ‘soldiers in aprons’ at government hospitals in batches with a thank you card for their services.
Let us all come together in these difficult times and contribute to the wellbeing of those who are working tirelessly to keep us safe – the doctors. Avail this unique opportunity with PharmEasy to show your gratitude to all the doctors across the nation.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
