NEW DELHI: The Delhi Covid cases fired again after a pause, and the main suspect behind the latest ‘wave’ is a variant, Omicron.
In the few weeks since identified in South Africa, this variant has become famous for avoiding self-defense both in the body and its surroundings.
It can easily infect people who have been vaccinated or have previously Covid.
It also slipped into the room you would consider safe.
For example, in Hong Kong, is believed to have spread from one guest to another hotel even though they lived in separate rooms across the hall and never met.
Scientists say Omicron spread easily due to grow 70 times faster on the respiratory network of Delta variants that cause a second wave of deadly India.
So, inhaling even a little bit can cause infection.
Therefore, it is time to take a careful look at the mask you have been using.
Does it have what it takes to prevent Omicron? MasksAll cloth mask made of some kind of fabric, even if the melt blown plastic, but with the ‘fabric’ here we mean one of those light, cotton, breathing masks that everyone has gathered through the pandemic.
Last year, amid a worldwide shortage of N95 masks, cloth mask experts have recommended for the general public.
The idea is that placing a barrier before the nose and mouth will protect people from the virus your breath.
cloth masks that are not meant to protect you from the virus present in the air around.
Now, with the variant that is highly contagious in the air, it’s probably not a good idea to rely on cloth mask to safety.
masksThese light mask surgical repair on a regular cloth masks.
They are better at trapping germs in your breath, but do not offer much protection to you.
Also, they can not be washed and should be changed regularly to remain effective.
If you use public transportation or need to spend time in a confined space such as an office, consider wearing something better than surgical masks.
FFP (filtering facepiece) masksThe name may be unfamiliar, but we know them as ‘N’ various masks, especially the N95.
They are made of hard materials, such as cellulose or plastic, and has a high quality filtering layer.
Some also come with exhalation valve for easy breathing, but they are not recommended in a pandemic because while they protect the wearer, they put others at risk by releasing unfiltered exhaled air.
FFP masks are further classified according to the level of protection they offer.
FFP1 | It’s intended to trap coarse particles such as dust, and are used by workers in industrial environments.
While they are better than surgical masks, they may not be effective trap virus particles.
FFP2 | Similar to the N95, they can trap or filter out about 95% of airborne particles.
They are also classified as KN95 or P2 in several countries.
Several studies have shown that the N95 mask offers at least five times greater protection than surgical masks.
For most people, FFP2 or N95 masks offer the best combination of performance and price.
But while they offer very good protection, they may not be enough in a highly polluted environment, such as hospital wards treating patients Covid.
FFP3 | similar classes in India called N99 (filter 99% of airborne particles), are also classified as EN149 or P3.
They are very effective and the pitfalls of not only aerosols, but also viruses and bacteria.
They are recommended for high-risk areas.
A study in England found a hospital where doctors and nurses use they have almost zero transmission.
Make your mask over effectiveRegardless of mask you use, you can make it even better by making sure it fits snugly around the mouth and nose.
Wear two masks together – usually cloth mask uncomfortable during a surgical mask – also has its advantages.
By some accounts, double-masking is 95% more effective than a single cloth mask.
Lastly, dry mask is better than wet mask.
In cold weather, your breath talking causes steam to condense on the inside of your mask.
So, silence is golden while Omicron wave lasts.