Coronavirus outbreaks are still become a threat for people around the world, even more alarming. This is because the number of victims continues to grow. At least 425 people were reported killed and more than 19 thousand cases of the coronavirus are being treated.Not only in China, the virus with the name Novel 2019 Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has also spread to various countries. The coronavirus has now spread to 23 countries.
The most worrying about coronavirus is until now there is no vaccine available to prevent this new type of coronavirus. And that has been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, there is no other way to avoid the transmission of this deadly virus, other than by protecting the body from contracting the coronavirus. One of them is by wearing a face mask to prevent the entry of the virus into the body. As is known the mouth and nose are the pathway of this virus into the body.
But there are various types of face masks that have different abilities in protecting the mouth and nose. Then which one is safest and can prevent coronavirus?
Cloth Face Masks (Buff)
Face mask of this type sold with relatively cheap price, around US$0.73. This cloth face mask is often worn by motorcyclists. Cloth face mask can only prevent large dust. So it is not effective to filter small size particles. Because it is made of fabric, this type of mask can be washed and can be used repeatedly. But,if this face mask is not properly washed, it will risk becoming a den of bacteria that can actually make the disease.
Simple Face Mask
This type of face mask is commonly used to avoid pollution. It worn by pedestrians on the road or in transportation vehicles (buses, trains, etc.). This face mask design is similar to a surgical mask. The ability of this type of face mask is only able to filter large particles 30% ? 40%. This simple face mask is only can be used once or can not be reused.
R95, R99, R100 Face Mask
R95, R99, and R100 face mask are able to withstand oil-type pollutants. This is in accordance with the code letter R (oil Resistant). This type of face mask usually used in environments that have pollutants containing oil aerosols such as in coal-burning, natural gas or petroleum smoke haze areas.
The code of this face mask shows the ability to ward off pollutants. R95 means can filter oil aerosol pollutants up to 95%, R99 can filter up to 99% and R100 can filter particles up to 99.97%. These three types of face masks can be used with an effective duration of up to 8 hours. Because this face mask is for certain conditions, it is more difficult to obtain than other types of masks.
P95, P99, P100 Face Masks
This type of face mask is also resistant to pollutants with oil content. Where the letter P in the code has the meaning Oil Proof. But besides that it is also effective in driving out small particles in the air. The use of P95, P99 and P100 masks can be longer, up to 40 hours.
Electric Face Masks
Electric face mask uses battery power and is equipped with fan filters to facilitate air circulation. That is why this mask is quite comfortable to use, because it does not cause sultry in the mouth area. The ability of this electric mask is also quite good in dispelling dust. This electric face mask has filter that must be replaced. The price of the filter is relatively expensive, which is around Rp150 thousand or US$10.92. In addition, the mask must also always be charged so that the fan can function.
Surgical Face Mask
This type of face mask is commonly used by doctors or nurses who operate in hospitals. Unlike the simple face mask which is widely used to avoid pollution, the function of the surgical mask is more to inhibit the spread of infection, not air filter. Some even say that surgical masks are actually not effective enough to ward off pollution. This mask is said to not be able to dispel chemicals, gases, or vapors.
The use of this mask must also be correct, must cover the entire area of the nose and chin, otherwise dust can still enter the nose and mouth. The use of this face mask is only one use and should not be too long.
Because its function is more to prevent infection, according to experts and the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore, surgical masks are the most appropriate type of mask to prevent transmission of the coronavirus for now. Surgical masks are said to help reduce the spread of the virus, included Coronavirus. This type of mask is also effective in blocking large drops and particles from the mouth and nose of the wearer, which can avoid virus infection to others.
N95, N99, N100 Face Mask
N95 face mask has recently been sought often after because claimed to be effective in preventing coronavirus infections. Quoted from the journal National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. The National Library of Medicine, surgical masks and N95 masks are suitable to prevent transmission of the virus, included Coronavirus.
As the name implies, the N95 mask is designed to prevent 95 percent of particles both large, small and fine (up to 0.3 microns), including those containing viruses in the air, as long as they are used properly.
If using the N95 mask properly, the nose and mouth will be tightly closed so that no air gaps enter. That is what makes this face mask considered uncomfortable because it is too tight so it makes breathing difficult. The use of this mask must be replaced immediately if the mask is damaged, wet, or dirty. Ideally, wear this mask for 8 hours and must be replaced, but it also has to be used once.
Besides N95, there are also N99, N100 masks. Both types of masks have better effectiveness at filtering pollutants than N95 masks. As per the code, the N99 mask is able to filter pollutants up to 99%. The N100 mask is even better, can hold PM2.5 particles up to 99.97%. The weakness of the N95, 99, N100 masks is not resistant to pollutants that contain oil. Where the letter N of code N95 means not oil resistant or not oil resistant.
For those who need health services (doctors, nurses, and others) to home, can be through Homecare24, which can also be accessed via the Android and iOS applications on smartphones.
