Wearing a mask is one of those important and healthy habits, which can protect you from falling ill in the changing weather. The mask will not only protect you from external infection, but will also prevent it from spreading further if you are sick.
The weather is changing. On one hand, humidity in the atmosphere is increasing, on the other hand, due to this, pollutants are also being felt more. Due to which cases of flu, infection, fever and cold are increasing. This season is also particularly challenging for people who already have respiratory problems, or who suffer from asthma. Therefore experts are again advising to wear masks. At present the situation has become exactly like Covid-19. Masks proved to be an important safety measure in preventing that situation. This is why experts are recommending making wearing masks mandatory for everyone.
Weather is increasing respiratory problems
Dr Hemant Kalra, chest specialist at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Delhi, says, “This is the wet and humid season. Every year the air quality index becomes poor in this season. It is expected that it will get worse in the next few days. Which will also include smoke and pollutants from firecrackers and vehicles. All of these together can pose serious health risks.
When the pollutants that increase with the cold and dry air of this time are inhaled through your nose, they cause irritation and irritation in the airways. Due to which there may be difficulty in breathing. There is also a higher risk of worsening of symptoms like voice change, wheezing, cough and asthma.
Can masks really protect you from infectious diseases?
Dr. Manika Gandhi, working in the Division of HIV and other infectious diseases of the Department of Medicine of the University of California, conducted a research on the risk of globally spreading infectious diseases and the usefulness of masks in avoiding them. This research was published in John Hopkins. The research said that a right kind of mask not only protects a person from infections, but it is also an important safety measure at a global level.
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In the research, along with wearing the mask, the fabric and fitting of the mask were also discussed in detail. Wrapping a muffler, scarf or towel around the mouth was considered less safe than a mask. In her research, Monica advised to choose cotton fabric instead of synthetic fabric and adopt proper fitting which can cover the entire mouth and nose. Especially for children who are mostly active.
Know why it is important to go out wearing a mask at this time (Benefits of wearing mask)
Mask protects from pollutants
Dr. Hemant Kalra says, “At present the air is very polluted. Air Quality Index has reached the red mark. Who very bad air indicates to be. In fact, the presence of pollutants affects air quality and your health. A red mark indicates that the air is very bad and the risk to your health is high. Wearing a mask can protect you from pollutants in the air.”
Prevents flu infection
This is the season of flu and many other infections. Which enter your respiratory tract through breath. These viruses can also make your lungs sick. But when you wear a mask before going out, you are protected from flu and other infections.
Controls asthma symptoms
This season is full of more challenges for asthma patients. Which can not only make them sick, but also trigger asthma symptoms along with other respiratory diseases. Whereas a good quality mask protects you from pollutants and harmful gases present in the air. Due to which the symptoms of asthma remain under control.
It is also important for small children and the elderly
Elderly people and small children are considered the most vulnerable. This season can be a bit complicated for them due to their weak immunity and susceptibility to diseases. Dr. Hemant advises both of them to wear masks before going out. So that they remain protected from any kind of infection.
Keep these things in mind while choosing a mask for yourself (How to choose perfect mask)
N95 masks are the safest
N95 mask has been the most talked about during Covid. Many doctors and experts found it to be safer in protecting against infections. It was claimed that it is better in protecting from pollutants and harmful gases.
Natural Fabric Mask
Handmade cotton masks have been sold and bought in abundance since the pandemic. People were making these at home and selling them. If you are also buying such handmade masks, then definitely keep in mind their fabric. Choose cotton masks instead of synthetic fabrics like silk, brocade or polyester. This protects from pollutants, but does not cause discomfort in breathing.
It is also important to take care of fitting
It is even more important to pay attention to the fitting of the mask. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people wore loose-fitting masks that sagged and pulled down their faces. Wearing such masks is equivalent to not wearing a mask. Therefore, before buying a mask, check its fitting. Choose it only if it is able to cover your entire mouth and nose properly.
Do not use each other's mask
Indian families have a habit of sharing a lot. Be it towel, comb, soap or mask. But this is a most unhealthy practice. Always keep your mask separate from others. Using each other's masks is as risky as eating food contaminated by an infected person.
Also read- Every third person in Delhi is coughing, know why cases of cold, cough and infection are increasing so rapidly.