Author:

What can we do to prevent any form of contagion of SARS-Cov-2?

The first thing to do is scrupulously follow the rules indicated by the Health Institutions (e.g. frequent hand washing, avoid close contacts, do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands, cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough, etc.)

Viruses are very small biological entities with dimensions between 20 and 300 nanometers.

An infected subject, through coughing and sneezing, expels micro droplets containing the virus.

It is these micro droplets that can be inhaled by healthy subjects or settle on various surfaces becoming a means of contagion.

Having said this, let’s come to the fateful question: are masks useful? YES.

While not being able to directly filter the virus (too small entity), the masks can still constitute a barrier against these micro droplets.

We are in fact talking about PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and in particular of respiratory protective devices.

What are they for?

The masks are devices intended to protect us from dangerous substances in the aeriform state (particles, vapors, gases) through the filtration mechanism.

They can partially or completely cover the face, and some types are equipped with a special filter.

These devices must be correctly used and worn not only by healthcare personnel, but also by patients with suspected or ascertained pathology transmissible by air.

Surgical masks

The surgical masks are disposable, in four-layer fabric (internal layer in contact with the hypoallergenic skin), with a deformable nose clip to perfectly conform the mask to the face. Equipped with a system of laces / elastics for fixing. They protect the nose and mouth from contamination with particles with an average diameter of 4.5 µ. They arise from the need to protect the patient for example during surgery or aseptic maneuvers, but in general they constitute an effective barrier system for anyone who wears it. Therefore they are made to wear to the patient with suspected or ascertained pathology transmissible by air (flu syndrome, TB, Meningitis, SARS, etc. ..) and in this way they help prevent their transmission.

Filtered Masks FFP2

They must cover the nose, mouth and chin and stick to the face; equipped with double elastic, nose clip with seal (with / without exhalation valve). Generally contained in single packs with instructions for use. They protect from nose and mouth contamination and from inhalation of airborne particles smaller than micron, (e.g. Kock bacillus). Indicated for operator protection in activities that may involve exposure to infectious agents in low concentrations. Those with an expiratory valve should not be worn by an infected or suspected patient.