The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials recommend that people wear masks in public settings as a way to slow transmission of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. While mask-wearing may be new to most of us, doctors have been wearing medical-grade N95 or surgical masks (which offer more protection than do cloth masks) during surgeries or patient interactions as part of their daily routines for many decades.
What makes an N95 different from other face masks?
N95 masks are so-called because they must be able to filter out at least 95% of very small particles, including droplets containing the coronavirus, to meet U.S. standards. Those who work in hospitals and factories that produce paint or industrial chemicals frequently wear them.
Surgical masks and simpler cloth masks, by comparison, are primarily intended to prevent the wearer from spreading germs and are simpler to put on and wear. Surgical masks don’t create as tight a seal to the face as N95 masks.
The CDC and WHO recommend wearing N95 masks when caring for patients with highly transmissible diseases such as tuberculosis, SARS, and COVID-19. The N in N95 stands for NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the United States, and 95 indicates the filter efficiency of particles. Thus, an N95 mask is 95% effective at filtering airborne particles, including very small ones.
In comparison, while surgical masks provide a barrier against large respiratory particles, they are ineffective at protecting from smaller particles. Surgical masks also do not prevent leakage around the mask when the user inhales. Therefore, surgical masks are ineffective and do not provide enough protection when performing direct care for patients with COVID-19.
Wearing masks for a prolonged amount of time can causes physiologic and psychological burdens and can decrease work efficiency. Activity can be performed shorter or more efficiently while wearing masks are not worn. Therefore, being a healthcare professional you need to opt for the best N95 masks. You can check out some of the best quality masks on emedecare.com
Why are N95 masks important for doctors?
N95 masks are an essential form of personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors and healthcare workers at high risk of exposure to airborne particles, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria, that are small enough to be inhaled. Here are some reasons why N95 masks are essential for doctors:
Protection against respiratory illnesses:
Doctors and healthcare workers treating respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19, are at risk of exposure to airborne particles that can cause infections. N95 masks provide high protection against such particles, reducing the risk of contracting the illness.
Protection against airborne contaminants: N95 masks also protect against airborne contaminants such as dust, smoke, and pollen, which can cause respiratory problems.
Reduces the risk of transmission:
N95 masks also help to reduce the risk of communication of infectious diseases between patients and healthcare workers.
Prevents contamination:
N95 masks also avoid contamination of medical equipment and surfaces by trapping airborne particles.
Overall, N95 masks are an essential form of PPE for doctors and healthcare workers at risk of exposure to airborne particles during work. They provide a high level of protection against respiratory illnesses and airborne contaminants and help to reduce the risk of transmission and contamination.