Antivirus Masks

Antivirus masks could be considered those that due to their homologated filtering capacity correspond to parameters within that recommended by the WHO, ASEPAL and other public authorities. Let's see what differences there are between FFP2, FFP3 masks and different types of filtering.

In the face of the international emergency declared by the WHO regarding the Coronavirus The demand for surgical masks and protective masks has exploded. Quirumed recommends that the directions given by the World Health Organization regarding the use of masks are always followed. In addition to this, there is confusion between the different types of masks and their protection capacity:

FACE MASKS

• Surgical masks. Essentially designed for filter the air we exhaleThat is, to contain the agents, particles, bacteria or viruses that we can transmit in our breathing to a patient or other people around us.
• Respiratory protection masks. Designed for filter the air we inhale from outside, so that we retain the agents, particles, bacteria or viruses from which we want to protect ourselves. We will see that they are approved for different filtering capabilities (FFP: Filtering FacePiece). Some models of these self-filtering masks include an exhalation valve to reduce humidity inside the mask, providing greater user comfort and less respiratory resistance.

TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION MASKS

What we will look for in an antivirus mask, to be effective as such, is its homologated filtering protection. The maximum protections in the European standard EN149 they are FFP2 and FFP3. Its purpose is the protection against inhalation of environmental pollutants, pathogens, chemicals, antibiotics and cytostatics.

• FFP2 masks. High protection, approved to retain particles up to 0.6 microns, with a minimum filtration efficiency of 92%
  Due to its filtering capacity, it is indicated for the respiratory protection of health professionals or people exposed to low-moderate risk:
  • Entering respiratory isolation rooms
  • Assistance in emergencies and consultations to patients at high risk of airborne diseases
  • Laboratories where mycobacteria are processed (whenever working in a laminar flow cabinet)
• FFP3 masks. Maximum protection, approved to retain particles up to 0.6 microns, with a minimum filtration efficiency of 98%
  The high filtering capacity offers maximum respiratory protection for healthcare professionals or research personnel exposed to high risk:
  • Broncoscopias
  • Sputum induction techniques and secretion aspiration
  • Tracheal intubation
  • Autopsies of patients with suspected or diagnosed airborne diseases
  • Handling of samples from these patients in pathological A.
  • Tuberculosis abscess drains
  • Transfer by ambulance of these patients
  • Staff preparing cytostatics (even if working in a laminar flow booth),
  • Personnel performing cytostatic instillations

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Therefore, the type of protective mask we must choose depends on the risks to which we are exposed and the protection capacity we want to assume. FFP2 and FFP3 masks are recommended to protect professionals exposed to infectious aerosols (M. Tuberculosis, Measles, Chickenpox, H1N1 (Influenza A), Coronavirus, etc. Facial masks must be used in accordance with the hygiene safety protocol appropriate to the risk to which We are going to be exposed, of course it is not the panacea against any air agent if it is not complemented by the rest of the regulations and PPE (glasses, hydroalcoholic gels, waterproof gowns, gloves, etc.).

WHEN TO USE ANTIVIRUS MASK

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are caring for someone suspected of having 2019-nCoV infection or entering areas declared to be at risk
• Also wear a mask if you have a cough or sneeze.
• Masks are only effective if combined with frequent hand washing hydroalcoholic hand sanitizing gel, or with soap and water.
• If you need to wear a mask, learn how to wear and remove it correctly

HOW TO WEAR, USE, REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF AN ANTI-VIRUS MASK

• Before putting on a face mask, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant gel or soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the protective mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
• Change your mask as soon as it is wet and do not reuse single-use masks.
• To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); immediately dispose of it in a closed container; and wash your hands with a disinfecting hydroalcoholic gel or soap and water.

FALSE MYTHS AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS, 2019-NCOV, SARS-COV-2 OR COVID-19

Lots of hoaxes and misinformation are emerging about the Coronavirus. In this link of the World Health Organization there is enough information about all of them:
https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

The Ministry of Health of the Government of Spain has also made this information available to all citizens:

https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/documentos/20200224.Preguntas_respuestas_COVID-19.pdf

REFERENCES:

ASEPAL - https://www.asepal.es/actualidad/novedades/brote-por-nuevo-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Riojano Health Service - https://www.riojasalud.es/rrhh-files/rrhh/proteccion-respiratoria-rev-3175.pdf

World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/prevention_control/en/

«EN149:2001 Filtering Halfmasks to protect against particles», CEN

World Health Organization - When and how to wear masks: https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks