– Four reported cases of coronavirus in France have led to a rush in pharmacies for the purchase of protective masks. Are they effective against viruses, whatever they are? How to choose them well and above all, how to wear them for real efficiency? Explanations from Doctor Jimmy Mohamed. TUTORIAL
Here comes the fashionable anti-virus mask. While four cases of coronavirus have been reported in France, many rushed to pharmacies to buy protective masks. But are these masks effective against viruses, whatever they are? How to wear it so that it is really effective? And how to choose it well? Dr. Jimmy Mohamed, whom you find every afternoon alongside Mélanie Gomez in the program Sans rendez-vous (3 pm-4pm) gives her advice for optimal use.
The two types of existing masks
The surgical mask is one that keeps you from infecting other people. If you are sick and have the flu, for example, this mask protects others from your virus. The other type of mask is the “duck” mask called FFP2. It protects you from other people and also keeps you from getting sick.
How to wear your mask
The surgical mask and the duck mask (called FFP2 mask) are applied in the same way (see video above). Just put the rigid side on your nose, adjust the tabs behind your ears and cover your mouth and nose well. The surgical mask is worn for three hours maximum. For the “duck” mask, it’s four hours maximum. After this time, they are no longer effective.
Three other simple steps to fight a virus:
• Avoid close contact such as kissing your children or shaking hands at the desk. Use Barack Obama “checks”.
• Wash your hands with soap and water. It’s ideal. Optionally, use a hydroalcoholic solution. Be careful, these are absolutely not effective if your hands are dirty. They are therefore not recommended for children who need to learn the daily gesture of hand washing.
• If you sneeze, do it in your elbow. Use disposable tissues and especially throw them in the trash right after using them.
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