Medical Health Dental

The Swine Flu is wrecking havoc in the various parts of the world. Not just the actual no. of patients are increasing, but the people in the panic mode are also causing a lot of concern.
People are going for masks for protection. It is one of the good ways to prevent yourself from being infected by H1N1 Swine Flu. However, there is a lot of scarcity of the masks in vaarious cities. Some are even being sold at exorbitant prices because of the shortage.
We give below some main points on how you can prepare your own mask for H1N1 Swine Flu safety, in case you dont find one in the market.
Of all the various kinds of marks available in the market, The N95 mask is said to be most effective mask for protection against Swine Flu. However, it may still not be fool proof.

Why is N95 the best mask available?
N95 masks have long durability. They can be used for upto 24 hours.
On the other hand, the usual surgical masks are not that durable. They need to be disposed off in 3-4 hours time and replaced by a new one.

Why is N95 mask most reliable?
N95 masks has 3 layers of 0.4 microns, which makes it the most effective masks in the market. In case you are to face a cough or sneeze from an affected person, these 3 layers on N95 masks will protect you to the best extent from the attack of the virus.
However, please note that no masks, including N95, is fool proof.

How should I use N95 mask?
Please note that there is a proper way to wear the N95 mask and a time to dispose it off.
One thing you must note is to avoid touching your face and mouth with your own hands repeatedly. You will not even notice from where your hands may get infected. The best is to wear the mask throughout the day whether you are in office, home or anywhere else.
Wear a new mask every 24 hours. The N95 mask looses its effectiveness within 24 hours. Dispose off the old used mask properly.
Wear the N95 mask such that it fully covers your nose and mouth. Just ensure that your mouth and nose should not be exposed to direct air, it should reach through the mask.
Once taken off, dont wear the same mask. Dont touch the outside surface of the mask which you have worn the whole day.

Can we make a home made mask? How effective it is?
YES. You can surely use a home made mask. As reported in one of the leading newspapers, here is a method to prepare your mask for H1N1 Swine Flu .

Dr Pandit Chavan, joint director of health services, has told us about a simple method to make masks at home.

1 Stitch a three-layer mask of clean cotton cloth.

2 Wash the mask in hot water with anti-bacterial medicine for sterilising it.

3 Iron it before use.

Do not forget to sterlise the mask everyday.

Remember, no masks can provide full resistance from Swine flu virus. You need to take utmost care for yourself