Six mistakes to avoid when wearing a mask to protect yourself

In response to the spread of Covid-19, the wearing of protective masks has become democratized across the world. Focus on the precautions to be taken so that they protect wearers and those around them as much as possible.

Covid-19 is transmitted through droplets emitted during a cough or sneeze. To prevent its spread, the government recommended the implementation of barrier gestures such as coughing and sneezing in his elbow, blowing his nose in disposable tissues, or washing his hands regularly.

To protect themselves from the SARS-CoV-2 virus , many people resort to protective masks , even if their use is to date not officially recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the French Ministry of Health.

Solidarity and Health The mask is not the right answer for the general public, because it cannot be worn permanently and above all has no indication without close and prolonged contact with a patient. Against the corona virus, these are the barrier gestures and social distancing measures, including staying more than a meter from others, which are effective “can be read on the website of the Ministry of Health. Here are some mistakes to avoid for effective protection if you wear a mask

1: Do not wash your hands before putting on the mask

The first big mistake is forgetting to wash your hands before putting on your mask. Because of the postilions emitted during coughing or sneezing, our environment is quickly infected with bacteria or viruses. To avoid spreading them on your protective mask, wash your hands well with soap and water or with a hydroalcoholic gel. Remember to clean your fingernails, thumbs, backs of hands, and wrists. You can also buy washable face masks in Australia, and can also wash them after every use.

2: Position your mask incorrectly 

First, wash your hands well before using the mask. Then, depending on the mask model, put the elastics behind the ears or tie the laces behind the head and neck. Finally, pinch the stiff edge at the nose, if there is one, and lower the mask below the chin.

A protective mask is only useful if it is properly installed on the wearer’s face. He must therefore adjust to his face by covering his mouth and nose otherwise he will not protect him.

3: Touch your face when wearing a mask

Scratching your nose, brushing your mouth, wiping your eyes… You touch your face several times a day. However, when you wear a mask, you should avoid as much as possible to put your fingers on your face The hands carry bacteria that can contaminate the mask. The latter also contains germs that can infect the hands.

4:  Do not change your protective mask regularly

Keeping your mask on for too long is also a mistake. As soon as it starts to get wet from sweating or breathing, it should be replaced with a new one. As these masks are for single use only, you should not reuse them afterwards.

5:  Remove your protective mask without respecting the rules

To remove the mask, it must be removed from the back by untying the knot or removing the strings. Above all, do not touch the front of the mask which is infected with the postilions thrown by your breathing. Then put it in a closed garbage can and wash your hands again before putting in a new one.

6: Forget to wash reusable masks regularly

Less effective than surgical or FFP2 masks, homemade masks are useful when the wearer is ill, as they decrease the likelihood of transmitting postilions to people or to surfaces around them. But, no proof of their effectiveness has yet been provided. After each use, remember to clean them by putting them in the machine. If you don’t have a homemade mask, then Stay-safe brings you cotton face masks in Australia which you can use and can give you real comfort.