There are many types of masks that can be used during a pandemic, one of which is a mask with a valve. It turns out that this is considered one of the spread of the new Covid-19 variant.
Currently, the world is being shocked again by the presence of a new variant of the corona virus, namely Omicron. It is suspected that the spread was caused by the use of one type of mask.
How about the facts?
Following Popmama.com Summarize for Mama.
1. Origin of the presence of the Omicron virus
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Variant Omicron or Corona B.1.1.529 has been detected in several countries, one of which is Hong Kong. WHO, warned that this variant could risk a spike in transmission worldwide.
The Ministry of Health itself noted that there were 9 countries that were confirmed to have this virus. Of the total 128 cases, some came from South Africa, Hong Kong, England, Italy and Belgium. Reportedly, the origin of this virus came from South Africa.
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2. Valve masks are considered to be one of the causes of its spread
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A chief microbiologist at the University of Hong Kong, Yuen Kwok-yung, revealed that one of the causes of transmission was valve masks. Washington Post.
According to witness accounts, one of the 2 people who are being quarantined due to the Omicron variant is seen wearing a valved mask. Yuen also called those who use this type of mask as selfish.
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3. Why could it be the cause?
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Furthermore, Yuen explained that masks with air valves cannot filter the air that comes out and enters when a person inhales and exhales.
A valve mask is a mask that functions to filter the incoming air as well as the exhaled air exit. The working principle is to circulate air from and out of the valve and is one-way, namely from the inside to the outside.
If worn by those who are infected with the virus, then the breath out is not filtered and can harm others. Yuen called this a selfish act.
This is why the mask can be a trigger for transmission, as reported by South China Morning Post.
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4. It has not been recommended by the CDC since 2020
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Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory not to use exhaust-type masks again since 2020.
Just like Yuen’s reasoning, this type of mask allows the air inside the mask, which could have a virus in it, to be blown out without being filtered through the valve hole.
According to the CDC’s website, masks with valves or respiratory ventilation should not be used to help prevent people wearing masks from spreading Covid-19 to others.
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5. Recommended use of masks
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Valve type masks are not recommended because they are not intended to protect themselves from viruses. Therefore, medical masks are also the best choice for now.
Medical masks that are doubled with cloth masks can also be an everyday option if you have to leave the house and meet other people.
But don’t forget to check the air gaps so that they are tightly closed so that there is no gap for air to just enter without being filtered by the mask filter.
To date, there have been no clinical trials regarding the dangers of the Omicron variant. But the potential for its spread can still be dangerous. Therefore, always apply health protocols to the maximum, anytime anywhere.
Always healthy, Mom!
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