Incorrect use of the mouth and nose cap creates new health problems. In practice it turns out that people use the same mouth and nose cap for days, while they should change them after a maximum of three hours. This says food technologist / microbiologist Ricky Stutgard.
He recently supervised two Natin students with their graduation. Beray Cornelius and Urmie Koese did to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the mouth and nose cap and the bacteriological safety of this covering agent.
Their research showed, among other things, that 17 percent of people indicated that they use the same mouth and nose cap together with their partner. Nearly 25 percent complain of shortness of breath and no less than 70 percent do not know why they wear mouth and nose caps. The research concerns the homemade mouth and nose caps made of cotton or a piece of cloth.
Stutgard points out that other types of mouthguards are used in the medical world. These are specially intended for use in hospitals, but there are rules there too.
“The doctors and nurses only need to have it for three hours. The mouth and nose caps are in a special room, in a hygienic room, where cleaning is done continuously. But we wear those mouth and nose caps that we wear everywhere, ”Stutgard explains the difference. In addition, the homemade mouth and nose caps also go along with other items of clothing, which, according to the food technologist / microbiologist, creates new problems.
From Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria found on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat and on the skin. It mainly spreads through the hands in contact with the nasal cavity, but can also be transmitted through the air, clothing, bedding or toys. Normally, the bacteria does not cause disease, but infections can develop if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged.
From Staphylococcus aureus can be dangerous for humans as it can cause not only food poisoning but also various skin infections. Good personal hygiene helps prevent infections. One of the most important measures is to always wash your hands after sneezing, coughing and especially before touching food.
Mouth and nose shields can help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, if used properly. Stutgard advises people to put one on when they are on a bus or in an elevator, or when shopping in an air-conditioned store.
“For the rest you don’t have to wear it. Because, in a manner of speaking, you will create more disorders than anything else. And make sure you get enough vitamin C and that you exercise enough, build your resistance, in case you get an infection, that your body can solve it. I am convinced that anyway, sooner or later, we will all be confronted with the virus in one way or another. And that is why I say: build up your resistance, it is an invisible enemy. Any moment it can strike and you don’t see it. ”
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