TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – The first patient to be exposed to the variant Omicron called spreading the virus because of wearing a valve mask, namely mask with a one-way breathing valve on the front.
The valve masks were originally intended for industrial workers, to allow workers to breathe easier in factories.
In addition, the valve on the front mask can also reduce heat and humidity inside mask, making it more comfortable to wear for a long time.
Even so, the CDC and WHO do not recommend valve masks for use in daily activities because the valves are on mask allows air to flow in and out easily.
The valve mask is able to filter out dust, pollution and other small particles.
However, mask valves or vents cannot filter the exhaled breath properly.
In addition, the researchers found that droplets can pass through and through unfiltered valves, potentially spreading the virus when exhaling.
Given that the Covid-19 pandemic is still not over, the CDC recommends types of masks that the general public can use to prevent the spread of the virus when doing their daily activities.
Among them are mask medical or mask surgical covering of the nose, mouth and chin.
In addition, it is also recommended to cross the rope mask to more tightly cover the respiratory tract.
Double mask or mask medical used in conjunction with mask cloth is also recommended as it is believed to block viruses better.
It is recommended to replace mask every 4 hours, or when mask is dirty, wet, or damaged.
This article has been published on Kompas.tv with the title Why Are Valve Masks Ineffective in Preventing Covid-19? This is the reason
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