Can Double Masks Increase Our Protection Against Covid-19?

Covid-19 was considered as a new form of Pneumonia, and it was new for all medical professionals. At the time of its inception, no one would have ever wondered that it would last for so long. However, even medical professionals judged it similar to other viruses. They aimed to find a vaccine to save people from the virus. 

As the days went by, researchers started seeing it as a difficult task. They found various new mutations in the virus. While researching, they began educating themselves, and the normal population regarding the precautions people should take to safeguard themselves against the virus.

Earlier precautionary measures included,

• Single Mask
• Sanitizing the hands regularly
• Washing the hands regularly
• Staying at home
• Working from home
• Maintaining social distancing while going out

And so on. 

The passing time and the research suggested a few more changed precautionary measures which were communicated. One of those updated measures included double masking while moving outside our homes. You might wonder whether double masking helped us to stay secure and safe against the virus? Even I was in the same confusion while hearing this precautionary measure. 

As per CDC’s latest guidelines, double masking has significantly reduced the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. As per the guidelines, one has to use a surgical mask inside and a cloth mask above it. It gives excellent filtration, and it is pretty safe and helpful in controlling the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In addition, it provides a barrier to block the respiratory droplets and tremendously reduces the risk of transmission by 95%.

However, just having double masks does not reduce the possibility of transmission. You need to follow some additional precautions suggested by the medical professionals. Let me list them as well over here. 

Covid19 Precautions to be taken alongside double masks

• Wash your hands - This must become a daily routine for every one of us, even in Non-Covid situations. We need to wash our hands once we are back at home from outside.
• Sanitize your hands - One must sanitize their hands when they step outside the home and once they enter any premises. 
• Use the proper way of wearing the mask - We all have experienced and seen people wearing masks keeping their noses open. It is advisable to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth. 
• Social Distancing - With the changing situation, the guidelines for this precautionary measure are changing. As per the current situation, you must maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet. 
• Avoid gatherings - Though people have started gathering for functions and occasions, it is advised to avoid such gatherings. It has the highest possibility of spreading the virus. 
• Cover your face - When you are at home or any closed place, you must cover your face at the time of sneezing or coughing. 
• Clean the surfaces - Disinfect the surfaces like handles, mobiles, etc., after using it. 

I have personally observed that people avoid going for a test even when they feel having been affected with Covid-19. Therefore, I feel we must keep a couple of points in our minds if we wish to safeguard ourselves and the people around us.

Additional points to be kept in mind during the pandemic

• In any case, if you start feeling a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, consult your family doctor immediately. 
• Vaccination drives are being held at several places in our country. Corporates have been organizing vaccination campaigns for their employees and family members. It is advisable to take the vaccination as a priority after taking necessary approvals from your family doctors. 

Conclusion

Whether you are infected with the Covid-19 virus or not, you need to follow double masking. Additionally, you need to follow the guidelines I mentioned above to keep yourself and your family safe during the pandemic.