Are you worried about the increasing cases of Omicron? This highly transmissible variant has spread fast in the U.S. and other countries, prompting experts to ask the public to wear a proper face mask as protection against Omicron spread.
Dr. Leana Wen from George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health told CNN that people should ditch their cloth masks and upgrade to KN95 or N95 masks. These are made with polypropylene fibers with mechanical and electrostatic barriers that can prevent tiny virus particles from getting through the mouth or nose.
"There's no place for [cloth mask] in light of Omicron," Wen said, adding that if people are still wearing cloth masks, they have to wear another layer of three-ply surgical mask.
Watch Out for Fake N95 Masks
Dr. Erin Bromage of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth emphasized that coronavirus and its variants like Delta or Omicron primarily spread through shared air. An N95 mask may properly filter both large droplets and tiny aerosols that are likely laden with the airborne virus. On the other hand, a cloth face mask is more prone to inward and outward leakage that won't protect the user.
Healthcare workers use N95 masks since they are in a high-risk environment. At the start of the pandemic, people were advised to use cloth masks since resources for N95 masks are more vital for those in the hospitals.
However, supplies for N95 masks are now abundant after nearly two years into the pandemic. Yet the experts also warned that fake N95 masks abound, so people have to be careful about the product they buy.
Anne Miller, the director of non-profit Project N95, said that a good N95 mask could block Omicron by 95 percent. To ensure that you're buying an authentic supply, look for the TC number on the label. Miller said that the TC number sequence should include TC, three digits, and another two digits plus the lot number.
K95 masks also have number sequences. According to Miller, the label should say, "GB 2626-2019 then a space and then K-N95." The sequence should be printed on the mask. Otherwise, the supply is not made of quality standards.
Miller also advised against buying masks with the FDA logo or claims that the product is FDA-approved. She said that manufacturers pay an average of $5,400 for the registration, but this doesn't connote approval.
A good face mask will also carry a NIOSH rating but check to see if the NIOSH is correctly spelled on the product to ensure it's not fake. NIOSH also doesn't rate decorative face masks and has never rated any kids protection against Omicron.
Miller wants to remind the public that these masks are only good for 40 hours of wear. Replace masks often to maintain protection as old masks will become less effective with every use.
Is it Omicron or a Cold?
Meanwhile, the experts said that the Omicron variant has symptoms similar to the common cold. Since it's the flu season, parents might not immediately tell if their child with the sniffles has the COVID, the cold, or the flu virus.
However, Dr. Hai Shao of the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center said three symptoms could confirm it's an Omicron virus. These are fever and chills, loss of sense of smell or taste, and a severe headache.
The doctor said people should observe infection control measures as soon as they experience any symptoms. He also emphasized the proper use of a face mask, especially when going to public places. Anytime anyone in the family gets sick at home, don't risk spreading the virus. Mask up and isolate the sick person as much as possible.
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