Importance of N95 Medical Masks for Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and General Public
The US authorities through the Center for Disease Control, CDC, have recommended using N95 medical masks to offer the highest level of protection against the quickly spreading omicron variant. Initially, the CDC had recommended that the N95 medical masks be used only by medical workers. Still, due to the surge in infections by the omicron variant, the CDC has reversed these guidelines and recommended the use of N95 masks for both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated, especially in public places where the rates of transmission of the omicron variant are high. N95 masks differ from surgical masks in that they fit to form a tight seal against the face, and the user is required to pull air through the mask’s filter. Surgical masks are loosely fit, and the user pulls air through both sides of the gap. In addition, N95 masks are designed to keep out respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles. The importance of N95 Masks being worn is immeasurable. There are many N95 masks available on the market include a number of different Makrite models that are all NIOSH certified including the model 9500-N95, the Sekura-N95, Sekura-X, and of course the 3M 8210 N95 Respirator.
Why the CDC recommends N95 medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders
The US Food and Drug Administration agency pointed out that surgical masks effectively protect against droplets with large particles but not those transmitted through a cough or sneeze. Respirators such as N95 medical masks effectively protect against the transmission of the virus through cough or sneeze. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is attached to water and mucus; hence a tight-fitting N95 medical mask covering the nose and mouth will prevent anyone nearby from contracting the virus. For healthcare workers and first responders at the forefront of battling the new omicron variant, N95 medical masks will effectively help protect them from contracting the highly infectious variant. The Makrite model 9500-N95 is NIOSH Certified N95 medical mask popular among healthcare workers that offer protection and comfort. The Makrite model 9500-N95 also has a Surgical Rating, which is an essential item for frontline healthcare workers and first responders.
Why the CDC recommends the use of N95 medical masks for the general public
The new omicron variant is highly transmissible. While most people are getting vaccinated, the process is yet to be completed, and the authorities still advise the general public to mask whether fully vaccinated or otherwise. The CDC has insisted on the general public to mask consistently with a well-fitting medical mask covering the nose and mouth in areas where the transmission rates of the virus are substantial. The CDC recommends the N95 medical masks since they are tight-fitting and prevent droplets from coughs and sneezes from being transmitted from person to person. Masking is mandatory when using public transportation and in transportation hubs such as train stations and airports. N95 medical masks available on the market for the general public include Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Makrite 910-N95FMX.
Conclusion
N95 medical masks adequately protect the new highly transmissible omicron variant for frontline caregivers, first responders, and the general public. N95 medical masks are comfortable and fit perfectly, covering the mouth and nose while protecting any fluid from a cough or sneeze from entering. The N95 Mask will help protect frontline caregivers from contracting the new highly transmissible omicron variant. In addition, the general public can protect themselves and others from contracting the omicron COVID-19 variant by wearing the well-fitting N95 medical masks consistently in public areas where the transmission rates are likely to be high. The war against the pandemic is a collective responsibility, and consistently wearing effective medical masks such as the N95 Mask will significantly help in reducing transmissions, especially with the discovery of the highly transmissible omicron variant.
Contact SPH Medical today to request N95 masks and other Safety and Safe Patient Handling related products.