A virologist and WHO to clarify: the mouth-nose protection can be a breeding ground for many germs

The Bonn virologist Hendrik Streeck sees the use of breathing masks in everyday life because of the often incorrect application of skeptical.

“People crumple the masks in the pocket, touch you constantly, and strap yourself in for two weeks again and again in front of the mouth, probably unwashed,” said Streeck, compared to the ‘Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ).

“This is a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria and fungi,” says the Director of the Institute for Virology of the University clinic Bonn.

Risk of infection through protection masks

Also, the world health organization (WHO), the General Wear, from a simple mouth – and nose protection in the Public more skeptical.

They had changed their critical stance against the Wearing of mouth protection in the General population, although recently, self-made masks made of cloth or such from the supermarket are quite recommendable in public transport, shops and other facilities, where a minimum distance of one Meter is not observed could be, in the beginning of the week published recommendations.

The organization warned but once again, that such masks can increase the risk of infection with the Coronavirus, also. For example, when the masks are frequently handled, or at times down to the chin and then back over the nose and mouth pulled would.

In addition, a false sense of security can allow the carrier to wash less often the hands or to keep less and less distance. The masks made sense only if they are used properly and all other requirements are met, the WHO.

The WHO recommendation: The Do’s & Don’ts for Wearing respiratory masks

Protection with the right handling

The masks should thus consist of three layers: an inner, approximately, of cotton, of a second made of a thermoplastic plastic such as polypropylene, and an outer made of Polyester.

You should only be with clean hands and only on the brackets and once a day for at least 60 degrees, or in a dilute chlorine solution, washed touch.

Medical masks are preloaded useful for health care workers, Covid-19-patients and their carers and people aged 60 or health, it was said by the WHO also.

Sources

  • Editorial note: The contribution to Streeck was the dpa in the editorial collection
  • WHO (2020): Q&A: Masks and COVID-19, retrieved 10.06.2020: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-and-masks

Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), editor-in-FIT FOR FUN

*The contribution of “virologist and the WHO to clarify: the mouth-nose protection can be released will be the breeding ground for many germs” from FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.