Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 10 (Reporter Gu Tiancheng) Scientific wearing of masks is an effective measure for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases. How to scientifically wear masks to prevent respiratory infections?A few days ago, the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention formulated and issued the "Guidelines for the Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Diseases and the Public Wearing Masks (2023 Edition)" to guide the public to wear masks scientifically and standardly, prevent and control the spread of a variety of respiratory infectious diseases, and effectively protect public health.
With the advent of winter, various respiratory diseases have entered a high incidence period. According to the guidelines, the common pathogens of respiratory infectious diseases are the new coronavirus, influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, etc., which are mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, inhalation of aerosols with pathogens or close contact.
National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention.
What situations or scenarios should I wear a mask?
The guidelines make it clear that there are four main types of situations or scenarios in which masks should be worn, including situations where there is a risk of transmission of respiratory infectious diseases, such as new coronavirus infection, influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and other respiratory infectious diseases, or people with relevant symptoms, should wear masks when going to indoor public places or in close contact with other people (less than 1 meter);Situations or scenarios with a high risk of infection, such as when visiting a medical institution for medical treatment or accompanying a doctor;Situations or scenarios to prevent outsiders from importing the epidemic into key institutions, such as during the period of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, outsiders should wear masks when entering places where vulnerable groups of people are concentrated, such as elderly care institutions, social welfare institutions, and childcare institutions;During the period of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, public service personnel in key institutions such as elderly care institutions, social welfare institutions, childcare institutions, and schools should wear masks during work to protect key populations from infection.
What situations or scenarios are recommended not to wear masks?
The guidelines make it clear that there are three main types of situations or scenarios in which it is recommended not to wear a mask, including when doing physical exercise;When you are in a situation or scenario where the risk of infection is low, such as in an outdoor place such as an open plaza or park;Some people who are not suitable to wear masks, such as infants and toddlers aged 3 and under.
How do I choose the right type of mask to wear?
The guidelines make it clear that patients with respiratory infectious diseases or those with symptoms of respiratory infections are recommended to wear particulate protective masks such as N95 or KN95 (without breathing valves) or medical protective masks, and other personnel are recommended to wear disposable medical masks or medical surgical masksChildren's hygiene masks are recommended.