ADVERTISEMENT
No Result
View All Result
English Edition
Contribute
Monday, May 23rd 2022
Today's Paper
The Kashmir Monitor
  • LatestLive
  • News
  • Kashmir
  • India
  • World
  • Politics
  • Editorial
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Education
  • Health
  • Tech-Film
  • Auto
  • Crypto
  • Travel
  • Shopping
The Kashmir Monitor
  • LatestLive
  • News
  • Kashmir
  • India
  • World
  • Politics
  • Editorial
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Education
  • Health
  • Tech-Film
  • Auto
  • Crypto
  • Travel
  • Shopping
The Kashmir Monitor
Home Health

Kashmiri Doctors speak: Wear N95 or triple layer masks to keep Omicron at bay

Hirra Azmat by Hirra Azmat
Jan. 12, 2022 Updated 5:51 pm. IST
A A
n95 mask social 1612279582
0
SHARES
342
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


 

Srinagar: The importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing has only increased after five people were tested positive for Omicron in the valley.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, there is still confusion regarding the most effective masks against the virus and its many variants.

Health experts said cloth masks may prove ineffective against filtering particles.

HOD Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. Muhammad Salim Khan said it took 25 days to move from 100 to 1000 cases a day due to deadly Delta variant during the second Covid wave in Jammu & Kashmir. 

“Omicron took just half of that time that is 13 days. It’s spreading very fast. Please mask up. Also, it’s always preferred to use N-95 and triple-layer masks.  Cloth masks and designer masks don’t provide the required protection against Covid viruses,” Dr. Khan said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Saleem said cotton, cloth, fabric masks may be ineffective against Omicron.

“Such masks were initially administered to the general public in the first wave due to a lack of N95 masks for healthcare staff and laboratory professionals. When a three-layer surgical mask and a cotton/cloth/fabric mask are used combined, they are more effective than when used separately,” Dr. Saleem said.

He emphasized that since Omicron is highly transmissible, such mask protection is ineffective and may even contribute to its spread by providing a false sense of security in terms of transmission and protection.

“The best-recommended mask by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India for patients and those attending them is the N-95 mask.  The mask must fit a wide range of facial sizes,” Dr. Saleem said.

Resident doctor at SMHS Hospital Srinagar Dr. Irtifa Kanth pointed out that people should necessarily wear masks every time they have to leave their homes.

“Especially in a place where there is a gathering. Sometimes if you have a high-risk person, like an elderly, immunocompromised person in your family, masks should be worn inside also particularly when a person who is not part of your household comes to your home,” Dr. Irtifa said.

He noted there are some myths around masks that need to be busted.

“People with respiratory problems should wear masks more strictly.  It is a myth that wearing masks will reduce your breathing capability,” he said.

The Omicron variant is much more transmissible than Delta. Across the country, the cases are spreading like wildfire, and still, the biological characteristics of this variant are relatively unknown.

On Tuesday, five people tested positive for the Omicron variant in Kashmir. It included a male from the Shopian district who has recovered and tested negative for the virus. Second is a female from Uri in Baramulla, who is recovering. The remaining three cases are non-locals who have gone back.


Next Post
Omicron unstoppable, booster doses won’t stop spread of virus: India’s top epidemiologist

Over 16.50 Cr COVID vaccine doses available: Centre

Discussion about this post


The Kashmir Monitor

Copyright © 1996 - 2022

Navigate Site

  • Donate
  • Status Page
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Notice
  • About us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Page
  • Latest News
  • Lead Stories
  • News
  • Kashmir
  • India
  • World
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Business
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Editors’ Picks
  • Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech-Film
  • Today’s Paper

Copyright © 1996 - 2022