Use Face Masks Properly To Prevent Both Coronavirus and Heatstroke

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The following editorial appeared in Tuesday’s Japan News-Yomiuri:

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More and more people are wearing masks for long periods of time as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus. It is a necessary practice to prevent infection, but it is also necessary to wear and take off masks properly to prevent heatstroke in the coming hot season.

People fall victim to heatstroke around May when the temperature rises, and the problem continues increasing through the summer. This year, many people apparently have refrained from going out and have had few opportunities to exercise. Caution should be taken especially around this time of year, when our bodies are not used to the heat.

There is great anxiety about the coronavirus. Heatstroke, however, is also a serious threat, with tens of thousands of people taken to the hospital by ambulance and hundreds of deaths reported each year. Symptoms such as fever and fatigue are similar to those of the coronavirus. If the number of heatstroke patients increases, it could cause confusion at the front line in emergency medicine.

Masks block droplets that are ejected while speaking and help prevent infection. Many people, therefore, wear masks all day, even when they are outside or in a car. This is the right attitude in itself. However, it is counterproductive if they get heatstroke as a result of wearing a mask.

It is important to take off one’s mask, which restricts body heat from being properly released, and prioritize the prevention of heatstroke when outside and in areas where there are few people. It should especially be noted that the risk of heatstroke is high for the elderly and children, whose body temperature does not adjust as easily as others.

As a countermeasure against heatstroke, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is asking people to take off their masks when they are outdoors and can maintain a distance of more than two meters from others. The Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, among other entities, also recommends taking off one’s mask and taking breaks properly.

The principles of heatstroke prevention do not change: Consume fluids ahead of time, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid going out and working outdoors on hot, humid days.

The use of air conditioners is also effective, but this year it is essential to freshen the air regularly to prevent viruses from staying in rooms. Curtains and blinds can also be used to block out direct sunlight.

Some characteristics of the coronavirus remain unclear, and efforts to prevent infection remain elusive.

It will be important to make a judgment based on the situation, such as whether to wear a mask when running in the heat, and whether it is necessary to use a mask in combination with a shield that covers the entire face.

For some, wearing a mask at all times must be expected as a matter of etiquette. To prevent people who are not wearing masks from being criticized, the central and local governments should more actively inform the public that it is better to take off masks in certain situations to prevent heatstroke.

It is hoped the nation gets through this summer, which is expected to be extremely hot, while paying attention to both countermeasures against the virus and heatstroke prevention.

(c) 2020, Japan News-Yomiuri · 

{Matzav.com}


6 COMMENTS

  1. I think we need to clarify the difference between a filtering mask (like those being manufactured in the photo) and a surgical mask (like those the worker is wearing in the photo)

    Filtering mask (in the USA also called disposable respirator, disposable facepiece etc) is classified as N95, N98, N99 and it is a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) meant to protect the user from harmful dust, aerosol etc (Not gas or vapor).
    Surgical Mask is used in surgery for patient’s protection, and similarly at the dentist’s office.

    Filtering mask, if worn correctly, will lower very, very much our risk. Will also drastically lower or eliminate the risk of infecting others. It should be worn by people of working age (16+ or 18+ or other, depending on the country), they should have no previous respiratory problem (ideally they should have done a lung capacity test) and ideally they should also be trained and fit-tested.
    If worn incorrectly in the heat while doing strenuous exercise, this can be very dangerous! Which is why there are limitations and regulations. The situation of strenuous physical work while wearing such PPE arises usually at work, and is well known.
    Also this type of mask can not be used with a full beard.

    Surgical mask, which also needs to be worn correctly (adjusted at the nose, fully opened) will protect us to a certain extent, and will also prevent others to a certain extent in the case we are unwell. Anyone can use it (the CDC recommendation is NOT to use by children under 2 years of age and people with special needs because of choking hazard) and it does not make breathing difficult. Of course if e.g. an elderly person is going to run in the Asian summer heat, then one should make judgement according to situation, as this article says.

    • You appear to know the subject. Please tell us which mask to wear ! Summer is here, the mask is kind of hot and uncomfortable. Besides, it gets moist from our breathing. Doesn’t the mask become a breeding ground for germs?
      Thanks !

  2. The need to wear MASK is just so that the Trump administration UNMASK the elite criminals for their crimes.

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