All about masks against influenza A
We hear a lot of masks for protection against influenza A, but when, how and under what conditions to get them? Instructions for the use of masks against influenza A.
Many questions arise: should I wear a mask if one of my family is sick? How much does a mask? Where am I supposed to get a mask if necessary?
Influenza A: masks for patients and professionals
Only proven and suspected patients must wear a mask projection, said surgery in order to protect their environment from contamination by the virus. Those around the patient did not wear masks, as a preventive measure to protect themselves.
The medical professionals, emergency personnel, pharmacists ... are more likely to be exposed and infected by the virus and are also affected by wearing protective mask (called FFP2).
Two types of masks against influenza A
The surgical mask: also called mask projections, it is for people sick so they avoid contaminating their surroundings, especially when they cough or sneeze. He must wear a mask since the onset of symptoms and this for at least 7 days (period of contagion).
The breathing mask FFP2 said: for health professionals essentially is a respirator disposable protects the wearer against inhalation of infectious agents transmitted by air.
The stock of surgical masks EPRUS currently stands at 1 billion units and 700 million masks FFP2. "The stocks of EPRUS are only intended for the Ministry of Health who then distribute them (at hospitals, private physicians, pharmacies, etc..) Via departmental platforms. The other departments or private companies who wish to order masks pass directly by the supplier and not through us, "confirms Avaro Claude, Director General and head of the pharmacist Establishment of emergency preparedness and health (EPRUS *).
Masks issued free prescription
The enlargement of the operative care of patients in ambulatory care, introduced since July 23, 2009, established general practitioners and pharmacists in the heart of the device (2). In case of suspicious symptoms, you should contact your GP who will determine the care most appropriate. The 15 is reserved for urgent cases. Once in his office, you wear a surgical mask that you have been given to avoid infecting people in the waiting room.
If you suffer much flu, your doctor "prescribes you a box of 50 surgical masks, paracetamol and possibly of Tamiflu ®. But the prescription of Tamiflu ® is far from systematic," says Claude Avaro. So, with your order, you go to the pharmacy that delivers you free masks.
Note that health authorities have also ordered 150 million masks of pediatric anti-suppression, for children 1 to 12 years, to be worn by the sick children to protect their environment. These masks should be available very rapidly, particularly for children over 5 years.
A life of 4 hours
The patient should stay well away (over one meter) of others and constantly wear a mask. "Beware when the mask gets wet, it is more effective. We must therefore change at this time. Generally, we observe that a patient consumes about 4 masks per day," says Claude Avaro. "The ratio is the same for FFP2 masks worn by health professionals.
The masks have an expiry date, but the masks provided by pharmacies are not normally affected as usual checks were made upstream. Finally, concerning the quality of masks, all meet the same standards, not to worry at this level.
In schools, public places ...
Is it possible to find masks outside medical facilities, such as in public places, school or within the company? "Everything depends on the departments concerned in the public sector and enterprises in the private sector," replied Claude Avaro. "Several masks were purchased by the government for their staff. It's the same in the private sector."
* The EPRUS is a public administrative institution under the Ministry of Health and Sports. It was created in 2007 to allow the State to respond to health threats of large scale efficiently and effectively.
0 comments:
Post a Comment