It’s been more than a year since Covid has started spreading and restrictions has taken place. It’s been a few months since vaccinations for it has also started. Despite that, more and more people are getting sick from it and as of July, there are four dominant variants of SARS-CoV-2. The Alpha variant which is known as the UK variant, the Beta variant which is the South Africa variant, the Gamma variant which is the Brazil variant, and the Delta variant which is the Indian Variant. The Delta variant is more infectious and has more transmissibility when compared with other variants. It also affects even some vaccinated individuals. The Delta variant is currently the most predominant variant of the virus in the United States.
The vaccines that have been approved and are being used in the US are highly effective in preventing severe disease and death, including that of the Delta variant. However, it is not 100% effective. Some fully vaccinated people can become infected and experience sickness, however it is the best protection against serious illness and death. Vaccinated people can also spread the virus, however at a much shorter period.
As you can see, even of those vaccinated, there is still a chance of getting infected. Which is why, additional layers of prevention and protection is still needed. This includes the wearing of masks to reduce the transmission of the variant. Everyone, vaccinated and not, should still wear masks in public places, and in areas of high transmission.
There are different types of masks that can be used to protect yourself from the virus. The most common of which are disposable masks which multiple layers of non-woven materials. While this is enough protection for the general public, a better option, if you are in an area with high transmission, if you are an essential worker, or a health worker, are n95 masks and n99 masks.
n95 masks and n99 masks are masks that are designed to have a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The number in the type of mask depicts the filtration efficiency. So the n95 mask means it is effective for 95% of pollutants while the n99 mask is effective in 99% which means that it is more effective than the N95 mask.
Should you go for an n95 or n99 mask? That would be up to your preference though if you are not directly exposed to the virus, an n95 mask may be enough. The important factor to take note of when choosing a mask is that it fits you perfectly, you are still able to breathe through, and that it is NIOSH certified. Make sure to change your mask regularly also.
By choosing a mask the right mask, wearing it well, and changing your mask regularly, you can get protection for the Delta variant, and other variants that may come around.
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