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The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Chu, D., Duda, S., Solo, K., Yaacoub, S., & Schunemann, H. (2020). Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 72(4), 1500. Web.

The article explores how the transmission of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 can be prevented using measures, such as maintaining physical distance, eye protection, and using face masks in healthcare and non-healthcare setting. The researchers have recognized that for COVID-19 infection is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Other than being exposed to contaminated surfaces, close contact has played a leading role in the person-to-person viral spread. The researchers stated that reducing the rate of COVID-19 spread was key to its management because no vaccine or effective pharmacological intervention has been developed. In such regard, flattening the curve was the top priority, which was only achievable by preventing viral infection. Chu and his colleagues systematically reviewed literature to determine the best distance to avoid the person-to-person coronavirus spread. The authors also investigated the usefulness of eye protectors and face masks in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The organization of the article makes it easy to read and understand aided by relevant tables and figures for presentation. The research findings support that at least keeping one-meter apart from each other and optimal face masks’ use and eye shield prevented virus transmission.

The article is useful in reducing the rate of virus infection in care settings. Exercising safety measures in clinical settings is always a challenge since health professionals continuously interact with COVID-19 patients. In such regard, frontline workers in health settings must observe at least one-meter social distance, wear face masks and eye protectors. However, prolonged use of face masks among health providers has been discouraged due to associated pressure injuries to the user (NAIP, 2020). Through pressure injuries, people increase the vulnerability to COVID-19 infection. Such consideration indicates limitations to the use of masks in preventing the spread. However, the benefits of using PPEs in preventing COVID-19 transmission outweigh the potential adverse effects.

NPIAP. (2020). NPIAP position statements on preventing injury with N95 masks. Web.

The article states how injury associated with the use of N95 masks can be prevented. The investigations were inspired by the prolonged use of N95 respiratory masks among healthcare providers in the care and management of COVID-19 patients. NPIAP is dedicated to preventing and treating pressure injury through evidence-based practice. The formatting of the report was simple and well-formatted for enhanced reading and comprehension. NPIAP recognized the importance of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in COVID-19 transmission that cannot be compromised. However, pressure and shear in patients caused injuries in care providers wearing PPEs for an extended time, especially the N95 mask that compels them to a tight fit. NPIAP advised applying liquid skin protectant to reduce the friction injuries. The use of petroleum jelly was also discouraged due to slippage, which reduces the functionality of the mask. NAIP does not advocate for the use of thin prophylactic dressings in N95 masks because of the increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Removing the mask after every two hours for 15 minutes reduced pressure duration. NAIP recommended that the facial injuries related to wearing masks should be treated using topical moisturizers.

The article suits the clinical environment that has been under pressure to deliver amid the COVID-19 crisis. Even with the N95 masks, health professionals have contracted and been affected by the virus. Such cases illuminate the challenges that come along with the use of N95 face masks apart from pressure injuries. Chu et al. (2020) acknowledged the use of N95 masks as one of the key measure s in stopping the spread of coronavirus but did not highlight its challenges. For instance, the prophylactic dressing in the mask can be contaminated with the virus enhancing its spread. Therefore, N95 masks should be used cautiously to stop virus transmission and timely to avoid pressure injuries.

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StudyKraken. (2022, August 2). The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from https://studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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StudyKraken. (2022, August 2). The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic. https://studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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"The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic." StudyKraken, 2 Aug. 2022, studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.

1. StudyKraken. "The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic." August 2, 2022. https://studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.


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StudyKraken. "The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic." August 2, 2022. https://studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.

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StudyKraken. 2022. "The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic." August 2, 2022. https://studykraken.com/the-use-of-masks-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.

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StudyKraken. (2022) 'The Use of Masks During the Covid-19 Pandemic'. 2 August.

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