Another proof that helmets do not protect well against COVID-19. There is a phenomenon that draws attention

Helmets are a popular alternative for people who, for various reasons, cannot or do not want to wear a protective mask. However, experts have long warned that they are not sufficient protection against the spread of the coronavirus and other pathogens. Another piece of evidence has just emerged to prove this. If you use such a face shield, be sure to read.

1. Experts do not recommend face shields as a substitute for a mask – it cannot sufficiently block potentially infectious aerosols
2. When we sneeze, air and saliva droplets are released at high speed in a straight line. What’s more, sneezing also causes a vortex ring to form.
3. Face shields help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as long as they are used together with masks
4. You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page

Experts do not recommend face shields as a substitute for a mask

Wearing face masks is one of the basic ways to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. “It is rare to see that something so simple and cheap has such a great impact,” said Dr. Christopher Murray of the University of Washington on CNN. However, many people replace the mask with a face shield.

Meanwhile, experts do not recommend face shields as a substitute for a mask. The main reason is that it cannot sufficiently block potentially infectious aerosols. The helmet also does not protect the respiratory tract as it does not have a filter for the air that is exhaled and inhaled. Let us remind here that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, like e.g. influenza viruses, can be spread by droplets, and the aerosol containing the virus can be emitted by the infected when coughing, sneezing, or with saliva.

1. Can you wear a face shield instead of a mask? Experts: The answer is no

Moreover, experiments have shown that the haze that is released when we speak, sing or cough, which could potentially contain the coronavirus, does not disappear as quickly. While larger droplets quickly fall to the ground or other surfaces, the microdroplets can remain in the air for several minutes, in some cases even hours. Aerosol containing viruses floating around the room can easily creep into large openings on the side of plastic covers.

Sneezing causes a vortex ring to form. What does it mean?

While previous research has suggested that when someone coughs directly on the plastic surface of a visor, it may be as effective as a face mask, new experiments have shown that even then the aerosols will not be stopped. And this is due to the specificity of fluid dynamics, or in this case, the so-called the physics of sneezing. The tests were conducted by scientists from Fukuoka University in Japan. The results were published in the scientific monthly “Physics of Fluids”. As it turned out?

When we sneeze, air and saliva droplets are released at high speed in a straight line. What’s more, sneezing also causes a vortex ring to form.

1. Mycosis as a possible consequence of wearing masks? The doctor explains what the truth is [WE EXPLAIN]

Scientists checked what happens when we sneeze at a person wearing the helmet from a distance of one meter. It turned out that between 0,5 and 1 second after sneezing, the aerosol drops reach the shield and come closer to the man’s face, thanks to the vortex ring, which is created as a result of the sudden ejection of the mist from a round hole – that is, from the mouth.

Vortex rings generated by a sneeze catch the microscopic droplets that are then emitted, directing them to the top and bottom edges of the face shield. “If this process is in sync with the inhalation, the wearer will inhale it,” explains lead study author Fujio Akagi.

While the simulated situation is an idealized accident, the discovery shows the importance of the complex dynamics of sneezing in the spread of viruses. The distribution of potentially dangerous droplets is influenced by the speed of sneezing and the resulting vortex ring, allowing the aerosol to easily enter the shield.

Scientists will design better helmets?

It should be remembered, however, that face shields have their advantages. Remember that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, there is also evidence that it can also enter the body through the eyes, and the helmet protects them. It can also reduce the tendency to touch the face and thus the risk of transmission of the virus in the hands.

So what to choose – a visor or a mask? Most scientists believe that the best way is to use both a face shield and a mask together.

1. Can disposable masks be reused? [WE EXPLAIN]

However, a team of researchers in Japan hopes that understanding the physics of sneezing will help them design better visors. “We are developing several improved models,” Fujio Akagi points out. – We want to contribute to protecting people from infection and we believe that in the near future medical workers will be able to effectively protect themselves by using only a face shield and an ordinary mask, preferably only a face shield – he added.

We are all waiting for the COVID-19 vaccination to begin. Remember, however, that distance, hygiene and effective mouth and nose protection are still the three best ways to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. They are simple, but they save lives.

You may be interested in:

1. “Unexpected” place where COVID-19 can be caught. Dr. Fauci warns
2. How to distinguish COVID-19 from influenza? Here are the common and differentiating symptoms
3. A disastrous ride. Eight people from one family contracted COVID-8 and one died

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