The globe was unguarded when the pandemic surged, and it has been one that we still adding precautionary rules to curb COVID-19s growth or spread. The most surprising and lethal fact that has been discovered in recent days is that this virus can mutate itself. Thusly, it has become of utmost importance to stop it from spreading and contain the infectious strain. The new regulatory and list of protective equipment have been generated for common people as well as frontline workers including doctors, nurses, postal service workers, public transit workers, police, etc.
Today, we are going to talk about some of the essential protective equipment that has been designated to the doctors and nurses and how these safety gears help them to fight COVID-19 every day and every moment.
R95 Cotton Face Mask
N95 cotton face masks have presented as one of the best weapons to fight Coronavirus. Doctors are recommending NIOSH-approved R95 respirator masks that provide a completely sealed environment for your mouth and respiratory inlets.
It prevents particle penetration around the edges as well as it is well well guarded by internal metal or hard cloth strip to adjust your face curves. NIOSH approved R95 cotton face masks (with 5-ply)ensure protection against at least 95% of airborne particles. Also, NIOSH approved Cotton R95 masks must have a 'NIOSH' mark on them. N95 respirators filtering facepiece or respirators are considered for single use or as disposable.
Hand Sanitizer With High Alcohol Content
Another shield is quite common in Doctors as well as netizens. CDC recommends alcohol-based hand sanitizers that come in assorted shapes and sizes with extra added different ingredients for extra benefits.
What does it do?
Alcohols destroy pathogens by interfering with their working mechanism or by breaking apart proteins, according to a journal of Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
So here is a list of what are specially checked when doctors buy hand sanitizer online:
· It must have at least 70% or more alcohol content.
· The alcohol component should be ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, or 2-propanol.
· Large bottles with pumps are more preferable to avoid multiple contacts.
Any Frontline healthcare or first respondents must have a complete set of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) kit for maximum protection to themselves as well as to the patient. Healthcare workers need to adhere to Standard and Transmission-based Precautions when handling patients, infected with SARS-CoV-2 strain.
When to use PPE?
· When employing in higher-risk activities
· Use gowns adhered to international standards
· Used as disposable gowns or kits for patients as well
Goggle Or Full Disposable Face Shield
Though not a great weapon against Coronavirus, a Face shield provides an added protection when worn along with a face mask. Nowadays, not just doctors but netizens are also preferring to get face shields online with an N95 cotton face mask.
Let's count the benefits:
· It protects the entire face.
· They are easy to wear correctly.
· Even a good one comes under an affordable range
Non-Sterile Gloves
Sterile gloves are used for surgical procedures, whereas non-sterile gloves are typically used for non-surgical medical procedures.
Non-sterile gloves have a higher level of AQL (acceptable quality level of pinholes) that ranges between 1.5 to 2.5%. The price of non-sterile gloves is economical than sterile gloves and to some extent beneficial to fight pathogens.