Don’t rely on masks, maintain proper hygiene, experts warn

With swine flu scare gripping Kashmir, the demand for protective masks, preventive vaccines and Tamiflu tablets has skyrocketed, thus further straining the already-thin supply-demand chain.

Experts have however warned people of relying on masks or vaccines as a sole way to prevent swine flu spread. The improper use of face masks, according to them, is “in reality increasing the danger.”

Chemists everywhere are running short of face masks and often people are seen covering their faces with everything from mufflers to handkerchiefs. “There is a huge demand of protective masks but the supply is not enough,” said Tahir Peerzada, owner of Treatment Pharmacy Gogjibagh, Srinagar.

The entire supply of these protective masks comes from outside companies which are also burdened with orders from other states due to rising cases of swine flu.

“On normal days we used to sell few masks but during the last two days we have sold 6000 masks,” said Tahir, whose company has a tie up with Appolo hospitals for supply for special H1N1 masks. “The masks we sold were all ordinary dusk masks because people want to get hold of anything due to threat perception.”

The supply of specialised masks is so constrained that Tahir’s firm has received just three such masks from its New Delhi supplier during the last two weeks. “Those masks have clear markings certifying their protective powers against the virus and their rate is usually above Rs 200/mask,” said Tahir. “We have ordered for masks and hopefully we may get a shipment tomorrow.”

Government Medical College (GMC) and Government Dental college placed a cumulative order of 25000 masks to the pharmacy which, Tahir says, is pending due to non-availability of stock.

Stressing on the need to maintain proper hygiene and other tips, experts warned people of relying solely on the face masks.

“There is no proven research that these surgical masks can fully prevent the transmission of H1N1 virus. Only N95 masks which cost around Rs 250 can filter the 95 percent of such viruses but just for eight hours and after that the mask has to be replaced,” said Dr Muhammed Salim Khan, HOD Social and Preventive Medicine at GMC Srinagar. “So economically it is not viable too.”
Dr Khan warned people of risking themselves to dangers of different diseases by improper use of face masks.

“The surgical or those black Chinese masks put on by people are dirtier. People use them for the day, then keep them on a table at home and use them again in the morning and that is dangerous. Either use these masks once only or wash them daily and do not touch the front portion of this mask with hands,” said Dr Salim. “The best way to avoid this disease is maintain proper hand hygiene, do not touch nose, maintain six feet distance from patients and avoid crowded spaces.”

The H1N1 virus, according Dr Khan, can live in air for eight hours and people should avoid touching things that may have come in contact with suspected patients.

“Even the vaccines can’t save people because a vaccine takes at least 21 days to be effective and till that time a vaccinated person too can become infected,” he said. “The best thing is to listen to health advice. Use tissue paper for nose and discard it in a dustbin.”