Wearing a gauze mask is one of the effective preventive measures to isolate viruses and prevent influenza. However, wearing a mask also requires techniques and methods. Improper use of a mask will not only fail to protect, but will increase the possibility of virus transmission.

How to wear gauze mask correctly:

1. The mask should be worn upright, with the upper edge above the bridge of the nose, completely covering the mouth and nose, and there should be no gaps around it. Do not wear it too low, or tie the mask straps too loosely, nor wear it too high. Children may have difficulty breathing when wearing masks, and parents should communicate with their children in time. It is worth noting that once the mask is taken off, the side worn on the inside of the mouth and nose should be folded inward and placed in a clean pocket or a clean plastic bag for later use. The health department reminds that wearing a mask correctly can indeed play a certain role, but wearing a mask cannot completely protect against infectious diseases. Therefore, other preventive measures such as washing hands frequently, keeping a distance from patients, and avoiding places where people gather should be taken at the same time.

2. Wear a mask when going to crowded places. There is no need for healthy people to wear masks all the time in daily life. The purpose of wearing a mask is to prevent contact with droplets containing the influenza A virus. It is necessary for healthy people to wear masks when they are caring for patients with flu-like symptoms in home isolation, in close contact with people with cold symptoms, or when going to hospitals, stations and other crowded public places with high risk of infection; or when going to areas with serious influenza epidemics.

3. Disposable medical masks should be replaced every day. Wearing a mask cannot completely block the spread of the virus among the crowd. Citizens should not relax their vigilance after wearing a mask and ignore important disease prevention measures such as frequent hand washing. Citizens are advised to go to regular pharmacies to buy ordinary medical masks, and mastering the correct use method is an economical and effective way of prevention.