- The Omicron Variant and all its lineages are currently dominant throughout the world.
- During the winter season, the cases of Covid-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus increase, which is now known as tripledemia.
- On December 12, Nuevo León was the first entity in Mexico to resume the use of face masks in closed spaces.
The world is about to celebrate three years since the start of the most serious pandemic of the last century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) to date, 650 million cases of Covid-19 have been registered on the planet, in addition to 6.65 million deaths. But now the most important question is whether it is convenient to forget about the use of face masks.
One of the first lessons learned at the beginning of the health emergency is that this small garment was useful to reduce risks. Before the development of vaccines it was the best form of protection.
With this in mind, several countries adopted the use of masks as a recommendation and in some it was even mandatory. While as of this 2022 this indication was withdrawn in most nations.
The arrival of the winter season has generated a change of opinion. In the case of Mexico, a first decision has already been made in this regard. This is Nuevo León, which became the first entity to re-recommend the use of face masks in closed spaces.
Based on the above, the user @lakishimishiwho is a pharmacobiologist chemist and is dedicated to scientific dissemination, published a video with five reasons why you should promote and maintain the use of face masks.
We are still in a pandemic
Some people have the misconception that the health emergency has already disappeared, but it is not. To date, the risk remains worldwide. Although vaccines already exist and most people already have a complete scheme, in the end their objective is to avoid serious conditions and not contagion.
In fact, the most recent studies have shown that the Omicron Variant that is prevalent throughout the world, along with all its lineages, is capable of evading the immune response generated by biologics or previous infections. Therefore, counting on immunization is not enough.
Increase in other respiratory diseases
We are in the winter season and something that is repeated at this time of year is that respiratory diseases increase in the Western world. In fact, a recently created term is tripledemia.
This word works to describe the sum of Covid-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. They not only share symptoms but are transmitted in the same way. While a simple way to protect yourself from all three infections is by wearing masks.
Influenza is at its highest point in the last 5 years in Mexico
According to figures from the Ministry of Health (SSa), during the current season there have been more than 4,500 cases of influenza in Mexico. It is the highest figure in the last five years and there have even been deaths.
In this sense, the influenza vaccine is annual but not everyone has received the corresponding one for the current season. Furthermore, as is the case with Covid-19, immunization does not prevent infections but rather reduces the risk of suffering severe symptoms.
Low temperatures in most of the country
During the winter season it is common for temperatures to drop in Mexico and the rest of the northern hemisphere. Therefore, most people prefer to be indoors to avoid the cold. By closing the windows in homes, schools and workplaces there is no proper air circulation and facilitates the transmission of viruses. That is why it is very important to use face mask in closed spaces.
Cold weather dries out the airways
Finally, masks are also useful in open spaces. Usually the cold environment dries out the respiratory tract, which favors the development of infections. On the other hand, when you use a mask you breathe hot air and with that the throat stays warm.
@lakishimishi the #WinterSeason and it’s time to #Prevent #LearnInTikTok
Also read:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Tips to prevent infections
Influenza in Mexico: Reaches its highest point in the last 5 seasons
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine 2022-2023: What You Need to Know