Physiological Hazards and Advancement of COVID-19 in Patients as a Result of Habitual and Prolong Face Mask Usage: Potential Prevention

Onwuka O M

doi:10.52403/ijrr.20211286

Abstract

Background: Since the first report of coronavirus disease widely known as COVID-19, in late December 2019; face masks (medical, surgical etc.) became one of the preventive/common measures adopted, which in turn resulted to its habitual use. The habitual use of the masks portrayed potential physiological hazards as it is suggested to affect the human physiology adversely. Content: This article highlighted consequences of habitual and prolonged face mask usage which includes; potential physiological hazards and advancement of COVID-19 in infected individuals that employ its use. Conclusion: The article did not undermine the usefulness of surgical or medical mask as personal protective equipment worn to prevent transmission of airborne infections (COVID-19, etc.), but the article suggests avoidance of habitual and prolonged use of masks and possible ways to use it in order to prevent physiological hazards that result from its habitual use. Keywords: COVID-19, face mask, physiological hazard, habitual use, frequent.

Highlights

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, surgical mask was mainly a personal protective equipment worn by health professionals during medical procedures to prevent airborne infections from transmitting from patients to treating personnel
The article did not undermine the usefulness of surgical or medical mask as personal protective equipment worn to prevent transmission of airborne infections (COVID-19, etc.), but the article suggests avoidance of habitual and prolonged use of masks and possible ways to use it in order to prevent physiological hazards that result from its habitual use
Habitual use of surgical or medical masks increased rapidly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; this is because wearing of surgical masks became one of the most common measures employed to prevent escalation of COVID-19 as most countries in the globe made its use compulsory following the sudden outbreak of the virus [3, 4]

Summary

Introduction

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic (since the early 1900s), surgical mask (medical face mask) was mainly a personal protective equipment worn by health professionals during medical procedures to prevent airborne infections (pathogens, microbes etc.) from transmitting from patients to treating personnel. Background: Since the first report of coronavirus disease widely known as COVID19, in late December 2019; face masks (medical, surgical etc.) became one of the preventive/ common measures adopted, which in turn resulted to its habitual use. The habitual use of the masks portrayed potential physiological hazards as it is suggested to affect the human physiology adversely.

Results

Conclusion