What Mask to Wear during Pneumonia outbreak? Surgical Mask or N95 Mask?
The outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, China and suspected cases in Hong Kong have caused great concern among the Hong Kong public.
N95 masks, used by medical personnel during the SARS outbreak, is experiencing panic buying. What masks should an average citizen actually wear? Surgical masks or N95 masks?
Professor David SC HUI of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of CUHK cited a report last year by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analysing the probability of medical personnel wearing N95 masks or surgical masks contracting influenza. Results had shown that 8.2% of medical personnel wearing N95 masks contracted influenza, while 7.2% of those wearing surgical masks contracted Influenza, indicating there is no significant difference in the effectiveness between the two.
==========
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are designed to prevent droplet transmission of diseases, and are suitable for unventilated environments like clinics and surgical theatres. However, it could not block particles with the radii smaller than 5μm, nor could it block any particulates or gases (including tear gas).
According to information from the Consumer Council, the three layers present in a typical surgical masks has three individual functions: the innermost layer retains moisture; the middle layer filters particles in the air; and the outermost layer resists water. However, surgical masks are disposable medical items with a maximum use time of 6 - 8 hours. The mask must also be replaced if it is broken, wet, or dirty.
Characteristics:
．Block disease-transmitting droplets
． Retain moisture, filter particles, and resist water
． Could not block droplets with radii smaller than 5μm
==========
N95 Masks
N95 masks are masks that abide to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's standards, which filters at least 95% of airborne particles but is not resistant to oil aerosols.
However, N95 masks are designed to fit perfectly onto the face, which results in the user breathing in their own exhaled carbon dioxide. Thus long-time usage could cause headaches due to dilation of cerebral blood vessels. It is recommended that users should replace the mask after eight hours of usage.
Characteristics:
．Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
．Not resistant to oil aerosols
．Long usage causes headaches
Exhalation valves are also present in some N95 masks, with the valve designed to be a single valve which reduces exhalation resistance, making it easier to breathe (exhale). However, the exhalation valve does not reduce inhalation resistance. Since air exhaled from the exhalation valve does not undergo filtration, wearers could still spread pathogens as though they have not wore a mask, thus masks with exhalation valves are not suitable for patients.
Source: Health Concept 健康概念; Consumer Council; Centers for Disease Control of Republic of China (Taiwan); "N95 Respirators vs Medical Masks for Preventing Influenza Among Health Care Personnel, A Randomized Clinical Trial"
#4Jan #Pneumonia #Plague
Emergency Notice:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769
The outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, China and suspected cases in Hong Kong have caused great concern among the Hong Kong public.
N95 masks, used by medical personnel during the SARS outbreak, is experiencing panic buying. What masks should an average citizen actually wear? Surgical masks or N95 masks?
Professor David SC HUI of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of CUHK cited a report last year by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analysing the probability of medical personnel wearing N95 masks or surgical masks contracting influenza. Results had shown that 8.2% of medical personnel wearing N95 masks contracted influenza, while 7.2% of those wearing surgical masks contracted Influenza, indicating there is no significant difference in the effectiveness between the two.
==========
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are designed to prevent droplet transmission of diseases, and are suitable for unventilated environments like clinics and surgical theatres. However, it could not block particles with the radii smaller than 5μm, nor could it block any particulates or gases (including tear gas).
According to information from the Consumer Council, the three layers present in a typical surgical masks has three individual functions: the innermost layer retains moisture; the middle layer filters particles in the air; and the outermost layer resists water. However, surgical masks are disposable medical items with a maximum use time of 6 - 8 hours. The mask must also be replaced if it is broken, wet, or dirty.
Characteristics:
．Block disease-transmitting droplets
． Retain moisture, filter particles, and resist water
． Could not block droplets with radii smaller than 5μm
==========
N95 Masks
N95 masks are masks that abide to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's standards, which filters at least 95% of airborne particles but is not resistant to oil aerosols.
However, N95 masks are designed to fit perfectly onto the face, which results in the user breathing in their own exhaled carbon dioxide. Thus long-time usage could cause headaches due to dilation of cerebral blood vessels. It is recommended that users should replace the mask after eight hours of usage.
Characteristics:
．Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
．Not resistant to oil aerosols
．Long usage causes headaches
Exhalation valves are also present in some N95 masks, with the valve designed to be a single valve which reduces exhalation resistance, making it easier to breathe (exhale). However, the exhalation valve does not reduce inhalation resistance. Since air exhaled from the exhalation valve does not undergo filtration, wearers could still spread pathogens as though they have not wore a mask, thus masks with exhalation valves are not suitable for patients.
Source: Health Concept 健康概念; Consumer Council; Centers for Disease Control of Republic of China (Taiwan); "N95 Respirators vs Medical Masks for Preventing Influenza Among Health Care Personnel, A Randomized Clinical Trial"
#4Jan #Pneumonia #Plague
Emergency Notice:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Alert #SARS #Plague #Jan2
Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK
Dear Readers,
Please wear a mask whenever you are leaving the house, wash your hands frequently and maintain good personal hygiene.
Today, the Hospital Authority confirmed that there was an…
Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK
Dear Readers,
Please wear a mask whenever you are leaving the house, wash your hands frequently and maintain good personal hygiene.
Today, the Hospital Authority confirmed that there was an…
8 mystery pneumonia cases found in 5 days; Microbiologist warned for a surge during Chinese New Year
Government announced 3 new suspected mystery pneumonia case from Wuhan in China on Jan 4, making a total of 8 cases in the past 5 days, although none was considered severe.
Secretary for Food and Health Bureau, Sophia Chan, said the government has been vigilant and a series of measures would be put in place, including cutting down the visiting time in public hospital to reduce the flow of people. Staff might be sent to Wuhan to understand the situation, and amendments would be proposed to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, which required reporting of all concerning suspected cases.
Earlier today, the head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, Ho Pak-leung, urged the Government to deploy all possible monitoring system at the city's borders, including the high-speed rail terminus for the new viral pneumonia from mainland.
Although Wuhan officials said that no evidence of human to human transmission had been found, Ho remained firm on his view that the virus could possibly pass from person to person. Ho hoped the mainlaid authority could release more information to help experts analyse the illness.
Ho also said, "so many infections in such a short period of time in Wuhan is worrying". The microbiologist, at the same time, warned for a surge in cases during Chinese New Year.
Emergency Notice:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769
What Mask to Wear during Pneumonia outbreak?
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14847
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14851
Source RTHK #4Jan #Pneumonia #Plague
Government announced 3 new suspected mystery pneumonia case from Wuhan in China on Jan 4, making a total of 8 cases in the past 5 days, although none was considered severe.
Secretary for Food and Health Bureau, Sophia Chan, said the government has been vigilant and a series of measures would be put in place, including cutting down the visiting time in public hospital to reduce the flow of people. Staff might be sent to Wuhan to understand the situation, and amendments would be proposed to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, which required reporting of all concerning suspected cases.
Earlier today, the head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, Ho Pak-leung, urged the Government to deploy all possible monitoring system at the city's borders, including the high-speed rail terminus for the new viral pneumonia from mainland.
Although Wuhan officials said that no evidence of human to human transmission had been found, Ho remained firm on his view that the virus could possibly pass from person to person. Ho hoped the mainlaid authority could release more information to help experts analyse the illness.
Ho also said, "so many infections in such a short period of time in Wuhan is worrying". The microbiologist, at the same time, warned for a surge in cases during Chinese New Year.
Emergency Notice:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769
What Mask to Wear during Pneumonia outbreak?
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14847
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14851
Source RTHK #4Jan #Pneumonia #Plague
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Alert #SARS #Plague #Jan2
Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK
Dear Readers,
Please wear a mask whenever you are leaving the house, wash your hands frequently and maintain good personal hygiene.
Today, the Hospital Authority confirmed that there was an…
Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK
Dear Readers,
Please wear a mask whenever you are leaving the house, wash your hands frequently and maintain good personal hygiene.
Today, the Hospital Authority confirmed that there was an…
#SARS #Pneumonia #Plague
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary at This Stage
The pneumonia outbreak in China has aroused much public's concern; eight suspected cases (including a 4-year-old girl) were recorded in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung stated that it was not necessary to reduce the frequency of flights or Express Rail Link trains to Wuhan as the government has been on high alert and would keep closely in touch with the National Health Commission for any updates.
Source: Stand News #Jan4
https://tinyurl.com/r8lepql
8 mystery pneumonia cases found in 5 days; Microbiologist warned for a surge during Chinese New Year
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14849
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14851
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary at This Stage
The pneumonia outbreak in China has aroused much public's concern; eight suspected cases (including a 4-year-old girl) were recorded in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung stated that it was not necessary to reduce the frequency of flights or Express Rail Link trains to Wuhan as the government has been on high alert and would keep closely in touch with the National Health Commission for any updates.
Source: Stand News #Jan4
https://tinyurl.com/r8lepql
8 mystery pneumonia cases found in 5 days; Microbiologist warned for a surge during Chinese New Year
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14849
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14851
#Pneumonia #Plague
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
By Channel News Asia #Jan4
//A Chinese girl with pneumonia has been warded in Singapore and isolated as a precautionary measure after travel to Wuhan, where there has been an outbreak of the illness...
"We are monitoring the pneumonia situation in Wuhan closely. There is no evidence of people-to-people transmission, so will likely be just a normal fever outbreak," said Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan in a Facebook post on Saturday.
"But after SARS in 2003, we cannot be complacent. In any case, it is a good occasion to remind and to exercise the public health measures."//
Read more:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak-china-girl-warded-isolated-singapore-12233644
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14850
In #Singapore, Chinese girl with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan, China
By Channel News Asia #Jan4
//A Chinese girl with pneumonia has been warded in Singapore and isolated as a precautionary measure after travel to Wuhan, where there has been an outbreak of the illness...
"We are monitoring the pneumonia situation in Wuhan closely. There is no evidence of people-to-people transmission, so will likely be just a normal fever outbreak," said Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan in a Facebook post on Saturday.
"But after SARS in 2003, we cannot be complacent. In any case, it is a good occasion to remind and to exercise the public health measures."//
Read more:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak-china-girl-warded-isolated-singapore-12233644
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14850
Wuhan Mystery Pneumonia Outbreak: Suspected Cases in Hong Kong Increased to 14
Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan Siu-chee, stated that the Hospital Authority received another 6 admissions of patients who suffered from fever, upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia after visiting Wuhan. The suspected infections has increased to a total of 14 cases. According to Chan Siu-chee, the 6 new patients are all in stable condition.
According to sources from the Commercial Radio Hong Kong, the new cases include 4 males and 2 females, with age ranges from 22 to 55. None of them have visited the wet markets in Wuhan.
8 mystery pneumonia cases found in 5 days; Microbiologist warned for a surge during Chinese New Year
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14849
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary at This Stage
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14850
Source: Stand News #Jan5 #SARS #Pneumonia #Plague
Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan Siu-chee, stated that the Hospital Authority received another 6 admissions of patients who suffered from fever, upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia after visiting Wuhan. The suspected infections has increased to a total of 14 cases. According to Chan Siu-chee, the 6 new patients are all in stable condition.
According to sources from the Commercial Radio Hong Kong, the new cases include 4 males and 2 females, with age ranges from 22 to 55. None of them have visited the wet markets in Wuhan.
8 mystery pneumonia cases found in 5 days; Microbiologist warned for a surge during Chinese New Year
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14849
Hong Kong Government States That Reducing Flights or Trains to Wuhan, #China Is Not Necessary at This Stage
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14850
Source: Stand News #Jan5 #SARS #Pneumonia #Plague
#Pneumonia #Wuhan #China
Private Hospital in Hong Kong Denies Treatment to Latest Suspected Victim of China's Mysterious Pneumonia
The mysterious pneumonia incidents in Wuhan is sounding off public concern in Hong Kong. Based on news reports from Oriental Daily and Apple Daily, a female aged around 20, who had travelled to Wuhan recently, tried to seek medical treatment for her fever on Jan 5th afternoon at a private hospital in Shatin. However, she was allegedly turned down by the private hospital and was asked to go to the nearby public hospital on her own.
But instead of heading straight to the public hospital as advised, she wandered around Mong Kok area until the Centre for Health Protection contacted her and arranged treatment for her at the Prince of Wales Hospital, a public hospital in Shatin.
Later in the evening, netizens spotted 3 workers wearing head-to-toe protective clothing and the workers appeared to be cleaning and disinfecting the Bethlehem Hall of United College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
A staff from Prince of Wales Hospital had subsequently revealed to Stand News that a female student from CUHK was admitted to their hospital for medical treatment, and she was the same person who was denied medical treatment at a private hospital.
Source: Stand News #Jan5
Private Hospital in Hong Kong Denies Treatment to Latest Suspected Victim of China's Mysterious Pneumonia
The mysterious pneumonia incidents in Wuhan is sounding off public concern in Hong Kong. Based on news reports from Oriental Daily and Apple Daily, a female aged around 20, who had travelled to Wuhan recently, tried to seek medical treatment for her fever on Jan 5th afternoon at a private hospital in Shatin. However, she was allegedly turned down by the private hospital and was asked to go to the nearby public hospital on her own.
But instead of heading straight to the public hospital as advised, she wandered around Mong Kok area until the Centre for Health Protection contacted her and arranged treatment for her at the Prince of Wales Hospital, a public hospital in Shatin.
Later in the evening, netizens spotted 3 workers wearing head-to-toe protective clothing and the workers appeared to be cleaning and disinfecting the Bethlehem Hall of United College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
A staff from Prince of Wales Hospital had subsequently revealed to Stand News that a female student from CUHK was admitted to their hospital for medical treatment, and she was the same person who was denied medical treatment at a private hospital.
Source: Stand News #Jan5
WHO : ‘Too early’ to declare 2019-nCoV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; China’s opinion a decisive factor
Summary: As 2019-nCoV continues to spread inside and outside of China, WHO decided that the outbreak does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A spokesman stated on 17 January that the current focus is not on the actual number of infected cases. That t is ‘too early’ to decide on the spread and severity of the virus.
[Editor’s notes: China’s political influences at the United Nations were shown behind the scenes in relation to WHO’s refusal to declare the recent Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China a PHEIC. For a highly infectious intra-human epidemic, the tendency for political correctness at the UN can be costly this time as it could jeopardise the integrity and neutrality of global public health and hygiene evaluation and assessments, thereby, resulting in a tremendous human toll.]
Dr. Didier Houssin, advisor of International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee for Pneumonia due to the Novel Coronavirus, indicated that the committee was divided over whether the situation constitutes an emergency. Those who supported versus those opposed to the declaration of a PHEIC were spilt evenly. He also admitted that China’s opinion regarding the outbreak was a decisive factor. “The international community, the views of the most severely affected country and its citizens must be considered.” Voice of America pointed out that a declaration of PHEIC may lead to worldwide imposition of travel and trade restrictions on affected regions, therefore it was probably politically driven.
The CEO of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that there is ‘no evidence’ of human-to-human transmission cases outside China. Ghebreyesus has a very close relationship with China. He applauded China for taking ‘strong and effective’ measures in ‘prevention’ of the virus. As the former Minister of Public Health and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, he succeeded Margret Chan from Hong Kong, to take over the leadership of WHO in 2017. For many years, Ethiopia has had a close relationship with China. China has been sending medical teams to station at Ethiopia since 1974. Over the years, China has also donated a lot of medical equipment to Ethiopia. Ghebreyesus visited Beijing just one month after he took over the leadership position at WHO to attend a conference regarding Public Health Partnership and Collaboration for the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.
In a statement published on 10 January, WHO said that there was ‘no reason’ to impose travel restrictions or trade restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, if the situation continues to escalate, WHO would provide travel advisories to regions at risk. There was a concern whether affected regions in China may be subjected to travel restrictions.
Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO explained on 22 January that whether a virus continues to spread once it enters another country is one of the decisive factors in considering whether the outbreak constitutes a global threat. ‘A balanced approach must be maintained,’ he said.
At the time of publication, confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV have been reported in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, USA, Australia and Canada with an increasing number of presumptive cases reported around the world. Confirmed cases are widespread in China. The Chinese government has put Wuhan and nearby cities on a lockdown the last few days. The WHO IHR Emergency Committee on Novel Coronavirus has not confirmed a date for their next meeting.
Sources: Apple Daily, Storm, WHO
#Wuhan #Pneumonia
Summary: As 2019-nCoV continues to spread inside and outside of China, WHO decided that the outbreak does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A spokesman stated on 17 January that the current focus is not on the actual number of infected cases. That t is ‘too early’ to decide on the spread and severity of the virus.
[Editor’s notes: China’s political influences at the United Nations were shown behind the scenes in relation to WHO’s refusal to declare the recent Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China a PHEIC. For a highly infectious intra-human epidemic, the tendency for political correctness at the UN can be costly this time as it could jeopardise the integrity and neutrality of global public health and hygiene evaluation and assessments, thereby, resulting in a tremendous human toll.]
Dr. Didier Houssin, advisor of International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee for Pneumonia due to the Novel Coronavirus, indicated that the committee was divided over whether the situation constitutes an emergency. Those who supported versus those opposed to the declaration of a PHEIC were spilt evenly. He also admitted that China’s opinion regarding the outbreak was a decisive factor. “The international community, the views of the most severely affected country and its citizens must be considered.” Voice of America pointed out that a declaration of PHEIC may lead to worldwide imposition of travel and trade restrictions on affected regions, therefore it was probably politically driven.
The CEO of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that there is ‘no evidence’ of human-to-human transmission cases outside China. Ghebreyesus has a very close relationship with China. He applauded China for taking ‘strong and effective’ measures in ‘prevention’ of the virus. As the former Minister of Public Health and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, he succeeded Margret Chan from Hong Kong, to take over the leadership of WHO in 2017. For many years, Ethiopia has had a close relationship with China. China has been sending medical teams to station at Ethiopia since 1974. Over the years, China has also donated a lot of medical equipment to Ethiopia. Ghebreyesus visited Beijing just one month after he took over the leadership position at WHO to attend a conference regarding Public Health Partnership and Collaboration for the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.
In a statement published on 10 January, WHO said that there was ‘no reason’ to impose travel restrictions or trade restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, if the situation continues to escalate, WHO would provide travel advisories to regions at risk. There was a concern whether affected regions in China may be subjected to travel restrictions.
Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO explained on 22 January that whether a virus continues to spread once it enters another country is one of the decisive factors in considering whether the outbreak constitutes a global threat. ‘A balanced approach must be maintained,’ he said.
At the time of publication, confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV have been reported in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, USA, Australia and Canada with an increasing number of presumptive cases reported around the world. Confirmed cases are widespread in China. The Chinese government has put Wuhan and nearby cities on a lockdown the last few days. The WHO IHR Emergency Committee on Novel Coronavirus has not confirmed a date for their next meeting.
Sources: Apple Daily, Storm, WHO
#Wuhan #Pneumonia
#Borders #HealthCrisis
Pneumonia Patient Entered Hong Kong from China before the Compulsory Quarantine Becomes Effective
At 07:46 on Feb 7, a 8-year-old boy crossed the borders from China to Hong Kong. He then fell instantly ill and was rushed to the hospital's isolation ward in an ambulance. It is still unclear whether he is infected with the novel coronavirus.
According to the medical staff in Tuen Mun hospital, the boy’s family told the hospital he was being treated in a Fujian hospital and had to undergo intubation. After hearing about the compulsory quarantine to take place in Hong Kong on Feb 8, they stopped the treatment and rushed him across the border at Shenzhen Bay, one of the three ports that are open.
The X-ray images of the boy’s lungs indicated that he suffered from severe pneumonia. He also has a condition of Congenital heart defect.
Source: Apple Daily #Feb7
https://s.nextmedia.com/realtime/a.php?i=20200207&s=10829391&a=60570732
#Pneumonia
Pneumonia Patient Entered Hong Kong from China before the Compulsory Quarantine Becomes Effective
At 07:46 on Feb 7, a 8-year-old boy crossed the borders from China to Hong Kong. He then fell instantly ill and was rushed to the hospital's isolation ward in an ambulance. It is still unclear whether he is infected with the novel coronavirus.
According to the medical staff in Tuen Mun hospital, the boy’s family told the hospital he was being treated in a Fujian hospital and had to undergo intubation. After hearing about the compulsory quarantine to take place in Hong Kong on Feb 8, they stopped the treatment and rushed him across the border at Shenzhen Bay, one of the three ports that are open.
The X-ray images of the boy’s lungs indicated that he suffered from severe pneumonia. He also has a condition of Congenital heart defect.
Source: Apple Daily #Feb7
https://s.nextmedia.com/realtime/a.php?i=20200207&s=10829391&a=60570732
#Pneumonia