Guidelines on the Use of Surgical Masks

A surgical mask consists of three layers. Inner layer facing the wearer absorbs water. Middle layer is the cotton filter. Outer layer is water resistant. Wearing surgical mask is just ONE of the ways to prevent the spread of droplet and respiratory tract infections. Observe good personal hygiene is utmost important.

You are recommended to wear a surgical mask when:
-you have symptoms of respiratory infection or fever
-you are looking after someone with respiratory infection symptoms
-you are having contact (within one metre) with a person having respiratory infection symptoms
-you are a visitor to health-care settings, e.g. hospitals and clinics
-when visiting crowded and poorly-ventilated places (although these settings should be avoided especially when community spread of swine flu is confirmed)
-when visiting areas affected by swine flu, especially when visiting crowded and poorly-ventilated places
-you have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1)
-you have been to a city with confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the past 7 days
-you are looking after patients

Even if you do wear a surgical mask, you should continue to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene because no mask can offer total protection.

How to Wear a Surgical Mask
Wash hands before putting on a mask, and before and after taking it off.
Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
In general, when wearing a surgical mask, the following should be noted:
The surgical mask should fit snugly over the face.
The folds should face downward on the outside, with metallic strip uppermost.
Tie all the strings that keep the surgical mask in place or fix the rubber bands of the surgical mask round the ears properly.
The surgical mask should fully cover the nose, mouth as well as the chin.
The metallic strip part of the surgical mask should be moulded securely to the bridge of the nose and along both sides of the face beneath the eyes to prevent leakage.
Once in position, do not fiddle with your mask as you could transfer any contamination from your hands to your face.
Wash hands before and after touching the mask.

Always wash hands before and after taking off the mask.
When taking off the mask, avoid touching the outside of the mask as this part may be covered with germs.
Discard the surgical mask after use. Fold soiled part in or wrap in a plastic bag before putting into a rubbish bin with lid. Replace the surgical mask immediately if it is damaged, wet or soiled.