This WhatsApp forward to prevent coronavirus is false

Many people received a WhatsApp forward that advised people to wear surgical masks in reverse to make them fully effective. This forward clearly caught our attention and we went sniffing. We spoke to Dr Romil Tickoo, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital and Dr Tarun Sahni, General Physician, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital to clear the air.

Can surgical mask be worn from both the sides? And is this WhatsApp forward true?

It’s absolutely irrelevant. A surgical mask should only be worn with the coloured part outside and the white portion inside. Keeping the white portion outside will not make the mask ineffective but will also be very uncomfortable, says Dr Tarun Sahni.

Are masks effective?
Yes, masks are effective in preventing you from catching the virus, says Dr Romil. He also adds that one can catch the virus by coming in contact with the bodily fluids of the infected person. So, it’s best to keep yourself safe by wearing a mask.

Dr Tarun Sahni says wearing a mask does protect you from catching the virus. He further adds, one should definitely wear a mask while travelling or when in a public place.

He also added that apart from wearing a mask, one should not forget to take some basic measure like washing hands often, not coming in contact with sick people, staying at home even if you have common flu and not creating any panic.

Among all the options available, one of the best masks available in the marked is N 95 but for those who want to go for cheaper surgical masks, that is also fine. It is because something is better than nothing.

Should kids and adults use the same masks?

Yes, the masks are same for adults as well as kids, there is only one difference and that is of size, says Dr Tarun.