Mascarillas y máscaras de protección respiratoria en entorno COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads through droplets and spray from the respiratory tracts of infected persons, and through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the eyes, nose or mouth. It is also likely that the virus can be spread through aerosols. However, dentistry does not allow for a distance of two metres to be maintained, and nor does it allow for the patient to wear a mask. As such, within the scope of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), respiratory protection is of fundamental importance, along with eye protection and the correct usage of available masks. The purpose of this article is to describe different types of masks and the appropriate use of each one according to the required need. To this end, it is recommended that hygienic and surgical masks are used with a view to decreasing viral transmission through the reduction of environmental contamination whilst community transmission is high. Respiratory protection masks will be shown on health workers and others who are in contact with potentially infectious patients, when the work involved brings with it an increased level of risk for the worker.