N95 mask and the dilemma of the ballistic trajectory of respiratory particles in COVID-19
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1414-4425202227764Keywords:
Viral disease COVID-19, Aerosol, Disease transmission, infectious. Mask N95Abstract
Objective: To present theoretical elements about the transmission of SARS CoV-2 through respiratory particles, in addition to its aerodynamic diameter and ballistic trajectory, to support reflections on the adequacy of the use of masks by health professionals. Method: Academic essay using narrative review data from the literature. Results: Clarifies the confusion about the terms droplets, droplet nuclei, aerosols and particles, divergences that contribute to differentiated understandings about transmission mechanisms of this etiological agent, with the adoption of different intervention measures to control this virus. It shows data on the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 by air, despite the technical and methodological difficulties for detecting this agent in the air, a situation that hinders hard conclusions about the aerial transmission of this pathogen. Conclusions: It is believed to be an error to use the lack of sars-cov-2 identification conclusions in air samples, to question airborne transmission, also to recommend prevention measures depending on the aerodynamic size of viruses. Thus, the use of the N95 mask by health professionals during the pandemic should be a basic and unequivocal measure for the protection and safety of this population.
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