Are we returning to masks after the Eris variant?
Just as we thought the coronavirus pandemic was over, the EG.5.1 variant, known as Eris, a mutated sub-variant of Covid-19, is on the rise globally. Will we start wearing masks again after the Eris variant? Here is what you need to know...
12punto
Although the pandemic may seem like an unpleasant memory of the past for most people, the number of new cases is rising rapidly due to mutated strains of the virus.
The virus, known as EG.5.1 or Eris, which first began to appear at the beginning of the year, continues to spread at full speed across the world, particularly in European countries.
A VARIANT OF INTEREST
Eris, a more contagious sub-variant of the Omicron variant, is also defined by the World Health Organization as a 'variant of interest.' Eris presents with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, body aches, and loss of taste and smell.
The Eris variant also brings preventive measures with it. Experts warn, especially those over 70 and individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, to wear masks.
Stating, "To protect both ourselves and others, we must wear masks and pay attention to social distancing in public living spaces such as hospitals, schools, and shopping malls," Hifyber General Manager Ahmet Özbecetek highlighted the features that a proper face mask should have:
'IT REMINDS US THAT WE NEED TO TAKE INDIVIDUAL PRECAUTIONS'
"People can become infected in just a few minutes even at a distance of three meters without wearing a mask in public living spaces. Therefore, the Eris virus, a more contagious sub-variant of the Omicron variant, reminds us that we need to take individual precautions. Individual precautions, namely mask, distance, and hygiene rules, are still very important. However, the structure of the masks, which are at the forefront of individual precautions, i.e., their filtration efficiency, is also quite important. Because not every mask provides sufficient protection."
75 TIMES BETTER PROTECTION
A proper face mask needs to have high filtration efficiency, a multi-layered structure, and nanofiber properties. Research shows that N95 masks provide 75 times better protection compared to surgical masks.