Army Bob: Some ideas for battling the Coronavirus

I advocated a few weeks ago that folks may wish to get ahead of the price and availability curve on protective face masks as the Coronavirus spreads, or perhaps better to say if it spreads widely in the United States.

Are the cloth or paper mask a 100% protection against the Coronavirus? No, they are not, but estimates range from 10% to 95% effective depending on the type of mask, fit and filter. Many say they do not help; ask yourself, then why do hospital staff use them? If you are told you can reduce your chances of getting a truly miserable disease or spreading one that has a mortality rate 30 times that of the common flu, you may wish to consider a mask, even if only 10% effective. Again, that is if it reaches our area, or if you are going to areas that have the virus active.

Here is a stark example of the inflation that has set in before Amazon cracked down on price gouging. I received this note when I logged into my account “50 Pcs Charcoal Disposable Face Mask Carbon Filter Earloop Mouth Cover Anti Dust Face Mouth Masks Respirator Medical has increased from $60 to $180.” The masks that use the carbon filters, the N-95, are better than the plain cotton or paper masks. Masks with a vent allow the moisture in your breath to escape, and a dry mask is more effective.

Is it time to panic and purchase hundreds of protective masks? No, it is not; however, it is time to think over a few steps to protect yourself and those you care for. A few common-sense things a person can do:

• Purchase a large bottle of hand sanitizer, to refill the few smaller ones you place in your pocket or vehicle. Use the sanitizer often; a good rule is more often than you think necessary.

• Purchase a box or two of disposable wipes with bleach or alcohol, use them often to clean surfaces and hands.

• If you have been in an area where the possible infection rate is high, wash your clothes often; coats, gloves and jackets can be placed in a dryer on high for 29 minutes.

• Have an extra bottle of liquid detergent on hand, along with hand soap and paper towels.

• Disposable gloves will also be a good idea.

OK, if face masks are difficult to find and you feel you need them, don’t panic; they can be made from most cloth. Cotton is the traditional cloth, two or three layers are needed; everyone has old T-shirts around. Cloth and string or ribbon, a few stitches, hand or machine, even glue and you have a basic mask. If all else fails, just wrap a scarf around your mouth and nose. The better the mask fits around you mouth and nose, the more effective it is. Always wash a mask after use, and wash your hands after handling the mask. And yes, I know masks are not 100% effective, but no one can argue it is difficult to touch you mouth and nose if covered.

From the research I have done, the disposable masks are better, as you toss the used one out and put on a fresh sanitary one. Well, that predisposes you can find them, and folks do not wash and disinfect the cloth masks. In the unlikely event we get to the point we need to mask up, change out your home-made mask a few times a day, being careful to wash them in hot water with detergent or bleach.

Have some basic skill with a sewing machine? Nothing wrong with making a few masks for those you care for, especially the old, young and those with preexisting conditions, as a preventive measure.

Some nations, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Japan and to some extent Italy, France and Australia have closed schools; can’t hurt to look at plans for the kids if that happens here. The distribution of products, the supply chain, has already been disrupted; again, this is a good time to think over a plan to deal with possible shortages.

We find competing studies on how virulent the Coronavirus is, and for how long after exposure it can be spread person to person. Most experts agree it is easier to spread than the flu. We all hope for the best but need to plan for the worst.

Napoleon Bonaparte: “Victory belongs to the most preserving.”