Masks have been the big news this week, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. But FLASS has also noticed a special unmasking of gratitude and kind appreciation. The American Lung Association has released a beautiful message Message from its president and CEO, Harold P. Wimmer.

He stated, “As the country’s trusted champion of lung health, our top priority is the public’s health and well-being. This is a difficult time for everyone, and we have been very moved by the heroic efforts of so many, including those in our healthcare system, who have selflessly been providing critical support for our most vulnerable constituents.”

 

Gratitude, Charity and Faith Revealed

Masks Are an Important Part of the Fight Against Coronavirus.

Flass Congratulates and Thanks the Front Line Workers Who Risk Their Lives to Save Ours.

You might remember the American Lung Association because of the Christmas Seals that began their organization during another famous epidemic:  Tuberculosis.  Now, as the pandemic COVID-19 ravages our world, FLASS pauses in our reports to send a message of gratitude and to all of those workers on the front-lines.

 

Like the American Lung Association, we here at Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists, are also moved by the generosity, bravery, and heroism of healthcare workers. And we give a special shout out to the healthcare workers here in our own Central Florida Communities.

We want to recognize not only the doctors and physician assistants. But we all so send the nursing assistants, laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, respiratory technicians, and the hospital housekeeping staff.  In fact, we appreciate all of the amazing and sometimes unseen heroes in the essential industries.  Their tireless dedication will help us beat the coronavirus.

 

Unmasking our Appreciation, Faith, and Commitment

Masks Can Be Life Saving.

Protect Your Loved Ones! Even an Outlaw’s Mask is Better Than Leaving Your Face Uncovered.

Harold P. Wimmer added, “I know we will get through this trying time, together. We’ve done it before. Our mission was founded on a dedicated community rallying around the threat of tuberculosis. And then, as now, we are committed to working together to address this current threat to lung health.”  And we of FLASS certainly support this commitment to destroy COVID-19.

FLASS is on a crusade against diseases of the respiratory system. We always have been.  Now, we join the CDC, the American Lung Association and dozens of other healthcare communities in announcing our faith that we can conquer this virus.  Yes, we have declared war on this invisible enemy.

 

Wearing Masks: New CDC Recommendation for Cloth Face Coverings

We now know from recent studies that some people who have coronavirus do not show it. They lack symptoms and we call their condition asymptomatic. Likewise, studies have shown that some individuals with coronavirus develop symptoms slowly. They might not look sick. We call these cases pre-symptomatic. Both of these groups can actually transmit the virus to others.

The CDC stated, “This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.  In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” Examples include locals such as grocery stores and pharmacies. This is especially important “in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

 

To Mask Or Not to Mask: Important Points to Ponder

Safer Family: Follow the Rules.

Although they endorse the wearing of masks now, the CDC has expressed a fear that people might regard it as a substitute for social distancing. However, like the CDC, FLASS is emphasizing that the 6-foot social distancing is still vital to slowing the spread of the virus. Also, like the CDC, our doctors and staff look at masks as an additional way to fight the virus. However, it is not a substitute for such precautions as hand-washing and social distancing.

 

Rules for Masks

Thus we must regard his or her mask as an additional measure to slow the spread of the virus.

  • You should use simple cloth face coverings, not the n95 or a surgical mask. The reason we do not endorse these masks is that they are classified as critical supplies.  So,       we must continue to designate them for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
  • Remember, the mask helps people who may have the virus and not know it.  And that person could be you.
  • You can make a mask with common materials. It can be DIY and very low cost.
  • The mask is simply an additional, voluntary public health measure.

FLASS wants you to realize that this recommendation does not replace the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.

 

How to Wear Masks

With the guidelines from the CDC, FLASS states the rules behind face coverings. Find designs and tutorials on many websites, the CDC has the ultimate online resource.

Fit your mask smoothly against the side of the face
Choose ties or elastic ear-loops to place and secure your mask.
Carefully include multiple layers of fabric.
Caution! Do not restrict your breathing.
Please be certain your mask can be laundered and then dried in a machine without shrinking or changing shape.
Do Not Use a Mask on Certain People

Remember you should never put a cloth face coverings on a young child under age of two years. Also, avoid putting a mask on:

  • Anyone who has trouble breathing.
  • Likewise do not put a cloth face covering on anyone who cannot remove it unassisted.
  • Any unconscious or incapacitated person.

Special Cautions Regarding Your Face Covering:

FLASS advises you to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when you are taking off your face covering. And of course, be sure to wash your hands immediately after removing the mask.

Sneezing and Coughing Can Endanger Those Around You. Cover up. Make or Find a Face Mask.

We close on a note of hope and encouragement, with some words from Andy Griffin, a television star with uncanny home-style advice.  He said, “I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship…” And he went on to say that God can inspire us to attain “strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before.”

It strikes us that although we have put a mask on our face, we have unmasked a great deal of goodness. Thus have unmasked the kindness, compassion and courage within us all. FLASS hopes you are following the rules, staying safe and staying at home.  Just breathe.