Since the pandemic, there has been a debate about which masks protect against infection sufficiently. A vast number of people believe that surgical masks are effective because they are made of synthetic material, and their middle layer has a filtering function (Gandhi, 2020). However, it does not protect the person wearing it but those around him. Non-medical masks are often made of various fabric materials, with cotton products preference. Despite their convenience and possible effectiveness, they lack manufacturing standards (Feng et al., 2020). I consider that surgical masks and respirators of the classes FFP2, FFP3, and KN95/N95 have a higher level of safety because they prevent airborne infections and guarantee protection against aerosols. Especially in situations where it is not always feasible to keep a distance, they provide increased protection against disease.
Regardless of the type, the mask helps reduce the risk of spreading viruses in the environment and decreases the possibility of infecting other people. The issue is that when they are utilized in real life, diverse factors can interfere with their effectiveness (Gandhi, 2020). Sometimes people are uncomfortable using masks and ignore the rules. Moreover, they soak quickly and thus may become less valuable. Nevertheless, various degrees of protection and discomfort are not reasons to ignore safety rules on which lives depend.
The first concept that I consider most valuable is the challenges of evidence-based policymaking. This methodology enables systematizing information appropriately and presenting it in a convenient and reliable form. Its necessity in Health Science stems from health care directives, especially in terms of effectiveness and safety. It is an extension of evidence-based medicine, and it is vital to comprehend the significant circumstances in applying the methodology. The Health Educator is directly responsible for providing quality materials and recommendations (Griffith, 2020). The outcome depends on the ability to determine the validity of the information, and this is a considerable challenge for anyone who understands the role of evidence-based policy. The data is not always homogeneous, and there is still no single quality standard that assesses the causal relationship accurately (Brownson et al., 2018). However, I comprehend these primary obstacles, therefore, I will be able to analyze and present information properly.
The second concept significant to Health Science is the source of public health laws and policies. One must understand that public health laws affect people’s daily consumption patterns. They can be used to reduce morbidity, and they are the foundation that paves the way for the use of evidence-based legal measures for human health and well-being (Ruggeri et al., 2018). Furthermore, laws are employed to move toward universal health coverage in countries, so their function in Health Science is invaluable. There are substantial unrealized opportunities for more effective legislation to strengthen care systems. The health educator has direct responsibility for wellness programs and health quality. With the knowledge I have gained, I will be able to operate a powerful legislative tool to extend the life and make it healthier.
References
Brownson, R. C., Eyler, A. A., Harris, J. K., Moore, J. B., & Tabak, R. G. (2018). Research full report: getting the word out: new approaches for disseminating public health science. Journal of public health management and practice, 24(2), 102.
Feng, S., Shen, C., Xia, N., Song, W., Fan, M., & Cowling, B. J. (2020). Rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 8(5), 434-436.
Gandhi, M., Beyrer, C., & Goosby, E. (2020). Masks do more than protect others during COVID-19: reducing the inoculum of SARS-CoV-2 to protect the wearer. Journal of general internal medicine, 35(10), 3063-3066.
Griffith, R. (2020). Using public health law to contain the spread of COVID-19. British Journal of Nursing, 29(5), 326-327.
Ruggeri, K., Ivanović, N., Razum, J., Kácha, O., Menezes, I. G., Zafari, Z., & Garcia-Garzon, E. (2018). An evidence-based policy for improving choice in global health access through medical travel. Health Policy, 122(12), 1372-1376.