Wearing a facemask properly offers satisfactory protection against respiratory tract infections. If you have a respiratory tract infection it also helps prevent the spread of the illness.

Who should wear a facemask?

• People with respiratory illness symptoms and those who in close contact with cases of typical pneumonia should wear a facemask. Their carers and those visiting sick people in hospitals should also wear a facemask.

• Those involved in the preparation or serving of food should wear a face mask.

• Members of the public may wear a face mask for self protection.

Points to note about wearing a face mask:

• Wash hands before putting on a face mask, and after taking one off.

• Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.

When wearing a surgical face mask, ensure that:

• The face mask fits snugly over the face.

  The coloured side of the face mask faces the outside.

  The strings or rubber bands are used properly to keep the face mask firmly in place.

  The face mask covers the nose, mouth and chin.

  The metallic strip at the top of the mask is fixed securely over the bridge of the nose to prevent leakage.

  Under general circumstances, a surgical mask should be changed daily. Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled.

• Put used face masks into a plastic bag and tie the bag closed before putting it into a rubbish bin with a lid.

• Wearing a face mask is just one way to help prevent respiratory tract infections.

• The most important thing you should do is to observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently with liquid soap. Always wash hands after sneezing, coughing, cleaning the nose; after going to the toilet; before preparing food. You can also build up body immunity by developing a healthy lifestyle - eat well, get plenty of rest, exercise, don't smoke.