On 15 December 2021, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a daily bulletin with information on the number of deaths caused by coronavirus from a given day. In Poland, 669 people died on a single day due to COVID-19. This is a disgraceful record of the wave currently sweeping through our country the fourth wave of the pandemic. It is not excluded that there will be even more deaths. Of course, the number of deaths is a result of the situation in the country 2-3 weeks ago. It was then that we saw a sharp increase in the number of cases. The high number of deaths is likely to continue at least until the end of this year or even beyond. People who were infected with COVID-19 Several days ago they were still ill and in hospitals. Some are in a very serious condition.

The high number of deaths on that day was also influenced by the day of the week. This is related to the specificity of reporting of morbidity and death by the Ministry of Health. During weekends, data from hospitals do not flow as efficiently as during the week. Wednesday is therefore an accumulation of cases and deaths from the previous few days.

How many fully vaccinated people die from COVID-19?

Data on how many of the deaths were of fully vaccinated people are given on Fridays, in the form of a whole week report. So for today, only the report of 10 December 2021 can be used. Since the second dose of the vaccine began to be administered in Poland, 51,876 people have died. Of these, 4 013 were fully vaccinated. This gives us a figure of 7.73 %. This was the proportion of vaccinated people in the total number of deaths. These deaths were not related to vaccination, but to contracting COVID-19. Importantly, these individuals were predominantly those with comorbidities. These people have significantly lower immunity and may react differently to coronavirus than a healthy person. 

Have we already seen the peak in the number of deaths in the fourth wave of the pandemic?

Experts predicted that the peak would occur at the end of December, around Christmas. This data was based on mathematical models. However, they are not very precise data, because they are based on an analysis of cases from a few weeks ago. However, looking at the data, we can conclude that the peak in incidence is taking place right now. We have had a high daily number of new COVID-19 cases for several weeks now, and there are a lot of patients in hospitals. It is likely that next week will be the peak week in terms of hospital occupancy. Unfortunately, there are indications that we will also have the highest daily number of deaths, as many patients are currently in a poor condition. A large proportion of ventilators are occupied. There are also patients on ECMO.

How do I protect myself against COVID-19 infection?

The basis, of course, is vaccination. People who are fully vaccinated are largely protected against the disease and, if they are infected, the vaccine protects them from a severe course of illness. This is particularly important for older people, who usually have more than one co-morbidity. In the fourth wave of the pandemic More and more people in their early 30s are presenting themselves to hospitals. They are in a serious condition. In previous waves of the pandemic, this age group accounted for a small proportion of the severe cases and deaths. This time it is very different. Unfortunately, children are also getting worse from COVID. 

Apart from vaccination, which does not protect us in 100% against the disease, it is also worth taking care of everyday prevention. The basis is protective masks. In public places in enclosed spaces we even have a state-imposed obligation to wear masks. There is a financial penalty for not wearing a mask. It is therefore worth choosing a mask that will be suitable for our needs and preferences. For this purpose, it is worth looking at the offer of the company TWplast. A wide range of protective masks will allow everyone to choose the model that is right for them. Company TWplast ensures the high quality of its products. None of us are happy about having to wear masks, but since we have to do it, let's choose a quality product for ourselves.

Protective masks

The current state of the law requires that every person in Poland who is indoors in a public area and over 2 years old must wear a protective mask over their face. The mouth and nose must be covered. We should remember that covering only one of these body parts simply does not protect us. It is through the mouth and nose that the coronavirus travels. Coronavirus is transmitted through the droplet route. In addition, whatever the effectiveness of masks, they are compulsory and we have no influence over this. Surely none of us wants to expose ourselves to financial liability.

The purpose of protective masks is to interrupt the transmission of the virus and to reduce its range of travel. Simply put, the mask stops, for example, the droplets that come out of our mouths when we speak and breathe. The greatest range of our secretions is when we have a cough or runny nose. It is therefore useful to interrupt the path of spread of the virus. This is why both sick and healthy people should cover their mouths and noses. Various types of protective masks are available in most shops. They are mass produced due to high demand. No wonder, everyone uses quite a lot of them these days. However, we should buy approved masks from approved sellers. It is, after all, about our health. 

Types of protective masks:

Disposable surgical masks

Probably the most popular of all. Unfortunately, not everyone remembers that since these are disposable masks, they should only be used once. Otherwise, we can transmit microorganisms that have settled on our masks. Their popularity is due to the fact that they are the easiest to buy. They are widely available and quite cheap. Their task is to filter the air. It is possible thanks to their multi-layer construction. TThey form a physical barrier between our mucous membranes and the impurities from outside that circulate in the air. A disposable mask should be thrown in the bin immediately after use. It should not be reused. If you put it on your face again, it is possible that you will transmit the viruses that have collected on it. In addition, it is important not to use the mask for too long. If the disposable mask is used as intended, it will provide adequate protection. Infections passed from person to person are invisible to the eyes. That is why it is so difficult to protect against them.

Half mask respirators (type FFP2 and FFP3)

Filtering half masks are able to provide a very high level of protection. They make the airways more tightly protected. Other masks do not offer such a high level of protection. A filtering respirator provides much better protection by purifying the air inhaled into our lungs. As with all other masks, the filtering ones must be used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Filtering respirators from TWplast are reusable products. This makes them environmentally friendly.

The effectiveness of a protective mask also depends to a large extent on whether you put it on correctly. It must fit the face and cover the mouth and nose. Protective masks are a major tool for protection and the fight against germs. Our health should be a definite priority. Whatever masks we use, let us always put them on where we cannot keep a proper distance and, of course, indoors. It is nothing complicated, and it can protect us from contracting COVID-19 and its subsequent health complications. Company TWplast ensures the highest quality of its products. Using masks from TWplast is completely safe and comfortable. Regardless of the model you choose masksEveryone is sure to be satisfied.