Now that WHO and CDC are recommending to wear face masks in public, many people are wondering if there is a specific face mask that is better when it comes to protecting yourself against covid-19. Today, we will respond to the top questions about masks and covid-19. Will wearing a face mask protect me from covid-19? According to the CDC, wearing a face mask is a good preventive measure from covid-19. Just like washing your hands, or social distancing, wearing a mask does not make you immune to the virus but it reduces your chances to get it. Besides, remember that not everyone is supposed to wear a mask. Children under 2, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove the covering on their own should not be given one because it could suffocate them. What type of mask is best to prevent Coronavirus? When it comes to choosing the best mask there are many factors to consider. How it fits If it breathes well or retains moisture How many layers of filtration it has How it’s put on and taken off How often it’s reused How it’s cleaned and how often Additionally, your level of exposition plays a big role. If you are in isolation and will only wear it to go to the store, a regular surgical face mask will do the job. However, if you are working in a crowded place, for example, a drug store, or you are taking care of a covid-19 infected family member, an N-95 respirator is better. To understand better the benefits and advantages of each one make sure to check the following visuals. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf How to know if a face mask is fitting properly? According to the CDC, a proper face mask should cover the following points: fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face be secured with ties or ear loops includes multiple layers of fabric allows for breathing without restriction be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape How do I properly wash a face mask? WHO recommends to keep your face mask as clean as possible, and for this, they recommend the following tips: Wash it daily. Use hot water. Air-dry it if it has elastic loops, if not use the dryer. Wash your hands after touching it. If you are wearing a paper mask, make sure to have at least 3 in rotation so you can let it rest (in a paper bag) and reuse it after 3 days. Should I buy an N-95 respirator? If you find yourself isolated at home, or you are working with a limited number of people, the answer is no. The reason for this is the shortage of issues. N-95 respirators should be reserved only for healthcare workers and first responders. This is a big reason why the CDC is recommending cloth face masks, and not surgical masks or N95 respirators, for the general public. Remember, a face mask is just another tool in your prevention arsenal, just like washing your hands often and social distancing. If you think you have covid-19 and want to know more about treating it, our medical team is here to help you figure out what to do. Feel free to reach us at [email protected] At Rehealth, we believe that having informed patients is the only way to deliver optimal healthcare. Visit our website to find out more interesting content and be a part of an amazing health integrated community! www.rehealth.com Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html https://www.goodrx.com/blog/the-best-face-mask-types-for-coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html FacebookPinTweetEmail Michelle Ibarra Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
Now that WHO and CDC are recommending to wear face masks in public, many people are wondering if there is a specific face mask that is better when it comes to protecting yourself against covid-19. Today, we will respond to the top questions about masks and covid-19. Will wearing a face mask protect me from covid-19? According to the CDC, wearing a face mask is a good preventive measure from covid-19. Just like washing your hands, or social distancing, wearing a mask does not make you immune to the virus but it reduces your chances to get it. Besides, remember that not everyone is supposed to wear a mask. Children under 2, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove the covering on their own should not be given one because it could suffocate them. What type of mask is best to prevent Coronavirus? When it comes to choosing the best mask there are many factors to consider. How it fits If it breathes well or retains moisture How many layers of filtration it has How it’s put on and taken off How often it’s reused How it’s cleaned and how often Additionally, your level of exposition plays a big role. If you are in isolation and will only wear it to go to the store, a regular surgical face mask will do the job. However, if you are working in a crowded place, for example, a drug store, or you are taking care of a covid-19 infected family member, an N-95 respirator is better. To understand better the benefits and advantages of each one make sure to check the following visuals. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf How to know if a face mask is fitting properly? According to the CDC, a proper face mask should cover the following points: fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face be secured with ties or ear loops includes multiple layers of fabric allows for breathing without restriction be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape How do I properly wash a face mask? WHO recommends to keep your face mask as clean as possible, and for this, they recommend the following tips: Wash it daily. Use hot water. Air-dry it if it has elastic loops, if not use the dryer. Wash your hands after touching it. If you are wearing a paper mask, make sure to have at least 3 in rotation so you can let it rest (in a paper bag) and reuse it after 3 days. Should I buy an N-95 respirator? If you find yourself isolated at home, or you are working with a limited number of people, the answer is no. The reason for this is the shortage of issues. N-95 respirators should be reserved only for healthcare workers and first responders. This is a big reason why the CDC is recommending cloth face masks, and not surgical masks or N95 respirators, for the general public. Remember, a face mask is just another tool in your prevention arsenal, just like washing your hands often and social distancing. If you think you have covid-19 and want to know more about treating it, our medical team is here to help you figure out what to do. Feel free to reach us at [email protected] At Rehealth, we believe that having informed patients is the only way to deliver optimal healthcare. Visit our website to find out more interesting content and be a part of an amazing health integrated community! www.rehealth.com Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html https://www.goodrx.com/blog/the-best-face-mask-types-for-coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html