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© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Do masks offer protection from new virus? It depends
By CARLA K JOHNSON SEATTLE©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
7 Comments
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virusrex
They make very important points here, a lot of people still are assuming the mask are for stopping single viral particles when in reality the purpose is to stop the much bigger droplets from saliva and other secretions that transport the viruses. This also applies to the touching of the mouth and nose that happens involuntarily and frequently during the day, it is simply much easier to notice you are going to touch your nose if you first have to remove the mask, something done not so automatically.
Unfortunately the same as all other hygienic measures it requires to be done properly for it to have any value, frequently touching the mask, touching your face immediately after removing it, not covering the nose, etc. Is like washing your hands without soap and during a fraction of a second, its the same as not doing it at all.
You don't like using masks? that is perfectly fine, you just have to take more care of not touching your face with contaminated hands (very difficult while riding the train for example). What is not valid is to say they are useless because properly wearing appears to have a protective effect.
Kag
If you want it to block completely you'll need n95 masks, do get one with ventilator otherwise it gets really uncomfortable to wear. Otherwise these masks will suffice for prevention.
nandakandamanda
After a few hours on an aircraft for example, the string starts to hurt the back of the ear. Recent masks available at the drugstore have softer and wider ear straps.
Tom
How you remove the mask is most important and from what I see in public, 99% of the people do not.
1glenn
In other words, masks are not perfect, but they help. People who wear glasses might be less likely to get droplets into their eyes.
Serrano
The best way to avoid getting sick from the new virus is to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. That's the same advice for avoiding regular cold and flu viruses.
Good advice.
Darren
check this link as will help understand what grade you need and how effective.
https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/resources/dust-masks-whats-the-difference.html