adjustable face mask, In the midst of our current COVID-19 pandemic, being a mask wearer is one of the most important things you can do to slow the spread and take some of the pressure off of our hard-pressed healthcare workers. But why? We're here to give you all the details on how masks slow the spread of COVID-19 and answer FAQs.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="546"]
Face Mask (with ties)[/caption]
What does a face mask do and why should you wear one?
SARS-CoV-2, most commonly known as
COVID-19, is a coronavirus. Like many infectious diseases, it can be spread by respiratory droplets in the air (also called aerosols). These are the small particles that come from your mouth and nose when you sneeze, cough, speak, shout, sing, and breathe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is most commonly spread between people who are within close contact (6 feet) with each other. That's why social distancing and widespread mask use are so important for slowing the spread of COVID-19.
So what do face masks do? When you go out wearing an adjustable face mask, the layers of fabric act as a filter to keep most of those aerosols from reaching those around you. Masks that cover your mouth and nose prevent droplets from traveling as far so fewer of them reach other people or the surfaces around you to infect others.
How do face masks help against coronavirus if you aren't showing any symptoms? Asymptomatic people can still have and spread COVID-19. Wearing a mask in public places prevents the spread of droplets. Fewer people get sick, and more room is freed up in hospitals for those who do contract COVID-19. Are face masks effective? Yes.
Face coverings have been used in healthcare settings for decades to prevent the transfer of droplets, splashes, and sprays. Slowing the spread of the virus works on a similar principle. The use of masks keeps a large portion of the small particles you expel from reaching the world around you. So the answer to "do face masks really work?" is yes! We wear masks to slow the spread by preventing the spread of particles that may contain COVID-19.
How effective your
face mask depends on what it's made of. Fabric masks should have more than one layer and be made of a tightly woven, breathable fabric like cotton. All masks should fit snugly, but should not slide off your chin or nose when you talk.
