Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health guidelines are advising everyone to wear masks when going outside of their homes. However, some still don't believe that this practice is necessary. Read to find out why wearing a mask is essential during these times, and the science behind how masks help stop the spread of viruses.
The three most important guidelines established to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus are:
Wash your hands
Wear a mask
Social distance
Infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong, MD, states that out of these three, following the mask guideline is the most important and effective way to prevent disease transmission. In an experiment, evidence from a high-speed video shows that by saying a simple phrase, hundreds of droplets are generated and dispersed in the air. When the mouth is covered with cloth, a significant majority of those droplets are blocked, greatly reducing the chances of contaminating another person.
Additionally, another study involving respiratory infectious diseases not specified to coronavirus provides evidence that utilizing surgical masks is effective in preventing virus emission through aerosols, or solid/liquid particles suspended in air and other gases.
Why it's the Most Important Guideline to Follow
In two real cases that have occurred since the start of the pandemic, having every individual wear a mask was shown to be extremely effective in controlling the spread of the virus. A man on an international airplane flight was afterward tested positive for the virus. On the flight, he had worn a mask, and all 25 of the passengers within close proximity of him tested negative for the virus.
In another case in Missouri, two hair stylists were also COVID-19 positive, and came in close contact with 140 clients. However, everyone wore masks, and all of the clients tested negative for the virus.
Although social distancing and washing hands are still essential guidelines to follow, wearing a mask evidently is the best method in disease prevention. In addition, wearing a mask not only protects others around you by preventing spread of droplets while speaking, but it gives you more protection from others' generated droplets, further reducing the chances of you getting the virus yourself. Wearing a mask does not eradicate the possibility of contracting the virus, but it greatly reduces the chances of doing so.
What Type of Mask Should You Wear?
In general, surgical masks provide more protection compared to masks made out of cloth. However, anything that covers your nose and mouth will be very beneficial to you. So, choose the mask that is the most comfortable for you to make sure you wear it consistently when you go out! Remember to stay safe and continue following the other health guidelines as well!
Written by: Janice Le
References:
“Still Confused About Masks? Here’s the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus.”UC San Francisco, 26 June 2020, www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/417906/still-confused-about-masks-heres-science-behind-how-face-masks-prevent.
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