Pablo Luna
@julianwan
Accept it or not, masks have become part of our daily wardrobe and it hopes to be that way for a long time. Indeed 2019 will always be remembered with shivers, no thanks to the infamous change coronavirus gave the world. Now, it is a common sight to find everyone on the road with a nose mask, even children are not spared. While the wind of masks wearing seems to be blowing across the continents, it is a little puzzling that few people are knowledgeable about the facts, myths, and how effective these masks are.
If you are unsure of its possible protectiveness or the degree to which it works, feel free to read on and find the answers to your questions.
So, before finding out its effectiveness, some facts about masks are worth knowing, right?
Here we go.
The safety of cloth masks
Some people may have been misguided by the myth that cloth masks are unsafe because they are made from fabric, Or maybe they look too fashionable to block off any virus. However, this is wrong and you are free to discard that myth because cloth masks act as a defense against any kind of virus.
They help to cover your mouth and nose, thereby giving no chance to droplets from an infected person coughing next to you. So, next time you find a fancy cloth mask you like, buy it and wear it, they work just like any other mask, especially when you are in the public.
More so, you can wash it and use it again and again which is even better, unlike the surgical masks that require an immediate discard after each use.
Remember that carbon dioxide buildups don’t happen
It is alright to worry about carbon dioxide buildup because it is strange that we have to put some masks over the face thereby restricting the normal exchange of airflow, so we think. However, that is a misconception. Medical science/ center for disease control (CDC) have disputed the opinion that wearing masks can result in Co2 accumulation thereby making one prone to respiratory sickness or even a desire to puke. While the prolonged wearing of masks is not encouraged but when the masks are properly worn, they allow for a smooth exchange of air. Haven’t you wondered how medical personnel copes with the prolonged wearing of nose masks? It doesn’t hinder breathing neither does it lock in Co2.
You must ensure the masks are worn properly to enhance the effectiveness
Talking about effectiveness, the masks must cover both your nose and mouth, well up to your chin for total protection. Remember to tie the ropes firmly and comfortably behind your ears and also ensure that you have multiple layers of light fabric on the mask for better airflow. Lastly, remember to wash and iron your cloth masks before wearing them again.
You need to have your masks on when you are with people:
Since the outbreak, there was a popular belief that masks should only be worn during sickness or when you think you have contracted the virus. But that is wrong, you need to wear the mask whenever you leave your house for your safety and others too. Knowing that asymptomatic patients can still spread the virus unknowingly so, a safe bet is to have your nose masks on when you are out. Additionally, you still need to wear your mask at home when you are sick. If you are home isolating, you need to have the mask on when people attend to you as well.
How effective are these masks?
1. They help prevent reinfection:
It was a false misconception that your immunity to the virus increases after an infection. Well, this is misleading as you are at risk of another infection if you fail to wear a mask. As earlier stated in the opening paragraph, mask-wearing has come to stay so, you can only judge mask effectiveness when you wear it often. That said, wear a mask always to ensure you and your loved ones have the necessary protection.
2. Bluetooth options are available:
It is not surprising to feel the warmth of technology in all these changing seasons because of the age we live in. As a quick contribution to the fight against the pesky virus, Bluetooth masks were introduced to the world by various tech giants: while wearing one, you can talk to anyone on your phone without having a funny mask distorted voice. You also have a voice command inside the masks that allows you to play music. The earbuds are affixed on a cable and attached to the strings around your ear so you get to hear the music and phone conversations. What’s more? The masks are washable
3. Masks are effective as social distancing:
Another myth that has spread its wrong tentacles over the minds of people is that with masks, you don’t need to keep your distance from people. Please, keep this fact close to your heart, that social distancing is one of the effective ways of curbing the menace of coronavirus. The mask’s responsibility is to protect your mouth and nose but your hands are uncovered, so if you shake hands with an infected person, the chances of you getting your hands up your nose when removing the mask are high. So, with or without a mask, remember to keep at least 6feet of distance from people.
4. Masks will keep your hands under control:
As humans, having our fingers caress our face is a well-known reflex action and studies about coronavirus insist that viruses can easily travel to our face, nose, and mouth with the help of hands. How? When you unconsciously touch tables, rails, doorknobs, and other surfaces that droplets from an infected person fell on. But with the mask shielding the nose and mouth, you can spare yourself the dreaded virus.
Last words
The world has changed forever and the only survival skill everyone needs is a perfect mastery of mask-wearing to judge mask effectiveness. Leaving your mask in your pocket, car, purse, etc. serves no purpose. Thankfully, there are numerous options these days to suit your personality, from Bluetooth masks to cloth masks or face shields. Whichever you prefer, get it and stay beautifully safe.
