Masks: To Wear or Not To Wear

There is this big debate about masks. The question on everybody's lips is “To Wear or Not to Wear”.

With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing, most people are looking to face masks as a way of protecting themselves and others from the contagion. 

As a general rule, healthcare workers should wear face masks when working with patients. Likewise, patients who show signs of respiratory infections be given masks while they’re in healthcare settings until they can be isolated. And if you’re sick and need to be around others, properly wearing a mask can protect those around you from contracting your illness. 

I would add that food handlers should wear masks too. 

If you’re considering wearing a mask to protect yourself, there are three types you should know about. 

Surgical face masks (left) are fairly loose-fitting, disposable masks for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients. 

These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses or other germs from escaping via the nose and mouth. 

They also protect against splashes and sprays from other people, such as those from sneezes and coughs. 

But the average masks you can buy from your local drugstore aren’t enough to filter out viruses. 

For that purpose, health experts recommend special masks with fine mesh that can capture very small organisms. These also have to be worn correctly for them to work. 

Respirators (left), also called N95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air, like viruses. 

The name comes from the fact that they can filter 95 percent of airborne particles. N95 masks are also often used when handling potentially toxic materials. 

Know that respirators are selected to fit your face. They must form a perfect seal so no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and anthrax. 

Unlike regular face masks, respirators protect against both large and small particles. 

And of course, there are the cloth face coverings or masks (right) – BUT they don’t offer the same level of protection as surgical face masks or respirators. 

Be warned that masks worn over the face are unable to protect you from getting airborne virus particles, from a cough or sneeze, into your eyes. 

Therefore, by all means, wear a face mask. Just don't think it will make you invincible!