Since the rise of COVID-19, people have constantly been looking for ways to prevent themselves from catching one. Not only does it help keep themselves safe and healthy, but the people around them as well. If a person catches COVID-19, they’re expected to have weaker lungs, which could compromise their breathing and increase their risk for other types of diseases. With that, preventing yourself from having one is extremely necessary.
As people look into ways to protect themselves from COVID-19, wearing face masks has always been on top of the list. While some would prefer an air purifier to clean the air they breathe, wearing face masks can provide added protection for both the infected and healthy ones. If you’re in the hunt for high-quality face masks that won’t ever fail you, you may check out this product and other similar ones in the market.
Here are some ways face masks could help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Act As Droplet Barriers
The main role of a face mask is to act as a droplet barrier. When a person speaks, there’s a tendency for small droplets to come out of their mouth, which could land on someone’s skin, causing the virus to spread. With a face mask, an infected person can prevent themselves from harming others and keep their surroundings safe. This way, their face mask can act as a droplet barrier and avoid contaminating other objects or people when they speak or even breathe.
- Shield You From Potential Viruses
Wearing face masks isn’t just for people who tested positive for COVID-19, but even for healthy people as well. This can help protect themselves from the virus as there’d be less infection risk.
Even if the person infected by the virus is already wearing a face mask, there could still be a small chance that the droplets they’d produce could get through the mask, which could still put a person at risk. Wearing a face mask as a healthy person, on the one hand, minimizes your risk of contracting the virus.
- Protect People From Asymptomatic Cases
Unfortunately, not everyone can determine whether or not they’re infected with COVID-19 in a snap. Some people might not show symptoms although they’re already infected by the virus. With this, it can be difficult to know whether you should be extra careful or act as if you’re a completely healthy person.
The only way to find out if you’re infected is by taking a swab test, which can be quite expensive, especially if you plan to do it weekly. With that, wearing a face mask can protect you and the people around you, especially if you’re unaware that you’re already COVID-19-positive.
Different Types Of Face Masks
As face masks could help reduce the spread of COVID-19, it’s only smart to look for the best type that can provide maximum protection. This way, you won’t be risking any chances, and allow yourself and the people around you to be completely safe from the virus.
Here are some types of face masks you might want to consider:
- Cloth Masks
Cloth masks are one of the most accessible and affordable types of masks you could use to protect yourself from the virus. Since they’re made out of fabric, you can play with various colors and patterns, allowing the face masks to be stylish and fun at the same time. To provide maximum protection, you should insert filters that could help trap droplets that may come out of your nose and mouth. Ideally, you should replace the filter after every use and wash the cloth mask for maximum protection.
- Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are an affordable type as well. You can usually purchase them in bulk, and an entire box is enough for the whole family for a sizeable amount of time. However, it’s important never to reuse them as you should dispose of them after every use. However, you need to look for the perfect fit to prevent virus-containing droplets from coming out of the mask through the sides and the nose area.
- N96 Masks
N96 masks are one of the most popular and effective ways to protect yourself from COVID-19. With their fitting and size, they can surely trap any virus inside. Apart from their shape, they can also filter out even smaller particles that a regular surgical mask can’t. This is the type of face mask that most hospitals use, and, luckily, they’re now available for public purchase. With that, wearing this type of mask can provide you so much more protection compared to other masks.
- Valve Masks
There’s only one specific type of mask that you should avoid at all costs: the valve mask. While some people would prefer wearing them as they can help provide better breathability, valve masks aren’t practical and completely safe as they could, instead, help release the virus out in the open. With that, it’s best to avoid wearing any type of valve mask to ensure utmost COVID-19 protection.
Proper Use Of Face Masks
- Ensure Snug Fit
When wearing a face mask, you must ensure that it fits snugly on your face in such a way that it completely covers your nose and mouth. You should take advantage of the nose wiring and contour it to your nose bridge.
- Dispose Of Or Wash It Immediately
When you arrive home, you should throw out your disposable face mask immediately and never reuse it. You should have a dedicated trash bin for your masks and never mix them with your regular bin. This will allow for proper segregation and prevent the spread of the virus. Alternatively, you should also wash your cloth face mask immediately after every use.
- Don’t Touch Your Face
Even with a mask on, you should avoid touching your face. You might never know, but you may have touched an infected object, and touching your face could lead to serious trouble. With that, you should avoid touching your face at all costs.
Takeaway
Face masks provide plenty of benefits and protection to people who wear them. With that, you should ensure that you wear them correctly to maximize the benefits they’re called to provide. This will help keep everyone around you, especially your family, safe during this COVID-19 pandemic.
