Surgical Mask
Pros:
-Acts as a fluid barrier to capture respiratory droplets
-Easy to breathe
Cons:
-Does not capture particles sized 0.3 microns and below
N95
Pros:
A respirator, that has a denser filter to prevent particles sized 0.3 microns and below.
Cons: Hard to find and hard to breathe
Cloth Mask
Pros:
Acts as a fluid barrier to capture large droplets
Cons:
-Needs to be constantly washed
Wearing a Mask: Myths and Facts
Wearing a Mask can reduce the risk of getting or transmitting corona virus.
MYTH: Masks can cause CO2 build up.
FACT: Properly fitted mask can make the accumulation of a C02 impossible
MYTH: You only need to wear a mask when you are feeling sick
FACT: The CDC recommends the general public to wear a mask. Many people with the corona virus are asymptomatic.
MYTH: Cloth Masks don’t protect you from corona virus
FACT: Although cloth masks aren’t the most effective type of mask the do still create a barrier between your mouth and nose and the outside world.
MYTH: I don’t need to wear a mask if I am social distancing.
FACT: Wearing a mask,practicing social distancing and hand hygiene , together reduces the risk of getting COVID 19
How to Wear Masks
-The mask must cover both your mouth and nose.
The mask should be secured with ties or loops
Make sure the mask securely fits
If you are wearing a cloth mask ensure frequent washing
Never put the mask down on your neck for a break because the neck is an exposed area so when you put your mask back on you are breathing that exposed area.
Stop The Spread
We know that COVID 19 is a respiratory disorder and primarily lives in the throat and lungs which means the most common way of transmission is through a sneeze or cough. Not wearing a mask and just social distancing is not enough because some respiratory droplets such as the ones in a cough or sneeze can travel up to 9 feet.
I really enjoyed how easy to read this post was. I think a common misconception is “the virus is so small that it will go through a cloth mask.” However, as your post clearly pointed out, this is not an airborne virus. It is carried by droplets of moisture that is caught by cloth. I think the more the general public is educated, the more it will be receptive to wearing a mask. I also found it interesting how you pointed out that the mask being pulled up and down over the neck is dangerous because it can become contaminated. This is a problem I see constantly, that most people probably do not even think about.