COVID-19 spreads through airborne droplets — a person releases droplets containing the virus when coughing, sneezing, and speaking. Wearing a mask limits the spread of viral particles and protects a healthy person from their entering the respiratory system. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, mask-wearing must be accompanied by observance of hygiene rules — washing hands with soap or treating them with an alcohol-based solution — and maintaining social distance.

According to the World Health Organization, a medical mask can prevent the spread of the virus and protect a person from infection. Its use is necessary in public places where maintaining a minimum social distance is impossible — on public transport, in shops, and in other crowded spaces.

There are masks of medical and non-medical designation. The primary filtration capacity of a disposable medical mask is its ability to retain at least 95% of droplet particles. Non-medical masks take the form of various fabric coverings. They can be used only for source control — that is, to prevent the spread of infection from an infected person. Medical masks are recommended for: healthcare workers; people with symptoms and those who are in contact with them or with infected individuals; and members of high-risk groups — people over the age of 60 and those with chronic conditions. Healthy or asymptomatic individuals in public places where social distancing is impossible are advised to use either medical or fabric masks.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), widespread mask use in public places generally prevents the spread of COVID-19.

According to the CDC, children under the age of 2 are not recommended to wear masks, as there is a high probability that they will be unable to follow the rules for proper use. Masks are also not recommended for people with respiratory diseases, incapacitated individuals, and those in an unconscious state who will be unable to use them independently without outside assistance.

Using the same mask multiple times, as well as using it incorrectly, can itself become a source of infection. It is therefore essential to use a mask properly:

A mask should be used only once; reusable masks — fabric ones — must be washed after each use. The mask must cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly against the face. Before putting on a mask and after removing it, hands must be thoroughly washed with soap or treated with an alcohol-based solution. One must not touch the front surface of the mask — and if one does, hands must be washed or treated with the appropriate solution.

Wearing a mask is safe.

Following the recommendations and requirements to wear masks in the fight against the pandemic, disinformation spread about the harm they allegedly cause. Information was published on social media claiming that wearing a mask causes oxygen deficiency in the blood, reduces immunity, and so on.

Wearing a fabric or medical mask is harmless to health. Masks of this type do not restrict oxygen or carbon dioxide molecules, meaning that large quantities of carbon dioxide do not accumulate under the mask. People who wear such masks are not at risk of inhaling a harmful amount of carbon dioxide. The discomfort a person may experience while wearing a mask is caused by the irritation of facial nerves by warm air — not by inhaling an increased dose of carbon dioxide. According to research by the American Thoracic Society, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels do not cause health-threatening changes in either healthy individuals or patients with lung disease.

At the same time, the obligation to wear a mask does not apply to people with breathing problems — such as asthmatics — who find it difficult to wear one for extended periods. But even in that case, a person with a respiratory condition may experience health problems only from wearing respirators — not ordinary fabric or medical masks — over a prolonged period.

Author: Teona Absandze