7 COVID-19 myth masks for face mask that you should not fall for

Wearing a face mask is required now in many U.S. states in places where keep social distance is not possible, as is the supermarket or hair salon. This is to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even President Donald Trump, who has long refused to wear one, in July tweeted a photo of himself wearing a face mask, wearing the mask of a “patriotic act.”

Although we still have a lot to learn about the coronavirus, circulating incorrect information about face masks. For example, some people who wear masks have started wearing masks that “cover” their nose and mouth, but still allow the types of drops known to transmit the virus. And others believe they should not wear a mask if they have no symptoms – this is a myth not supported by leading health experts, doctors, scientists or national and international recommendations.

Here are seven myths about wearing face masks during the pandemic. This story updates frequently with new information and draws recommendations from the CDC, the World Health Organization and other health care institutions. It is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you think you have the coronavirus, follow these steps.

read more: Where can you buy a face mask online now

Myth 1: The coronavirus is not real, so masking is not necessary

More than 18.9 million confirmed cases and more than 716,000 deaths caused by the coronavirus worldwide have been reported. However, some people still think that the virus is a hoax if exaggerated. The US alone has had nearly 5 million confirmed cases and more than 161,000 deaths. CNET’s Science Editor Jackson Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. in medical clinical sciences calls for antivaccine collusion “dangerously and misinformed. “

Marketwatch reported in July that nearly one in Americans believe the coronavirus has not killed as many people as reported. One study shows that people are more likely to believe false information about the coronavirus when they get their news from social media.

Many believe that a 26-minute video touting of conspiracy theories, called Plandemic, and its subsequent distribution via social media, is partly responsible for spreading COVID-19 untruths. These falsifications have been debunked several times by the medical and scientific communities.

If you go out in public or around people who are not in your household, wear a face mask to protect yourself and others. You as the other person could be sick without your knowledge, either because you are asymptomatic, presymptomatic or error mild symptoms for other causes, for example allergies. People who are mildly affected can spread the virus to other populations, including lovers who are present. higher risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19.

Myth 2: Masks can be made of any material, as long as your face is covered

With a subset of people opposed to the idea of ​​wearing face masks (“anti-masks”), several retailers are offering online mesh and lace masks for sale. The sellers make the claim that the masks are breathable. But an open tissue does not fulfill the function of catching large respiratory drops – from talking, coughing and sneezing – that the coronavirus may contain.

The best masks have a tightly knitted material and a filter bag to prevent respiratory droplets from passing through the mask. The most protective masks, N95 respirators, block 95% of small particles, including viruses, but during the pandemic they are hard to come by and organizations have said that medical workers and health care workers should get dibs first.

A study (PDF) from the University of Arizona found that wearing a face mask reduced the risk of infection by 24% for a simple cotton cover and up to 99% for a professional, medical grade filtration mask. The researchers too ranked face mask material from most to least effective in their tests.

read more: These face masks were made for children only

Myth 3: Only sick people should wear face masks

Just because you do not experience it Covid19 symptoms does not mean you are not sick. The CDC cites more than a dozen studies that show asymptomatic or presymptomatic people can still spread the coronavirus, even if they are not aware that they are sick.

The WHO’s initial recommendations supported the view that healthy people should not wear masks, but after more evidence came, the organization updated its official recommendation.

To prevent the virus from being transmitted to others, it is safest to wear a mask if you are someone who is not in your household. It will help to the risk of spreading respiratory drops of talking, coughing and kneeling.

There is growing evidence that the coronavirus can be in the air, which means it can stay in the air long enough for anyone to seek it out and become infected. Wearing a mask forms a barrier in which virus-containing droplets are trapped by the wearer. In other words, if you do not wear a mask and inhale the same air as an infected person who also does not have a mask, your risk of getting the coronavirus increases.

To read: MIT engineers design a reusable face mask that can be as effective as an N95

Myth 4: Wearing a medical mask brings you more carbon dioxide

If worn well, masks cover the bridge of the nose (above the nostrils) and extend them under the chin without holes on the sides, covering your nose and mouth completely.

Some people suggest that medical masks (also called surgical masks) extract and cause carbon dioxide breathe in more CO2. The WHO says that prolonged use of surgical masks does not lead to CO2 coverage or lack of oxygen.

Myth 5: You should not have social distance when wearing a mask

People wear masks to reduce their chances of getting or spreading the coronavirus, as if they were in a popular market, by the pool as mar like walking downtown. However, the WHO says that the use of masks alone is not enough to provide adequate protection. Other than N95 masks, which undergo a certification process, there is no regulatory body that regulates the materials as the process that enters into the face masks you buy of make at home.

For example, a cloth mask with only one layer of fabric is not considered as robust as a cloth mask with three layers and a filter. Meanwhile N95 masks are certified, but after a critical shortage put frontline workers at risk, organizations have said they should be left to health care workers.

Along with mask use, you should continue to practice physical distance, wash your hands often and prevent your face from touching.

read more: How to safely go on holiday during the coronavirus pandemic

Myth 6: Masks will weaken your immune system

This myth stems from the idea that the human immune system is strengthened by exposure to bacteria and other pathogens.

The American Lung Association says there is no scientific evidence that wearing a mask weakens the immune system. However, even if someone receiving COVID-19 is young and healthy, without pre-existing conditions, there is evidence that they can and do become seriously ill or responsible for the spread of the coronavirus. For example, in California as of August 5, the age group with the highest number of reported cases was 18-34, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Even children run the risk develop a fatal syndrome caused by the coronavirus, although it is rare. However, it should not be taken lightly if schools are reopening through the country.

Washing your hands and wearing a mask will not adversely affect your immune system, especially in adults who have already developed immune systems, according to Beaumont Health. If you’ve worried about a weakened constitution, here it is five ways to strengthen your immune system.

Myth 7: Cloth masks do not offer protection against COVID-19

At the beginning of the pandemic, the coronavirus was so new that doctors were unsure to what extent wearing cloth faces or homemade masks – compared to surgical medical degrees like N95 masks – would help spread the virus.

However, studies have suggested that a mask over the nose and mouth acts as a physical barrier against respiratory droplets that can carry and spread the coronavirus. Although a cloth that can only be covered may not completely prevent someone from getting the coronavirus, CDC Director Robert Redfield said in July that if everyone wore a mask, the COVID spread would be possible to contain.

Other countries that required the use of masks early in the pandemic have seen the spread of coronavirus slow down, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Need more information about face masks? Here is where you can buy one online, how to make your face mask more comfortable and the best and worst materials for protection against coronavirus.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider about any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.