As temperatures and frustration levels continue to rise during the pandemic, the use of face masks has become a hot topic of discussion. The masks may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, especially in the summer months, but they are necessary at this time to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. That said, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends face masks for most people, they do note a few exceptions, claiming that “children under the age of two or anyone with problems do not they should wear cloth covers for their faces. ” You are breathing, unconscious, disabled, or unable to remove the mask without assistance. “
Fortunately, masks are not the only way to cover our faces. Could wearing a mask be a good alternative to wearing a mask? Is it possible that I can even provide best protection? This is what the experts have to say.
Why should we cover our faces during the pandemic?
There is so much misinformation about the coronavirus out there, but one thing is not up for debate. “We know for certain that COVID-19 is spread through viral droplets (from direct exposure to an infected person’s cough or sneeze) and prolonged contact with an infected person,” says Sandra Kesh, MD, associate medical director. , infectious disease specialist. at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, New York. While much of the information on COVID has changed since the start of the pandemic as scientists have learned more about it, Dr. Kesh wants to clarify that experts now suspect that the virus can be transmitted through aerosols, if someone sneezes or coughs. “When this happens, the particles can enter the air and be inhaled,” he explains.
And wearing a mask is important not only to protect yourself but also to protect others. Studies show that masks help prevent you from passing coronavirus germs to those around you, which is especially important since it can be contagious before symptoms start to appear and even when you are completely asymptomatic and never have full symptoms. . Here are more revealing facts that will convince you to wear a face mask.
Do experts prefer masks or masks?
So now to the question at hand. The CDC does not recommend face shields over face masks (or vice versa), and there are no definitive studies showing that one option is better than the other for the prevention of COVID-19. But some doctors praise the effectiveness of shields as a protection option. In a recent op-ed in JamaicaEli Perencevich, MD, professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Iowa Carver School of Medicine, along with two of his colleagues, explained that face shields appear to significantly reduce the amount of inhalation exposure to the influenza virus. , which, like COVID-19, is a respiratory virus spread by droplets. A simulation study found that face shields reduce immediate viral exposure by 96 percent when worn by a healthcare worker less than 18 inches from a cough.
That said, CDC, WHO, and most doctors support masks as a preferred line of defense. Why? “Masks offer a better way to prevent drops from coming out of the mouth or nose of someone who may be infected,” explains Dr. Kesh. The problem with a shield is that the drops can still escape from the side and the bottom. “Also, our main portal of entry for the virus is the nose, so making sure the nose is completely covered will help create a greater barrier to entry,” she says. Of course, face masks are only effective if you use them correctly, so be sure to avoid these common mistakes.
Masks have more containment of the mouth and nose than shields, but wearing a mask is not possible for everyone. “For those who cannot tolerate a mask, a shield could be better. But I would recommend to my patients that they try a few different masks before giving up, “says Dr. Kesh.” Something is better than nothing, but a mask offers better protection than a shield. “These are some of the problems you should consider when making this decision.
Masks are not easy to breathe
“Although wearing a mask with a mask is the optimal way to wear it, masks are more breathable than cloth masks,” says Jen Podany, CEO of Bluestone Sunshields. “[For example]Our customers in the restaurant industry can move quickly without feeling suffocated while wearing shields. “In addition, Bluestone Sunshields, in particular, can help you avoid strange tan lines on masks. While these shields are currently used as PPE, originally They were designed as sun protection for people with very sensitive skin. That being said, not all face mask brands block harmful UV rays, so do your research first.
Face shields can also be a good option for people with respiratory problems, as well as people who do things that make them breathe more than normal. “People who engage in high-intensity activities, such as running, may not be able to use a cloth to cover their faces if it causes them to have difficulty breathing,” says Abe Malkin, MD, founder and medical director of Concierge MD in Los Angels “If you have respiratory problems, you shouldn’t risk your own health with a mask.” So while someone with asthma, for example, may be safe wearing a cloth mask for shopping, it may not be a good idea if you exercise. In that case, a face shield is a safer alternative.
Masks are not recommended for people with some medical conditions.
“In cases like autism or seizure disorders, a person may be more sensitive to touch and texture than others and cannot bear the feeling of having a cloth-covered nose and mouth,” says Dr. Malkin. In those circumstances, a shield would be a better option. However, Dr. Malkin says that sometimes it’s best to skip a face covering entirely. “It is better not to force this,” he advises. “Instead, be aware of social distancing and avoid places where you can expose others whenever possible.” Take a look at these 20 photos that will define the era of social distancing.
Where face shields have an advantage
One of the biggest problems with masks is that they only cover the nose and mouth, without the other main entry point for the virus: the eyes. With facial protectors, the eyes are covered, avoiding the absorption of the virus through aerosols, as well as hand-to-eye contact. So if you are a person who often rubs his eyes, a face mask might be a smart idea.
Masks can also cause skin problems, which, while treatable, are a nuisance. “I am seeing an increase in facial outbreaks, which include acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. I definitely think this is about wearing masks, ”says Sapna Palep, MD, of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. Reader’s Summary. Shields do not aggravate the skin.
Face shields are easier to clean
Masks should be cleaned at least daily. And if you sweat or exercise with your mask, it’s best to remove it when you’re done with your activity to avoid any possible skin conditions described by Dr. Palep. He recommends cleaning the face masks with lingerie in a sink or putting them on the delicate cycle and then air drying them. Either way, washing the masks is a chore.
Another option is to use a HoMedics portable disinfectant bag. It has UV-C technology that kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses at the DNA level. It is also a chemical-free form of cleaning. While this device is not necessarily designed for cloth masks (its primary uses are for phones, glasses, credit cards, etc.), it does provide a quick way to clean them between washes.
Face shields, on the other hand, are easier to clean than cloth masks because they have a hard surface. “You don’t have to do laundry every time you wear it,” says Podany. But note that the protectors must be cleaned after each use with soap and water. Still, the process takes less time. This is what you need to clean up every time you return from the outside world.
Options for children
As noted above, the CDC does not recommend masks for children under the age of two. But as many parents know, older children can be stubborn or take off their masks. Dr. Malkin suggests “trying to make wearing a mask fun for kids by offering designs with their favorite superhero, calmly explaining the need for the mask, and keeping it a little looser around the nose and mouth.” Dr. Palep also supports children who wear shields if they don’t wear face masks because it’s better than wearing nothing at all. Also, children may not be able to exercise caution when touching surfaces or avoid touching their faces like adults, so a face shield designed specifically for children can help with that problem.
Should someone wear a face mask and face shield?
While wearing a mask and shield provides maximum protection, most people don’t need to go that far. However there are some exceptions. Los Angeles-based pediatric nurse practitioner Ersilia Pompilio, RN recommends them for healthcare workers. “As one study shows, face shields substantially reduce short-term exposure of healthcare workers to large infectious aerosol particles,” she explains. “Therefore, face shields provide a useful supplement to respiratory protection for workers caring for patients with respiratory infections.”
Please note that if you are not a healthcare professional but live with someone immunocompromised or COVID-19 positive, you may want to take additional precautions.
For more information on this developing situation, including how to stay safe and sound, see our comprehensive Coronavirus Guide.
