Face Masks: What Kind Should We Buy (doctor, cheap, viruses)
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With regard to the Coronaviruses, what kind of face masks should be purchased? I used to have them in my home but I got rid of them after a pipe leak and never replaced them. I'm old with some breathing issues. I just want to have them on hand.
With regard to the Coronaviruses, what kind of face masks should be purchased? I used to have them in my home but I got rid of them after a pipe leak and never replaced them. I'm old with some breathing issues. I just want to have them on hand.
Unless you are planning airline travel or spend time around people who have recently arrived from China, probably needless overkill. Do what you do now to avoid flu or the common cold. Wash your hands with soap. Keep your immune system healthy. Eat well. Stay rested. If you are really going to fret about this ask your local pharmacist what disposable masks they have. I bet we'll be seeing all sorts of scare fare advertising face masks any day now if they aren't offering them already.
"A study published today in JAMA compared the ubiquitous surgical (or medical) mask, which costs about a dime, to a less commonly used respirator called an N95, which costs around $1. The study reported "no significant difference in the effectiveness" of medical masks vs. N95 respirators for prevention of influenza or other viral respiratory illness."
They had several experts on NPR this morning. One of the points they made was a mask you can easily buy will do nothing to protect you from the virus as it’s microscopic and can easily pass the mask. They recommended regular “keep me healthy” habits— not touching your mouth, nose, etc., wash your hands—will help against this virus too.
Cambridge N99 masks protect against viruses, but they're currently sold out.
It can be difficult to breathe in a properly fitted mask, because it feels like you're not getting as much air. So it can make breathing issues feel worse. It also gets warm and humid inside the mask. I have to wear them sometimes because of my breathing issues from MCAS, but it's never comfortable and I can't wear it more than about an hour before it gets too soggy and difficult to breathe through.
What you see on planes and on the streets is useless, other than keeping YOU from spraying others when you cough or sneeze
A coworker who is a Chinese immigrant told me the other day that this is the point of wearing them. Which a lot of people don't seem to get - it's all about thinking of how to protect themselves, not other people who might be vulnerable.
If face masks didn't work, doctors would not wear them. N95 would be better than nothing.
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