Should I Wear a Face Mask? Important Things to Consider
Are you wondering if you should be wearing a face mask in public? Read this post to find out.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world as we know it. Ever since the onset of the virus globally, there have been many rules and regulations set into place. Among those rules, one that has been constant throughout is wearing a face mask whenever one is out in public. Even as places slowly start opening and offices begin to operate at a limited capacity, wearing a mask isn’t just an option, but an absolute necessity.
Wearing a face mask and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from other individuals is essential to staying safe and healthy. Since masks now seem to be an indispensable part of our lives, it’s wise to have a stock of them at home. It’s crucial that you buy face masks from reputed places. At Halo Healthcare, we cover all your needs during a pandemic. We offer various face masks, such as the Brave Face Fraser Organic Reusable Face Mask, the Brave Face Skeena Organic Reusable Face Mask, and the Soarnmiay Disposable 3-Ply Earloop Protective Face Mask, the Medicare Disposable 3-Ply Earloop Face Masks, and so on.
The Importance of Wearing a Mask During a Pandemic
While it’s true that wearing a face mask for a prolonged time period can be uncomfortable, it’s also absolutely crucial. Here are some of the reasons why wearing a face mask during this pandemic is essential.
The first reason face masks are important during this pandemic is that social distancing alone isn’t enough to keep you safe. Even before the rules were eased, people were still allowed to go to grocery stores, help people in need, and so on. As people travel from one place to another, they end up endangering themselves by being exposed to air that could contain the remnants of someone’s sneezes or cough or even someone’s breath. It could be a way in which you get infected. Also, social distancing isn’t possible in places that are too crowded. Hence, wearing a face mask is what can protect you in such situations.
How the Virus Spreads and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Research from Florida Atlantic University states that droplets can stay in the air for about 3 minutes and that a cough can travel up to 12 feet. A sneeze is known to travel even farther, such as 23 to 27 feet. All of this proves that viral droplets can go beyond 6 feet, which means that maintaining that same distance from someone doesn’t guarantee one won’t contract the virus.
Talking loudly also leads to the release of viral particles that stay in the air for about 8 to 14 minutes. Research also reveals that aerosolized viral particles can remain in the air for as long as three hours. Such research pieces clearly reinstate the necessity of putting a mask on every time you’re out among people, because even someone talking loudly can spread the viral particles around.
When you wear a face mask, a seal is created around your nose, chin, and cheeks that prevent the cough from leaking out of the covered area. The airflow velocity also reduces when one talks through a face mask, which is why talking to someone while wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing minimizes both parties' risk factors. A mask with layers of tightly-woven fabric works the best for this reason.
Final Thoughts
Before wearing a face mask, you might want to consult a medical professional in case you suffer from breathing problems. Ensure that the mask you’re wearing is clean so that the mask itself doesn’t cause you to contract viral or bacterial infections. Additionally, wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly before touching the mask because your hands could contain foreign substances.
Choose a mask that fits you well and covers your face correctly. Wearing a face mask for too long can cause the bacteria and moisture in your breath to turn the mask into a source of infection, hence, see to it that you take it off whenever possible to let it breathe a little.
Face masks made of cloth can also be created at home if you don’t have access to surgical or N95 masks. These can be washed and reused, and you need to make sure you have tied it well so that it completely covers your mouth and nose.
Even simple face coverings or masks can go a long way from preventing harmful, viral elements from dropping on someone else’s face or body. Hence, you absolutely need to wear a mask throughout the course of this pandemic, especially when you’re in a public place. In addition to maintaining social distancing, remember to wash your mask after each use.
Finally, be sure to check out our wide assortment of face masks and immunity products to keep you and your family safe!
