The spread of COVID-19 can be restricted by wearing a face mask, along with a combination of various precautions such as washing hands frequently and social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests wearing a face mask while being in public settings.
However, several misinformation has spread through online mediums regarding the use of face masks. In this article, Mallcom will be debunking some myths about face masks.
Myth 1: Not to wear a mask if not sick
In layman’s terms, wearing a face mask helps in decreasing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It has been found in research that a significant number of people with COVID-19 infection lack symptoms.
Unknowingly, they are transmitting the virus to other people while coughing, sneezing, talking, or shouting. Wearing a face mask will help in reducing the transmission of the virus through respiratory droplets around users. Therefore, users need to wear a face mask to protect others, and they should wear one to protect users.
Myth 2: A cloth face mask won’t protect users from the COVID-19 virus
Cloth face masks help reduce the microbial particulates while sneezing, coughing, and talking
A cloth face mask is worn by an individual to protect others in case he has the virus. Countries aware of the requirement of wearing a face mask, social distancing, isolation, and testing early in the pandemic period, achieved success in slowing the spread of the disease.
Some protection is better than none. Cloth face masks help in reducing the microbial particulates while sneezing, coughing, and talking. The total number of microbial particulates present in the air reduces when more individuals wear a face mask, helping in reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Myth 3: Face mask increases the carbon dioxide amount while breathing and will result in sickness
For years, healthcare providers have used face masks for extended periods with no serious health reactions.
While breathing, carbon dioxide easily diffuses through the mask. In case users feel uncomfortable with the mask, try to talk less and breathe more through the nose. This process will help reduce the level of humidity in the mask.
Myth 4: Wearing a face mask will reduce the need for social distancing
To wear a face mask is just one step in reducing the COVID-19 spread. Apart from this, one should continue practicing the behaviors below as well.
- Limit physical meetings.
- Prefer staying at home if not feeling well.
- Maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet from other people.
- Practice washing hands with soap, more often.
- If facing COVID-19 symptoms get a test or call the healthcare provider.
- If being around someone who tested positive or is sick, self-isolate.
Myth 5: Wearing a mask is harmful while exercising
Wearing a face mask while exercising will not make users have low oxygen or high carbon dioxide
If users wear a face mask while exercising, users might feel a lack of air. This may be scary but is not harmful. Researchers recommend that wearing a face mask while exercising will not make users have low oxygen or high carbon dioxide.
However, wearing a face mask while working out is not safe for people having lung or cardiac disease. Exercise leads to an increased heart rate and breathing takes a little more effort while wearing a mask, which also increases heart rate.
Conclusion
Wearing a face mask is completely safe and effective. While being in an indoor public place, wearing a mask is highly essential.
Though there is not much Mallcom can do to control the pandemic, they can protect themselves and others by wearing a face mask.