Introduction
We all know that wearing a face mask is one of the most important steps we can take to protect ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. But, it turns out, there are some common mistakes people make when it comes to wearing face masks. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 face mask mistakes you’re making, according to a doctor. From not wearing the right type of mask to not cleaning your mask properly, we’ll cover all the important details you need to know to make sure you’re wearing your face mask correctly.
6 Face Mask Mistakes You’re Making, According to a Doctor
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, wearing a face mask has become a part of our daily lives. But while wearing a face mask is an important step in protecting yourself and others from the virus, there are some common mistakes people make when wearing them. To help you stay safe, we spoke to a doctor to find out the six most common face mask mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not Wearing a Mask Properly
The most important thing to remember when wearing a face mask is to make sure it fits properly. Your mask should cover both your nose and mouth and should fit snugly against your face. If your mask is too loose, it won’t be effective in protecting you from the virus.
2. Reusing Disposable Masks
If you’re using disposable masks, it’s important to remember to throw them away after each use. Reusing a disposable mask can increase your risk of infection, as the virus can linger on the mask’s surface. It’s also important to remember to wash your hands after disposing of a used mask.
3. Not Washing Reusable Masks
If you’re using a reusable cloth mask, it’s important to remember to wash it after each use. This will help to remove any virus particles that may have been trapped in the fabric. It’s also important to remember to wash your hands after handling a used mask.
4. Not Changing Masks Regularly
It’s important to remember to change your mask regularly, especially if it’s a reusable cloth mask. Over time, the fabric can become saturated with virus particles, making it less effective in protecting you from the virus. It’s also important to remember to wash your hands after handling a used mask.
5. Touching the Mask
It’s important to remember not to touch your mask while you’re wearing it. Touching the mask can transfer virus particles from your hands to your face, increasing your risk of infection. If you need to adjust your mask, make sure to wash your hands before and after doing so.
6. Not Wearing a Mask in Crowded Areas
It’s important to remember to wear a mask in crowded areas, even if you’re socially distancing. This will help to protect you and those around you from the virus. It’s also important to remember to wash your hands after handling a used mask.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and those around you from the virus. Remember to wear your mask properly, change it regularly, and wash your hands after handling a used mask.
At this level within the coronavirus pandemic, this can be very inadvisable to exit in public with out sporting a masks. As infections, hospitalizations, and deaths surge throughout the nation, masks mandates—whether or not issued by the federal government or non-public enterprise—are the norm. Why? Sporting a protecting face overlaying has been discovered again and again to be some of the efficient strategies of stopping the unfold of COVID-19. Nonetheless, there’s a respectable probability you are not maximizing the effectiveness of your face masks, in accordance with Karen Jubanyik, MD, Yale Drugs Emergency Drugs Doctor, Affiliate Professor, Emergency Drugs, Yale Faculty of Drugs and one of many authors of Beat the Coronavirus: Methods for Staying Secure and Coping With the New Regular Through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Learn on to study in regards to the greatest masks errors you make—and to make sure your well being and the well being of others, do not miss these Positive Indicators You have Already Had Coronavirus.
If you happen to aren’t sporting and caring on your masks like your best items of lingerie, then you make an enormous mistake. “The very best analogy is to deal with your masks like underwear,” Dr. Jubanyik tells Eat This, Not That! Well being.
You would not put on dishevelled underwear or a bra that’s too tight, so take into consideration your masks in the same method, ensuring it’s well-fitting. “A poorly becoming masks can have you grabbing at it and it’s essential to keep away from touching your face/masks,” Dr. Jubanyik factors out.
Scratchy underwear and bras could make your day depressing and so can a masks made out of subpar materials. “Make sure that it’s a snug materials on your pores and skin,” says Dr. Jubanyik. “You don’t want to interrupt out in a rash as a result of irritation from the fabric. If this occurs, you’ll not wish to put on the masks as a lot as it is best to.”
If the considered sporting soiled underwear two days in a row grosses you out, it is best to keep away from re-wearing a dirty masks. “Wash after each use,” Dr. Jubanyik asserts.
Cleansing your masks correctly just isn’t solely key when it comes to disinfection, but additionally ensuring it would final so long as potential. “Wash in sizzling water,” instructs Dr. Jubanyik. “Dry nice supplies in air, whereas extra sturdy materials can go within the dryer.”
You in all probability do not let your family and friends put on your underwear. Dr. Jubanyik suggests sustaining the identical coverage along with your masks. “Don’t share with others,” she says.
As for your self, preserve you masks clear and observe Dr. Anthony Fauci’s fundamentals and assist finish this surge, regardless of the place you reside—put on a (clear!) face masks, social distance, keep away from giant crowds, do not go indoors with individuals you are not sheltering with (particularly in bars), apply good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it turns into obtainable to you, and to guard your life and the lives of others, do not go to any of those 35 Locations You are Most Prone to Catch COVID.