Introduction
The use of face masks has become a common practice in many parts of the world in an effort to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. While wearing a face mask is generally considered to be a good idea, there are certain mistakes that can be made when using them that can actually make the situation worse. Doing these things can be worse than not wearing a mask at all. In this article, we will discuss some of the common mistakes people make when using face masks and how to avoid them.
Doing These Things Can Be Worse Than No Mask at All
Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. But if you’re not wearing your mask correctly, it can be worse than not wearing one at all. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when wearing a face mask.
Not Wearing a Mask That Fits Properly
A face mask should fit snugly against your face, covering your nose and mouth. If it’s too loose, it won’t be effective in blocking droplets from entering or leaving your mouth. Make sure to choose a mask that fits your face properly and is comfortable to wear.
Wearing a Mask With Holes or Tears
If your mask has any holes or tears, it won’t be effective in blocking droplets. Make sure to check your mask for any damage before wearing it. If you find any holes or tears, replace the mask with a new one.
Not Washing Your Mask Regularly
It’s important to wash your face mask regularly to keep it clean and effective. Wash your mask after each use with soap and water and let it air dry. If you’re using a disposable mask, make sure to discard it after each use.
Touching Your Mask While Wearing It
Avoid touching your face mask while wearing it. This can spread germs and bacteria from your hands to your face. If you need to adjust your mask, make sure to wash your hands before and after doing so.
Not Wearing a Mask in Public
It’s important to wear a face mask in public to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Make sure to wear a mask when you’re in public places, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other places where you may come into contact with other people.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re wearing your face mask correctly and protecting yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Doing these things can be worse than not wearing a mask at all, so make sure to take the necessary precautions.
If you wish to keep away from getting or spreading coronavirus, there’s one factor you will need to do: Put on a face masks each time you are in public. That is the recommendation of the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, which additionally notes it is essential so that you can put on your masks appropriately. Some errors are straightforward to make and might defeat the masks’s goal: Safety. Learn on, and to make sure your well being and the well being of others, do not miss these Positive Indicators You have Already Had Coronavirus.
In the event you’re utilizing a disposable masks, discard it when you’re at house. When you have a fabric masks, wash it after every day’s put on.
After you’ve got worn a masks out in public, think about it doubtlessly contaminated and in want of a wash. Have some extras readily available so you are not tempted to repeatedly use a masks that may very well be soiled.
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Earlier than placing on a masks, wash your fingers with cleaning soap and water for 20 seconds, and when you’re sporting it, hold your fingers away out of your face. In case your fingers include coronavirus or different microbes, and also you contact or scratch the masks floor, you possibly can doubtlessly breathe in these germs.
In the event you exit in public a number of instances a day with a cease at house in between, it is a good suggestion to be secure and alter masks for every journey.
Do not attempt to disinfect a fabric or paper masks by spraying it with Lysol or different disinfectants. You do not wish to breathe in that type of chemical residue.
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Keep in mind that a masks’s job is to protect each your mouth and nostril from virus passing in or out. In the event you put on it under your nostril, you’ve got simply slashed its effectiveness by half. An efficient masks ought to match over your mouth and nostril with no gaps between your face and the masks.
Ensure that your masks suits snugly however comfortably over your mouth and nostril. A masks that is too free won’t present optimum safety.
A face masks that will get damp or moist turns into much less efficient, Dr. Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer on the Yale Jackson Institute for International Affairs, informed the New York Instances. If one thing moistens your masks, swap it out for a brand new one. And ensure your masks is totally dry after washing and earlier than sporting.
Taking your masks on or off repeatedly, or fiddling with the straps, can doubtlessly contaminate it, mentioned Dr. Soe-Lin. Observe a strict hands-off coverage when you’re sporting it.
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When taking off your masks, do not contact your eyes, nostril or mouth—you may switch germs that manner. Take away the masks by touching the straps or ties solely, and wash your fingers instantly after taking it off.
The Mayo Clinic advises towards storing a masks in your pocket for later use—that might result in contamination. To retailer your masks, fold it inward so the contaminated space touches itself, and put it in a paper bag. (That is higher than plastic, as a result of paper permits for extra air circulation, which helps any moisture evaporate.)
In the event you’re having bother respiration or really feel actually uncomfortable in your masks, swap to a different materials that is extra bearable. In case your masks causes discomfort, you are prone to contact it extra typically to regulate it, which might introduce germs.
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Doing so will dampen the fabric and make it much less efficient, and you possibly can introduce any germs trapped within the masks into your mouth.
Each masks must be thought-about single-use, earlier than you throw it away or wash it. Do not share your masks with others for those who’ve already worn it.
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The proof is obvious—sporting a face masks can significantly scale back the unfold of coronavirus. Irrespective of who you might be: put on a face-covering except your physician advises towards it, solely depart the house if it is important, wash your fingers regularly, observe social distancing, monitor your well being and to get by way of this pandemic at your healthiest, do not miss these 35 Locations You are Most More likely to Catch COVID.