Wearing NIOSH N95 face masks can help prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. Masks can help us protect ourselves and others around us, particularly vulnerable people at risk of serious sickness.
Wear a quality mask that fits you and is pleasant to wear for the best protection. Wear a mask in public indoor locations, poorly ventilated spaces, and when maintaining physical distance from people is difficult.
Wear a mask even if you are fully vaccinated or have COVID-19 infection.
The more layers of protection we put in place, such as wearing masks, being vaccinated, and staying home while sick, the less likely it is that respiratory infection will spread.
How do masks help to keep COVID-19 at bay?
Wearing a n95 face mask reduces direct virus transmission through particles that escape from an infected person’s mouth and nose when they breathe, talk, cough, sneeze, or sing.
Masks aid in the prevention of the virus that causes COVID-19 in two ways:
Reduce the amount of virus spread by infected people by collecting virus particles in masks (source control).
Aids in preventing people from breathing virus-containing particles (wearer protection).
When everyone wears a N95 masks, the best protection against infection happens. The use of both source control and wearer protection is more successful than either one alone.
The amount of protection provided by the mask is determined by how well it fits into your face and how efficiently it filters the air.
Choose a N95mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin completely, with no gaps above, below, or on the sides.
Wear the mask appropriately at all times, following all applicable directions for use.
Facial mask types
Depending on the style of mask and how it is worn, it can give varying degrees of protection. However, masks are preferable to no masks at all.
The following are the most important factors to consider while selecting a mask to wear:
In any given setting, your risk of infection
How much does it cost?
The material’s filtration capability
- Mask convenience
It is important to note that dust masks or face masks with exhalation valves are not suggested since they contain a one-way valve that allows particles to escape when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Choose the ideal mask for your child, one that is comfortable to wear and can be used at all times. There should be no holes above, below, or on the sides of the mask, and it should cover their nose, mouth, and chin.
A reusable fabric mask (three layers are recommended) or a medical disposable mask can be used. Many fabric masks (whether purchased or made) come in toddler sizes.
There are techniques, such as knots and folds, that can be employed to improve the fit of regularly used surgical masks to a child’s face (see below).
How to Safely Use Masks
To reduce the risk of infection when wearing masks, whether purchased or homemade, you must understand how to use them properly and safely. Wear a mask that fits you well and is pleasant to wear.
Maintain good hygiene.
Ascertain that your mask is clean, dry, and undamaged.
Before applying a mask, wash your hands with soap and water and thoroughly dry them, or use hand sanitizer.
- When wearing the mask, avoid touching the front. Adjust your mask before cleaning your hands if necessary.
- If the mask becomes damp, damaged, or unclean, it should be replaced.
- After use, carefully remove the mask to avoid contaminating your hands and
- store or discard it in the garbage, not a recycling bin.
- After removing the mask, wash your hands.
- Do not disinfect single-use disposable masks.
- Masks should not be shared with others.