Why Wear a Mask?

As many as 40% of people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 may have no symptoms, which means when they talk, cough, or sneeze, they can still spread the virus in the form of respiratory droplets (Dr. Chu, Stanford University.)

When you wear a mask, you protect the people around you in case you have COVID and you do not know. When everyone wears a mask in public, it will help to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Misconceptions About Wearing Masks: 

There are several misconceptions about wearing masks that individuals use as reasons not to wear them. We’re going to talk about these misconceptions and tell you the truth for each one. 

1. I only need to wear a mask if I am sick. 

As we said, many people who have COVID are not aware that they have it, and you could be just days or hours away from showing symptoms. Since you might be positive for COVID and not know, you can help prevent spreading the disease by always wearing a mask in public. 

Wearing a mask is an act that helps you show that you care about those around you. 

2. Wearing a mask is bad for your health. 

Some people think that wearing a mask can lead to new health issues. According to Dr. Chu from Stanford, “Some people think that if you wear a mask for long periods, you will trap and breathe in excess amounts of carbon dioxide, which could lead to brain damage. That’s not true. A properly constructed mask provides more than enough ventilation.”

If you are concerned about your health wearing a mask, we encourage you to call your primary care provider and talk through any of your worries. 

3. If I wear a mask, I don’t have to worry about social distancing. 

While wearing a mask can be effective, it is just one part of the overall strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19. Given the current rampant spread of COVID in our country, you should try to follow the suggested guidelines for social distancing, gathering in groups, and proper sanitation. If you don’t know what those guidelines are, click here to learn more from the Indiana Department of Health.

4. If I had COVID-19 and am now well, I don’t need to wear a mask. 

Scientists are still trying to figure out how quickly individuals stop transmitting COVID and how many antibodies infected individuals will develop. Because there are few definitive answers yet, the best option is to continue wearing masks. Plus, when you wear a mask in public, it might encourage others to do so. 

5. Cloth masks aren’t effective anyway.

When cloth masks fit well and are worn correctly, they can be an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID. “Studies have demonstrated that cloth masks reduce the number of microorganisms that someone releases into the air. The more people wear masks in an area, the fewer potential viral droplets go into the space, and the less risk that someone will be exposed to the virus. (Cleveland Clinic)”

When Should You Wear a Mask? 

The CDC recommends that you wear your mask when you are around anyone outside your household. This can include wearing a mask when you do your everyday errands, at work, or seeing friends and family. 

While there is still much to be learned about the spread of COVID-19, one thing is for sure: it is spread through respiratory droplets. If you are in a situation where you could inhale someone else’s droplets (think: talking, coughing, sneezing), you should have a mask.

Who Should Wear a Mask? 

The easiest way to answer this question is by telling you who should not wear a mask. 

According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by…

• Children under the age of 2
• Anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Unless you fall into that criteria, you should be wearing a mask. 

How Do You Wear a Mask Effectively?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists these steps to make sure you wear your mask correctly:

• Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
• Make sure you can breathe easily

After you get home, here’s what you do: 

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
• Handle only by the ear loops or ties
• Fold outside corners together
• Place covering in the washing machine (learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings)
• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

For more information about masks, you can go to the CDC website.

Where do I get a mask?

Given the demand, many stores are now selling masks. One option you have it to look online.

Or, you can also make your own mask! Click here to learn how.

How Do I Clean My Mask?

John Hopkins Medicine provides several helpful tips on keeping your mask clean:

• Bandannas, face scarves and masks made of fabric, such as cotton, can be washed in your regular laundry using hot water.
• Disposable, blue surgical masks cannot be laundered or cleaned and should be thrown away when it is visibly soiled or damaged.
• After laundering your fabric masks, tumble dry them in the dryer on a high setting.

Click here for more information.

Questions? Call us!

If you have any questions about your health, make an appointment by calling us at (800) 321-5043. 

We thank you for all that you’re doing to keep our community safe!