Face masks are vital to our fight against COVID-19, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, what is the distinction between surgical masks and cloth masks, and what kind of mask protects you the most against the pandemic?
Assuming they fit properly, cloth masks are a decent measure against bacteria spread through coughing, breathing, or sneezing. However, in clinical trials, scientists have found that, while surgical masks filter out 95% of viral particles, cloth masks only keep out 37%. Even rewashing your face mask, they suggest, might not be enough to stop the spread of infection through germs remaining inside the fabric, and as such, scientists no longer advise that we rely on cloth masks to protect ourselves from Omicron’s spread.
Plenty of these first-rate masks are available now, a turnaround from the start of the pandemic when the higher quality masks were reserved for healthcare professionals. In conditions where you won’t be close to anybody else for more than a short period of time, like going to the grocery store or dropping off a child at school, fabric masks might be fine; on the other hand, in crowded conditions where you can’t maintain social distancing for extended periods of time — like touring on a plane or sitting in a study room, consider carrying a surgical mask! Choosing the more effective of these options according to circumstance could prevent you from contracting COVID-19.
I agree that wearing surgical masks is the most pleasant choice during this pandemic – it’s convenient, secure, and protects you against infection. Yes, cloth masks might have the upper hand in terms of cost and sustainability, but scientists agree that it’s safer for you and those in your proximity to wear surgical masks. For the sake of the community’s health as well as your own, therefore, it is wiser to wear surgical masks.
Sources:
Stieg, C. (2021, Oct 15). Still using cloth masks? It’s time to switch to surgical — here’s why. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/15/are-cloth-masks-effective-for-covid-surgical-masks-vs-kn95-explained.html
Maragakis, L. L. (2022, Jan 27). Coronavirus Face Masks FAQs. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know
Comments