Does Wearing a Mask Protect You from Coronavirus?

Does Wearing a Mask Protect You from Coronavirus?

Can wearing a face mask protect you against the coronavirus (COVID-19)? It’s a question many people are asking and the experts here at RXLive are here to answer your questions.

What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.  It is advised that you stay at home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

Does Wearing a Mask Protect You from Coronavirus?

If it’s a regular surgical face mask, the answer is no, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, told Live Science.

A more specialized mask, known as an N95 respirator, can protect against the coronavirus, also called SARS-CoV-2. The respirator is thicker than a surgical mask, but neither Schaffner nor the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommend it for public use, at least not at this point. This is because it is challenging to actually keep these masks on for a long period of time. People wearing surgical masks should dispose of them after each use, the CDC added.

Please remember that paper options being worn do not have a respirator to filter out infectious air particles. In addition, if they are not worn properly and are loose fitting it means that bacteria can easily access the nose and mouth. Medical professionals have also warned coronavirus could enter the body through the eyes.  If you do have facemasks, it may help you to stop spreading bacteria through coughing and sneezing, however it may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus.

In addition to the correct type of mask, the best way to avoid getting the coronavirus is to postpone any travel to places with known outbreaks and ensure you continue to practice social distancing. You can also thoroughly wash your hands with soap; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What is the Correct Way to Wear a Face Mask?

The video below provided by the World Health Organisation highlights the best ways to wear and dispose of face masks.

Who Are RXLive Pharmacy?

This article was written by the pharmaceutical experts at RXLive online pharmacy, who post repeat prescriptions to you for free! You may wish to consider using services such as RXLive, which provide a free delivery service to ensure you never miss your medication again and have a dedicated pharmacist ready to chat at all times. You can sign-up to the service here – completely free!