Yes, they really do. Although masks can feel like a pain to wear and are uncomfortable at times, their role in helping slow the spread of the coronavirus is vital.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd. explains how they work and why.

What Do Masks Do?

Cloth, surgical and N95 masks all work to reduce airborne respiratory droplets. What this basically means is that potential viral particles emitted when you breathe will largely be contained when you wear a mask.

When these droplets are contained, less of them become airborne, which then decreases the risk of others breathing in harmful particles. Because of this, it’s important to wear a mask even if you don’t feel sick as symptoms of COVID-19 aren’t usually experienced until two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

More Reasons to Wear a Mask

• Protects those with underlying health conditions and pregnant women from contracting the virus
• Reduces your own chances of getting COVID-19
• Works to open up the economy by lowering COVID-19 rates

Which Type of Mask Is Best?

An N95 mask technically offers the most protection as it lives up to its name and filters out 95% of air particles. However, the CDC has deemed these masks as critical supplies for healthcare workers, so it’s better to use cloth or surgical masks.

Properly made, double-lined cloth masks were found to filter out 79% of airborne particles in comparison to surgical masks’ 62% filtration rate according to a recent study by the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine. As COVID-19 cases are soon to rise in the winter, it’s best to use cloth masks because surgical masks will soon be deemed as critical supplies for medical workers as well.

Safety Precautions to Observe in Addition to Wearing Masks

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Avoid large crowds and gatherings.

If you have been feeling under the weather, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd. today.