Over the past few months, people have been fighting over the procurement of PPEs such as graded face masks to prevent getting the coronavirus. This has left a lot of people thinking of creative ways of creating face shields for frontline and essential workers and healthcare professionals. But going back to facemasks, a lot of people are still questioning how effective they are in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
According to Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, wearing a facemask provides better protection compared to not wearing one at all. It all depends on the grade of one’s face mask.
Cloth facemasks are common as they can be made from simple materials like cotton. While they do little to filter in air, they can stop the liquid spray from immediately hitting the surface of the mouth. But because they are made of porous materials, the virus could eventually pass through. This is why some people wear a surgical mask underneath their cloth facemasks.
Surgical masks do a better job of protecting the mouth and nose as it contains a plastic layer on one side, which doesn’t allow particles to pass through. The most common problem with surgical facemasks, according to Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, is that they can start to become painful with prolonged use. Plus, a lot of places may have run out of stock since healthcare professionals highly need this PPE. Moreover, they are made to be disposable. Surgeons typically dispose of them after a procedure. This means healthcare professionals need to replace regularly their surgical masks to stay safe.
Lastly, there are N95 masks. According to the FDA, N95 masks have tested to block at least 95% of small particles because of their ergonomic design. Some N95 masks come with respirators, which make it easier and safer to breathe while wearing them. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD believes that protecting oneself should be the top priority while facing this pandemic. It is vital to wear something to cover the mouth and nose when going outside.
Dr. Mark Hochberg MD 