As new COVID-19 variants emerge that are potentially more contagious, specialists say that masks are more important than ever because they will reduce the spread of the virus, regardless of the variant.
“The variants do not affect the type of mask you should wear. It does affect the importance of wearing a mask and ensuring that you fit well,” said Dr. Stanley Weiss, epidemiologist and professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers. School of Public Health, told ABC News.
According to experts, the most important thing is to wear a mask that fits well and wear it consistently. In some cases it may mean wearing an extra mask if it is tolerable, but for most it is not necessary. So keep it simple and make sure that your mask completely covers your mouth and nose and keep it on if you do not have enough distance
“The critical thing is that a lot of people don’t wear the mask correctly. Some people have a mask that falls off their nose,” Weiss said. “They also need a mask that fits well along the nose to get a dense seal. If you feel air escaping or if your glasses come up from your mask, they do not fit well, and in such situations you use.” a second mask around a tighter seal may make more sense. ‘
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said that a mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face, have no gaps and contain two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
America’s leading infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said the CDC recommendations were crystal clear.
“What they are saying is, ‘Do you know what a good start would be? If everyone wore at least one mask,’ Fauci said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. ‘I think it will be important.’
Widespread vaccinations, constant airflow and people spreading more than 6 feet will all have a major impact on the spread of the virus, including the new variants, and masks are also part of the plan.
“This is not a perfect solution to the pandemic, but the value of mask use has been proven over and over again,” said Dr. David Hirschwerk, a specialist in infectious diseases at Northwell Health, Manhasset. “The CDC recommends the use of two to three coats of washable, breathable material.”
Two or three layers of fabric that fit your face well are better than a loose bandana or a DIY pattern that you have left over from the curtains.
However, some experts suggest that more is more.
“There is a suggestion that wearing a double mask, which you saw very well in the inauguration, can provide better protection,” said dr. Jennifer Ashton, chief medical correspondent for ABC News, said on “Good Morning America” this week. “You have to balance it with the fact that you can actually breathe.”
Dr Michael Calderwood, a doctor at Infectious Diseases at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, said what was most important was sticking to the plan: consistent mask use.
“Increasing the number of masks by laying something on top of another mask or wearing N95 masks on another mask causes the masks to shift a lot, touch the mask, remove the mask, and it will be counterproductive, “Calderwood said.
An N95 mask filters 95% of particles in the air and if worn correctly it is the gold standard but it is not recommended for the average person as there is a shortage and certain requirements are met to make it work.
“N95s are respirators and are ‘tested’ for healthcare professionals and are used in COVID-19 patients for aerosol-generating procedures. It can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time,” said Dr. Rachel Lee, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The key to proper mask choices is the balance between comfort, fit and filter level.
“Wearing a suitable mask with a good fit has been effective up to this point in the pandemic and will continue to be effective,” said Dr. John O’Horo, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic, said. “For example, if a mask does not fit well, if it is loose around the nose, it is better to get a mask with a nose wire to help the seal than an N95 mask.”
Joseph Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings program and associate professor at Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health, agrees with the CDC recommendations, but also said he should consider other risk factors, such as whether you are outside or inside. .
“If you’re going for a walk outside with a friend, then a two-layer mask or a three-layer mask is just fine. If you’re an essential worker, or if you’re indoors for long periods of time, then you go want to find a mask with a higher level of protection, a minimum three-way surgical mask. ‘
Mishal Reja, managing director, is an incoming stomach in gastroenterology at SUNY Downstate and makes a contribution to the ABC News Medical Unit.
Eric Strauss contributed to this report.