Wearing a mask is an undeniably essential element in the fight against COVID. However, wearing a facial coat does not mean that you have carte blanche to continue life normally. Read on to find out why wearing a mask can actually increase your risk of getting COVID. And if you’re feeling unwell, check out the “Emergency Signs” for severe COVID, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to a January 2021 study published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, researchers at Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont found that individuals who wear masks regularly may be at greater risk of contracting COVID because they are ignoring other public safety protocols. The study in question, which removed essential workers with the highest number of daily contacts from the analyzed data set, found that individuals who wore masks more regularly had more daily contact with others than those who did not wear a mask regularly. As such, those who wore masks, but ignored other COVID safety recommendations, ended up developing the virus at higher rates than those who did not wear masks, but had less social contacts.
Likewise, individuals who lived in multi-unit residences, such as apartment buildings, were more likely to develop COVID than those who lived in single-family homes.
“When you wear a mask, you can have a misleading feeling of being protected and have more interactions with other people,” he explained. Eline van den Broek-Altenburg, the study’s lead researcher and an assistant professor and vice president of Population Health Sciences in the Radiology Department at Larner College of Medicine, in a statement.
“Masks don’t allow you to see as many people as you want,” added van den Broek-Altenburg, noting that even people who wear masks regularly need to “strictly limit” contact with other people.
The study echoes the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that people remain vigilant about wearing masks and social distancing.
“Masks should still be used, in addition to staying at least 6 feet away, especially when indoors close to people who do not live in your home,” recommends the CDC.
However, when it comes to wearing the mask, the type of facial coverage you choose is a critical safety factor as well. Read on to find out which masks may be harming your health and, if you are concerned about the possibility of being infected, this common pain may actually be a symptom of COVID.
Read the original article at Better life.
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Ill-fitting masks
The CDC warns against using masks with slits that are too loose or too tight. Instead, the agency recommends wearing masks with a comfortable fit around the nose and chin, with no gaps on the sides. And if you’re concerned about COVID in your area, these are the only states where COVID is still growing.
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Masks made of materials that are difficult to breathe
Although you don’t want your mask to let in breath droplets in or out, masks that limit your ability to breathe – like those made of leather or vinyl – are also not a safe choice. The CDC recommends the use of non-medical disposable masks or masks made of fabrics such as cotton, which offer protection, but do not prevent breathing.
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Masks made of loose fabric
If you can see the light through the fabric of the mask, it is not providing adequate protection. Instead, the CDC recommends using a mask made of tightly woven material, which means that you cannot see the light through it when it is held in front of a lamp or other light source. And to get the latest COVID news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
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One layer masks
Your single layer mask may be comfortable, but it is not a safe option to wear in public. If you want to protect yourself and others, your mask should be two or three layers, according to the CDC.
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Masks with openings or valves
These air vents or valves in your mask are doing exactly what you are using to prevent – allowing the respiratory droplets to come in and out. And if you want to protect yourself, CDC has just issued this alarming warning from COVID.
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Ski scarves or masks
Although the CDC does not recommend using a ski mask as a primary means of protection for you or others, it does not mean that you need to give up one completely when it is cold outside. However, if you are going to use a ski mask to keep warm, the CDC suggests wearing it over your multi-layer breathable mask, warning: “Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not a substitute for masks.”