Is it time to fold the masks to help fight the COVID-19 variants?

With new variants of coronavirus roaming the United States and even parts of Texas, there have been some jokes that claim that wearing two masks is better than one.

Some medical experts told the Washington Post this week that adding the mask and increasing its protection against the virus will help decrease the risk of getting COVID-19, or one of its variants, from the United Kingdom, South Africa or Brazil.

However, the CDC has not issued any official guidance on the use of two masks instead of one and, according to Dr. Ruth Berggren, from UT Health San Antonio, there are no medical studies to prove this yet.

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Dr. Berggren said in an interview with KSAT 12 that two masks may not be necessary. Instead, make sure you have two or three layers inside your face mask and follow the three Ws – Wear a mask, Wsix feet away from the others, and Washes your hands.

“I don’t think double masking is the answer – it’s the 3Ws,” said Berggren. “You don’t need to have two masks to be safe. You just have to have a good mask. “

“At least a double layer of masks, not a single layer of elastic material. Two or three layers, ”added Dr. Berggren.

With these new virus variants, you may be wondering how safe are the facial masks you used last year.

To begin, make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth. If you are only wearing a half mask, covering your mouth only, it offers little protection for you and the people around you, according to Dr. Berggren.

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“[It’s] totally ineffective. It’s like you’re not wearing a mask, ”said Berggren.

It is also important to keep in mind how firm the mask fit. If it is loose or with a large gap on the sides, this may cause you to need to use a second mask.

“If your mask has a large lateral gap, that’s a problem. You need to work on the adjustment or use a second mask for this, ”said Berggren.

The CDC has some other tips for you to find out which masks are safer for you to use.

From:

• Have two or more layers of washable and breathable fabric

• Make sure to cover your nose and mouth with the mask

• The sides of the mask should fit perfectly to the face, with no spaces

It is not:

• Wear masks made of fabric that is difficult to breathe, such as vinyl

• Do not use masks with exhalation valves or vents, which can allow virus particles to escape

• Aimed at healthcare professionals, such as N95s or surgical masks

For more information on what the CDC recommends for face masks, click here.

Yes, some of the variants have already arrived in Texas, according to a recent report by The Associated Press.

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On January 19, health officials reported a case of the United Kingdom variant, or B.1.1.7, in Dallas County. Another case was confirmed in Houston on January 7.

None of the variants proved to be more lethal. However, they are significantly more transmissible, say medical experts.

Dr. Berggren said that while reports have not officially confirmed that cases of the variants were found in San Antonio, she believes there is a good chance that they are already here.

“We know they were found in Houston and we believe they are here,” said Berggren.

Fortunately, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are still considered effective against these new strains of COVID-19. And reinforcements can also be developed to help combat the vaccine response.

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For now, health officials recommend that you continue to follow current public health guidelines and do not let your guard down.

You can watch the full interview with Dr. Berggren here.

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