As new COVID-19 variants appear that are potentially more contagious, experts say masks are more important than ever because they will reduce the spread of the virus, regardless of the variant.
“Variants don’t affect the type of mask you need to wear. But it does affect the importance of wearing a mask and making sure you fit well,” says Dr. Stanley Weiss, epidemiologist and professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers School of Health. Public, he told ABC News.
The key, experts say, is to wear a mask that fits well and wear it consistently. In some cases, this may mean wearing an extra mask if it is tolerable, but for most it is not necessary. So keep it simple and make sure your mask completely covers your mouth and nose and keep it lit when you can’t distance yourself properly.
“The critical issue is that a lot of people don’t wear the mask properly. Some people have a mask coming down from their nose,” Weiss said. “They also need a mask that fits well along the nose to get a tight seal. If you feel that air is escaping or if your glasses are steaming out of the mask, it doesn’t fit well, and in these situations, using a second mask to get a tighter seal might make more sense. “
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that a mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, fit perfectly on the sides of your face, have no gaps and have two or more layers of washable and breathable fabric.
The American infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said that the CDC’s recommendations are clear.
“What they’re saying is, ‘Do you know what a good start would be?’ If everyone wears at least one mask, “Fauci said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday.” I think it would be important. “
Large-scale vaccinations, constant airflow and people spreading more than 6 feet would have a huge impact in slowing the spread of the virus, including new variants, and masks are also part of this plan.
“It’s not a perfect solution to the pandemic, but the value of using masks has always been proven,” said Dr. David Hirschwerk, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, Manhasset. “The CDC continues to recommend the use of face covers that have two to three layers of washable, breathable fabric.”
Two or three layers of fabric that fits your face perfectly are better than a fixed bandana or a DIY pattern left over from your curtains.
However, some experts suggest that more is more.
“There are some suggestions that wearing a double-breasted mask, which you certainly saw in full display at the inauguration, could provide better protection,” Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief correspondent, told Good Morning America ”this week. “You have to balance that with the fact that you can actually breathe.”
Dr. Michael Calderwood, an infectious disease physician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, said the most important thing is to stay on track: consistent use of masks.
“Increasing the number of masks, either by layering something on top of another mask, or wearing N95 masks on another mask leads to mask movement, touching the mask, removing the mask, and it will be counterproductive,” Calderwood said.
An N95 mask filters 95% of the particles in the air and, if worn correctly, is the gold standard, but it is not recommended for an ordinary person because there is a deficiency and it comes with certain requirements to make them work.
“N95s are respirators and are ‘tested to fit’ for healthcare workers and are used in patients with COVID-19 for aerosol-generating procedures. They may be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time.” said Dr. Rachel Lee, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The key to choosing the right mask is finding a balance between comfort, fit and level of filtration.
“Wearing the right mask with the right fit has been effective so far in the pandemic and will continue to be effective,” said Dr. John O’Horo, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic. “If a mask doesn’t fit properly, for example, if it’s loose around the nose, it’s better to get a mask with a nose wire to help seal it than an N95 mask.”
Joseph Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings program and associate professor at the TH Chan School of Public Health at Harvard, agrees with the CDC’s recommendations, but also said to consider other risk factors, such as whether you are or not outdoors or indoors.
“If you go for a walk with a friend outside, then a two-layer mask or a three-layer mask is fine. If you are an essential worker or you are inside for long periods of time, then you will want to find a mask that has a higher level of protection, a minimal, three-layer surgical mask. “
Mishal Reja, MD, is an incoming gastroenterologist at SUNY Downstate and a contributor to the ABC News Medical Unit.
Eric Strauss contributed to this report.