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More and more people are buying into the idea of wearing a face mask.
Since it has shown some promising signs towards reducing the transmission of COVID-19, this makes perfect sense. The education of the masses has been the major driving force through which such compliance was achieved.
However, despite the thousands of information circulating the world about the use of face masks, some people still have some pressing questions regarding the use of masks.
“Why should I buy a mask?”
“Do I need to wear one every time?”
“When should I buy it?”
If you are one of these people, after reading this article, you won’t be anymore. Here, we would be answering the pressing “when” question- so you are armed with the right information to head out to the online store or physical shop, in search of the best disposable face mask for you.
Firstly, do they work?
Yes- face masks work.
Regardless of the type of face mask you choose to use- whether a 3M N95 mask or a disposable surgical mask- face masks have protective value.
When should I buy/use one?
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When you are in the public…
Whenever you are in a public place- or anywhere with a gathering of people- ensure you are putting on a mask. If you don’t have one already, you should consider buying it when next you’re at your local store.
Although some people might argue that face masks do not offer protection to the people wearing them, instead, offering protection only to other people around you, this is not totally correct.
While people within a 6m radius of the mask-wearer benefit the most from it being worn, you still accrue some protection from wearing it. You protect yourself, and you protect others by wearing a mask!
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Whenever you notice symptoms of COVID-19
Again, a very good time to order for a face mask is whenever you display some of the COVID-19 symptoms. Primarily, face masks are described as a “Source control” method. This means that they prevent the spread of the disease by tackling its production from a source.
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How do they do this?
Basically, when the wearer speaks, droplets are produced from the mouth. By stopping the evaporation of these droplets, face masks help curtail the spread of the virus- since its major means of transmission is via respiratory droplets.
When you buy a face mask immediately you begin noticing symptoms of COVID-19, you get to protect your family and kids from the virus.
What are these symptoms?
Here are the common symptoms that accompany COVID-19:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty in breathing/ Shortness of breath
- Chest pressure
Again, if you observe any of these symptoms, get a disposable face mask immediately!
Conclusion
Whether you choose to buy an N95 respirator or a medical face mask, always make sure it is NIOSH certified in the United States. This way, you can protect your family, kids, and those around you from COVID-19.