Does wearing a mask pose any health risks?
No, not for most people. Babies and toddlers should not wear masks because they could suffocate. The same goes for anyone who has trouble removing a mask without help.
Others can wear masks without risking their health, according to experts, despite false rumors to the contrary.
In areas where COVID-19 is spreading, health experts agree that wearing masks or other face coverings in public helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus when people can’t socially distance by staying 6 feet apart.
The coronavirus mainly spreads through droplets that are emitted when people talk, laugh, sing, cough and sneeze. Masks lower the likelihood of those droplets reaching other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you could be carrying the virus and could spread it.
When it’s humid outside, it could feel like it’s harder to breathe if you’re not used to wearing a mask, said Benjamin Neuman, a professor of biology at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. But he said masks don’t meaningfully decrease oxygen in the body.
“The body is quite good at adjusting to keep oxygen levels where they need to be,” he said.
There’s also no evidence that the use of masks causes fungal or bacterial infections, according to Davidson Hamer, an infectious disease expert at Boston University. Disposable face masks are meant to be used once, then thrown in the garbage. With cloth masks, it’s a good idea to wash them regularly.
Wearing a mask may be uncomfortable, but health officials say you should resist any urge to touch your face. That could bring germs from your hands into your nose, mouth or eyes.
(AP)
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7 Responses
The byline is “AP” – what did you expect them to say other than this narrative? A good reporter would at least quote the sources, rather than say “…experts say”. Considering how wrong he “experts” have been during this entire corona panic, perhaps they are just as wrong now when they say anything – including advice on masks?
Actually there is a group of people who wearing a mask causes problems. Mental illness or even claustrophobia. Being closed on like that- not a good idea.
It’s better to get corona c”v than to commit suicide.
What is this a propaganda piece? Who’s opinion is this, the medical experts at YWN?
Dr. Jenny Harries, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has warned that it was not a good idea for the public to wear facemasks as the virus can get trapped in the material and causes infection when the wearer breathes in.
For the public, they should not wear facemasks unless they are sick, and if a healthcare worker advised them.
“For the average member of the public walking down a street, it is not a good idea,” Dr. Harries said.
“What tends to happen is people will have one mask. They won’t wear it all the time, they will take it off when they get home, they will put it down on a surface they haven’t cleaned,” she added.
Further, she added that behavioral issues could adversely put themselves at more risk of getting the infection. For instance, people go out and don’t wash their hands, they touch parts of the mask or their face, and they get infected.
Masks are recommended for those showing symptoms of a disease, if they are sick, or they have tested positive for COVID-19 since these are designed to prevent the virus from coming out.
#PleaseStayCalm we all know that the UK had done so well at spreading the virus. Sure lets listen to those who said don’t do anything and heard immunity will sort itself out. That was all fiber u til the PM and his pregnant girlfriend got the virus, then suddenly the story changed.
Let’s not discount all the people that have been injured while wearing a mask. A 13 year old tripped on a step because she couldn’t see it due to her vision being distorted. The family is charging the store for requiring a mask. Another store had an issue when a customer tripped on something they couldnt see with a mask on. You can’t see your feet as well and it makes walking a little more dangerous. Please don’t say they are safe!
What propaganda nonsense.