A CDC ALERT How COVID-19 Spreads:
Coronaviruses primarily spreads person-to-person, it is thought to happen mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread can also happen by simple, surface touching such as counter tops, bathroom handles any surface that may have been exposed to the virus. The Coronavirus has proven to be a highly contagious virus and may produce severe cases with elderly and those with underlining health issues or low immune systems.
How to Wear & Care for Protective Face Masks
Basically you have two types of the most common face masks used for virus and particle protection.
One time use DISPOSABLE which includes most N95 and dust masks
Cloth RE-USABLE. (Should have multiple layers to be effective.)
Wearing a face mask during a grocery run is not something any of us ever imagined having to do just a few short months ago. But as we navigate new standards of safety and protection during this global pandemic, we’re becoming all too familiar with the practice.
Strange as it may seem, the CDC’s recommendation for individuals to wear cloth face coverings in public settings has led to many statewide mandates, turning the wearing of face masks into a “new normal”. So, how does everyone know how to wear, handle and properly care for their re-usable cloth face masks? The answer, understandably, is that most don’t.
If you don’t have a background in healthcare, you’ve probably never even touched a protective face mask before now, so it’s only natural to feel a little unsure of proper usage. That’s why we’ve developed this simple guide!
Handling Your Protective Face Mask
One thing we’ve all become accustomed to lately, is the frequent washing of our hands. Washing your hands before placing your face mask onto your face will reduce the risk of infection, for yourself as well as for others.
Although your hands were clean when you initially donned your face mask, you also want to remember to avoid touching the mask while wearing it and to wash your hands once again before removing it. “Better safe than sorry”.
How to Wear Your Mask
A protective face mask should fully cover your nose and mouth in order to effectively protect you, as well as other’s nearby, from respiratory droplets. You can ensure proper coverage by fitting the mask across the bridge of your nose and extending the material down to fully cover your mouth.
Your chin does not need to be fully covered by the mask to ensure proper coverage for your mouth but many find it helpful to wear their masks in this manner.
Ensuring a Proper Fit
If your protective mask comes with elastic ear straps, ribbons or bands, they should be wrapped securely behind your ears, to ensure a proper fit. Slight gapping, between your skin and the mask, may form at your cheeks which is common and does not reduce the masks efficacy. Two signs of a properly positioned mask are breathability and comfort. If your mask feels extremely tight or seems to constrict your air flow, you may want to try repositioning it or opting for a different mask.
Caring For & Maintaining a Reusable Masks
The beauty of a reusable, cloth face mask is that it can be washed and worn over and over again. Cloth masks can be placed in the washer and dryer with your laundry or washed separately with warm soapy water and then set to air dry. If you’re using single-use, disposable masks, then you can simply throw it away after wearing it in a public area.
We hope this helps you choose one time use disposable or the cloth re-usable face mask.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
