Covid-19 Mask Dangers

 Of all the ways we’re trying to protect ourselves against the coronavirus onslaught, face masks have arguably caused the most confusion.

In a wave of panic-buying, face masks have been flying off the shelves and selling out online. By now, most of you know that all face masks are not the same. Only N95 masks ( which are technically called respirators) and similar anti-viral masks can protect against droplets from those who cough, sneeze or simply breathe out COVID-19. For weeks, elected leaders, health experts and others have been telling those of us who are not infected with novel coronavirus that we simply don’t need these masks. On its page dedicated to frequently asked questions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes it clear: "CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19." One of the reasons has been made abundantly clear by reports over the past month. Our panic-buying has created a worldwide shortage of the face masks, which are in short supply for first responders, doctors, nurses and other health care workers who are on the front lines of the fight against the spread of coronavirus. But there are other more important reasons you may not have considered when you turned to a face mask or respirator. First, the mask doesn’t protect you as much as you might think. If you manage to get a snug fit, which is essential for protection, the mask will only protect your mouth and nose, while another opening for the virus is staring right at you. Like all viruses, COVID-19 can enter your body through your eyes. That’s why you see doctors and nurses wearing face shields. If that’s not enough to convince you that you don’t need a mask, consider the experts who are telling us the face mask might actually increase your chances of getting coronavirus. In a Mayo Clinic post, Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, who specializes in infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic, states, "People who are wearing masks tend to touch their face more than those who are not, which can paradoxically result in an increased risk of infection." So, if you thought you needed a face mask to protect against this pandemic, you need to think again. You’re not only NOT getting the protection you thought you were, you’re denying the masks to those who need them much more and that’s WRONG.