With vaccines COVID-19 Widely available for use and many partially or fully vaccinated, there is still a strong emphasis on the use of masks. However, how well do masks fare against these variants? Can any type of mask provide more or less protection against a certain type of variant?
The importance of wearing face masks
The main way that masks protect us is by eliminating the risk of transmission. Face masks have not only been established as a protection strategy that works against different variants of COVID. Rather, multiple studies and clinical observations have also found that masks limit the rate of transmission associated with the virus.
That is, they reduce the chances of the infection spreading from one person to another.
With the increase in cases, here is a look at the different levels of protection that different face masks offer against the variants of COVID-19:
N95 face shields
N95 masks have been considered the gold standard when it comes to masking. With the type of fit and the quality of the fabric it is made from, they offer the best chance of protection and prevention against COVID-19. In addition, experts say that wearing N95 face shields can filter about 95% of airborne particles (as small as 0.3 microns).
They are particularly useful if you face a high risk of exposure to the virus every day. However, since the supply of N95 masks may run out a bit. They are often prioritized for first-line use by healthcare workers and front-line personnel.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are the cheapest and most readily available form of mask on the market. While they offer a considerably high level of protection against the virus and its variants. It is important to make sure that the mask you have fits you.
Since surgical masks often have a loose fit (much less snug than N95 masks). Gaps on the side of the mask or around the nose can ‘allow’ respiratory droplets (which also spread faster with the Delta variant) to seep out and possibly cause an infection.
Cloth mouth covers
Cloth masks are widely used for the mere benefit of comfort, fit, and style. However, the main emphasis should be on the level of protection and the layers of fabric present in the masks.
Cloth masks can work well and prevent the spread of infection, as long as the layers in the mask are durable. For a cloth face mask to be considered effective against Delta and other similar transmissible variants. There should be a minimum of 3-layer fabric present in the mask, tightly woven and breathable.
Should I put on two masks after getting vaccinated?
Experts and medical authorities recommended double masking, that is, placing two masks over one to prevent the risks of infection with the Delta variant.
Furthermore, this was especially implemented when there was little access to vaccine supplies. Now while vaccines can offer some peace of mind and give people the option to skip the use of two masks. The double mask remains the most effective form of masking, since it combines the effectiveness of two types of masks at the same time and reinforces the prevention.
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