Should you wear a mask when you feel sick?

Somya, Thank you once again for including me in another discussion.  The use of masks hit home for all of us during the recent COVID19 Pandemic, where the wearing of masks was mandatory in most, if not all public establishments.  For those of us with compromised immune systems it has been established that Cloth or Paper Masks do not actually protect the wearer in public settings and only gave an average of 50% protection for others.  For us, the N95, KN95 or Surgical Masks offer the highest forms of protection.  If/when persons with the compromised immune systems want to wear protection around others that may have a communicable disease or infection, the higher level of Masks would be in order.  However, any Mask chosen to wear needs to be worn properly, with a proper seal and fit to ensure efficacy.  As to the other question of weather or not to wear a mask when we are sick and around others, my advice is to not be around others when we are sick with something that may transmit to others. This regardless of wearing a Mask or not.

I have researched and prepared the following information for the readers regarding PPE, specifically Face Masks:

Face masks are one form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).   The guidelines for PPE are established and maintained by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.  However, these guidelines are not only applicable to working environments but transcend into non-working environments as well.

The efficacy of face masks varies depending on the type and how well they are worn. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Cloth Masks Efficacy: Moderate They can block about 26.5% to 79% of particles, depending on the number of layers and fit.  Best Use: Everyday use in non-healthcare settings.

Surgical Masks (Procedure Masks)Efficacy: High They offer good filtration and fluid resistance. Best Use: Healthcare settings and situations where there is a higher risk of exposure.

N95 Respirators Efficacy: Very High They filter out at least 95% of airborne particles when worn properly. Best Use: Healthcare settings, especially during high-risk or aerosol-generating procedures

KN95 Masks Efficacy: Very High Similar to N95s They filter out at least 95% of airborne particles. Best Use: Healthcare settings and situations requiring high-level protection.

Bandanas and Neck Gaiters Efficacy: Low They provide minimal protection compared to other masks. Best Use: Limited use, not recommended for high-risk situations

Face Shields Efficacy: Low They do not provide the same level of protection as masks and should not be used as a substitute. Best Use: Additional protection to be used in combination with masks, especially during procedures that may generate splashes or sprays.

Exhalation Valve Masks Efficacy: Low They do not filter exhaled air, making them less effective in preventing the spread of particles. Best Use: Not recommended for general public use.

Choosing the right mask depends on the situation and the level of risk involved.  It is also important to ensure a proper fit and consistent use for maximum protection.  Masks like the N95s, offer dual protection. They protect the wearer by filtering out harmful particles and protect others by trapping droplets from the wearer’s breath, reducing the spread of potential infections.

N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles when worn properly. Here's how they work: Filtering Mechanism: They have multiple layers of fine, non-woven polypropylene fibers that trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Seal: They form a tight seal around the nose and mouth, ensuring that air passes through the filter rather than around the edges. Fit: Proper fit is crucial; they must be worn correctly to provide full protection.

Cloth masks are made from multiple layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton. Here's how they work: Barrier: They trap respiratory droplets released when the wearer talks, coughs, or sneezes. Protection: They also act as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others. Effectiveness: The efficacy of cloth masks depends on the number of layers and the fit.  More layers generally provide better filtration.

Both types of masks offer protection, but N95 masks provide a higher level of filtration and are more effective in high-risk environments.  Cloth masks are suitable for everyday use in non-healthcare settings.

For detailed information on the proper use and fit of various masks, you can refer to the following resources:

N95 Masks

•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides comprehensive guidelines on how to properly use and fit N95 masks.  You can find their instructions at https//archive.cdc.gov

•National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH offers guidance on respiratory protection, including proper use and fit of N95 masks.  More information can be found at https//blogs.cdc.gov 

Cloth Masks

•Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic provides tips on how to wear and care for cloth masks. You can check out their guidelines at https//newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org 

•Johns Hopkins Medicine: Johns Hopkins offers information on the types of masks and when to use them4. You can find their advice at https//hopkinsmedicine.org

These resources will help you understand the best practices for using and fitting different types of masks to ensure maximum protection. 

Thank you again and be well everyone.