SSM Health Provides Face Mask Advice

From the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

February 10, 2021

By now, we all know that wearing a mask is essential to help control the spread of COVID-19. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets that travel when people cough, sneeze, talk or breathe while near each other. It can also sometimes be airborne, meaning the virus lingers in the air after an individual has left a space.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wear a multi-layer cloth mask (without valves) or non-medical disposable masks that cover the nose and chin with a snug fit.

Lately, some talk has even been taking place regarding whether wearing two masks – or “double-masking” – is beneficial.

Although the CDC has yet to recommend double-masking as common practice, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden, recently said that double-masking could be helpful in preventing COVID-19 transmission.

“The idea behind double-masking is that one cloth mask offers a certain level of protection against the respiratory droplets and that adding another mask could create an additional safety barrier,” said SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville Infection Preventionist Brenda Klahn.

Regardless of whether an individual currently chooses to double-mask, Klahn would like to remind community members that wearing even one clean, well-fitting mask makes a positive difference for the health of our community. Also, the quality of the mask is key. For example, a well-fitted, multi-layered mask is better than a single-layered neck gaiter.

“It’s so important to keep masking, even with excitement regarding COVID-19 vaccines being administered,” she said. “No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so even if someone has received both doses it is wise to continue masking and social distancing as an extra precaution.”

In addition to remaining vigilant with masking, Klahn says that now is also a great opportunity to look at the masks we’re wearing and to see if it’s time to replace them.

“It’s been one year since the first COVID-19 cases were reported, and our masks have been through a lot since then,” she said.

Masks should still fit snugly around the face. If the stitching is coming undone, the fabric is dirty or shows wear and the ear straps/elastic are worn out, it’s time to replace.

“Cloth masks are still fine as long as they fit well and have several layers, but more and more disposable masks are now being found for purchase as well,” Klahn said.

Mask accessories, such as fashion chains or cages that fit under the mask to give extra room around one’s nose and mouth, should be given careful consideration before buying.

“You don’t want to have your mask dangling around your neck because it increases the chance that it will become contaminated,” Klahn said. “You also want to make sure that your mask isn’t being damaged by these items or that it’s altering the mask’s fit, because then it’s not offering the full protective benefits.”

Here's how you can properly wash your mask.

This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.