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Theres so much we still dont know about thenew coronavirus.
Nadezda Grapes/Adobe Stock
Its not true that masks will cut off your oxygen or make you breathe in carbon dioxide.
Its completely understandable that people might worry about this because wearing masks can make breathingfeelharder.
Even then, its not definitive.
So it really depends on your situation and the severity of your condition.
Thats anxiety-driven, rather than related to the mask, says Neptune.
That can be quite real and has to be addressed.
Its also untrue that masks will somehow increase your risk of getting COVID-19.
In fact, masks candecreaseyour risk of getting and spreading this disease.
Research suggests that wearing masks is highly effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19, says Sexton.
When we have a mask in place, those droplets are not dispersed as much, says Neptune.
AsSELF previously reported, U.S. guidance on masks has changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TheCDCnow recommends mask use in public options for everyone over the age of 2.
Mask-wearing has become even more important since theWorld Health Organizationrecognized the possibility of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
People with COVID-19 likely produce a mix of those respiratory droplets we mentioned andaerosolscontaining the virus, says Sexton.
Fortunately masks seem able to reduce the spread of both droplets and aerosols.
If everyone wore a mask in public, everyone would be protected, says Sexton.
The bottom line: Masks are an important public health tool that can help you and others.
Do we know everything about masks?
Also noyou need to use them in conjunction with other measures likesocial distancingandwashing your hands.
But are masks safe?
Rest assured that wearing a mask wont hurt you, and very likely will help you.
You should alsoavoid using masks with plastic exhalation valves.
It means when youre breathing out, youre sharing your germs, says Vazquez.
Struggling to get used to masks?
Itll get easier as you make them part of your routine.
Many physicians dont particularly like wearing masks, but they get used to it.
See it as a social construct.
Its not so different from stopping for a red light.
