No. 1 way to prevent coronavirus isn't wearing a face mask

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

As fears over the coronavirus outbreak spread, thousands of Americans are clamoring to buy face masks in an effort to protect themselves, sending prices soaring and leading manufacturers like 3M to ramp up production. However, experts say stocking up on face masks is actually misguided — and there's a much simpler thing you could be doing right now to protect yourself.

There's a lot the general public likely doesn't realize about these masks — namely, that they are not the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Wearing a mask is more for people already showing symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it "does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19," referring to the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Rather, experts caution that putting on a face mask without proper fitting and training could actually increase your risk.

"If it's not fitted right, you're going to fumble with it," explained Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday. "You're going to be touching your face, which is the No. 1 way you're going to get disease, is unclean hands touching your face."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/no-1-way-to-prevent-coronavirus-isnt-wearing-a-face-mask/ar-BB10uuSD?li=BBnb7Kz

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Thank you for posting that.

People really, really need to understand how ineffective most masks are, how frequently an effective one needs to be changed, and how they are not comfortable to wear for very long.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. I did some flying the last few weeks, and was watching the occasional mask wearers

They have the mask, then remove it to eat, have their hands all over the plane surfaces, touch their face or mouth.

To each their own.

[GusBob]

8. Same here. They kept touching their faces

Adjusting the mask

One lady in the hudson store is handling display items magazines, etc, picks thru the candy bins, takes a pack of gum hands it to cashier, pays for it, gets change, opens the pack right there, pulls her mask down and pops a piece in her mouth. All transactions barehanded

[central scrutinizer]

3. I'm going to wear one when I'm in Japan 10 days from now

Not to protect me but as a gesture of courtesy, respect and concern for my hosts

[BigmanPigman]

5. That is why they wear them.

It is to protect others from getting their germs. Americans would never do that I am sorry to say. We would only wear them to prevent our own contamination. I think Americans and not as considerate and also too vain about how they look. All those siliconed lips need to be shown off ya know.

Wash hands for at least 30 seconds with hot water and soap and DO NOT touch your face, ever! That is the best prevention.

[RestoreAmerica2020]

4. Thanks for post. Information is helpful..so much disinformation out there..

..sad to say, I don't believe a word coming out of WH or gop. Democracy Now [this pm] had health/science expert on--was helpful tambien [also.]


Paz

[orleans]

6. the mask will help to stop you from touching your

nose and mouth after you've been touching a lot of other public things.

so...that's something. gives you a chance to go wash your hands before the mask comes off.

(i've never worn one of them; full disclosure)

[GusBob]

9. Thats kinda the point tho

If youve never worn one, its not normal or comfortable. You are constantly adjusting it

See the posts above about folks in airports

I watched them, they were touching their faces more constantly adjusting the masks or removing them to eat or drink

[eleny]

7. k&r