So... if I wear a mask even though I don't have the disease, am I....

[LAS14]

.. preparing or panicking????????

tia
las

[rzemanfl]

1. Saying you are "practicing" might work. n/t

[hlthe2b]

2. Possibly self-contaminating if you haven't received and aren't accustomed to taking on and off

That's something that many don't realize. It isn't self-obvious to most of the lay public that removing a mask incorrectly after being in the vicinity of an infected individual or rubbing ones eyes (instinctively) while wearing one to reposition are very common ways even healthcare workers become infected.

[LAS14]

9. Thanks! Very helpful! nt

[Pachamama]

3. Both....

[DetlefK]

4. You are supposed to wear the mask BEFORE you get the virus.

The mucous menbranes in your nose are the easiest entry-point for any virus to enter your body.

And remember to stay well-hydrated to keep your nasal mucous membranes moist and sticky: That way there's a decent chance that the virus will get stuck in the slime.

[sl8]

6. CDC recommendations:

From https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

COVID-19 FAQS

[...]

Q: Does CDC recommend the use of facemask in the community to prevent COVID-19?

A: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

[...]

[Mike 03]

5. You'll train yourself not to touch your face, which is a huge thing. nt

[LanternWaste]

7. Most effective means of prevention is wash hands thoroughly and numerous times

Most effective means of prevention is wash hands thoroughly and numerous times throughout the day, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue which is then disposed of, and avoid touching mouth, nose or hands unless hands are (again) thoroughly washed.

Beyond those steps, the additional prevention you may gain through a mask are is so small as to be (practically) unmeasurable. I doubt a mask rises to the level of either prevention or panic.

[avlbeerfan]

8. Training, call it PPE training

I am wearing mine now so as to get used to doing it.
The flu is going around even if the Corona is not wide spread yet.
I discovered i need to rotate thru 2 or 3 a day because the inside absorbs moisture from breathing and swells the fabric so air trys to come in around the edges.
I let the used ones dry in full sun for later reuse and rotation.

[abqtommy]

10. It's always good to be prepared but it's a waste of energy to panic. Still, wearing a mask just

might increase the odds of surviveability, no matter the motivation. I judge the question moot so cover your snoot!

[Catherine Vincent]

11. I know one thing...

When this coronavirus subside and the N95 masks are back in normal stock at pharmacies, hardware stores etc., I am buying about 10 of them and keep them stored at home for when another virus erupts on earth.

Now you can't find any unless you order online which the prices are being jacked up.

[Baclava]

12. Masks are so yesterday...

Gear up!

?w=620

[Hermit-The-Prog]

13. Are those available with antennae?