To Wear Or Not To Wear A Mask?

Ever since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, people have debated whether or not to wear a mask. Even I go back and forth on this issue. So, I decided to do some research. The information I gathered helped me to put together a pros and cons list. Maybe, that will help me decide on what's the right thing to do.

Pro: Masks protect us from catching the virus

People who wear a mask are less likely to catch the Coronavirus. According to the Ventura County Health Department, there is a very slight protective advantage of wearing a medical cover instead of wearing nothing at all in a community setting. The risk of acquiring a viral infection is reduced by 6%. When both ill and well wear a medical mask in a household, the risk is reduced by 19%.

Con: Only wearing a mask is not enough to protect us

Only a small percent reduces the risk of contracting the virus while wearing a mask. Our chances of survival increase by practicing social distancing and proper hygiene. All three of those things must happen to protect ourselves. (ACSH, Dinnerstein)

Pro: Wearing a mask prevents the spread of the virus

Even if we're asymptomatic, we could be carrying Covid-19 without knowing it (CHD). Masks help block the droplets that could spread to others. A covering flattens the curve and decreases the heavy caseloads in our hospitals. (Science Times, ACSH)

Con: Wearing a mask can make you sick

Because a mask blocks the virus, we risk trapping that same virus in our bodies (CHD). That makes it potentially dangerous to wear a mask for extended periods (Science Times). There is also the risk of reducing oxygen levels and inhaling trapped carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is released from your body as we exhale. That way, we can breathe easily. (CHD)

Pro: Promotes good habits

The mask can help remind us to wash our hands and keep our distance. It could also allow us to avoid our faces, especially the eyes. (ACSH, Berezow)

Con: Bad habits could make masks useless

If we don't have good hygiene, germs cover the mask. Adjusting the face-covering with dirty hands cand render the effectiveness of the mask (CHD). Gloves are useful, but they could still transfer germs to any surface that we touch (Mirror).

Pro: They are easy to use

We put it on, then take it off. It's not that hard. Plus, cloth coverings are safe to put in the washing machine. (CHD)

Con: Not so easy to maintain

The more, the less effective it will be (Science Alert). Even the filters (which can also put in the washer) will lose its' capabilities. The average citizen doesn't have the resources to dispose of or clean the coverings correctly. (Mirror)

Pro: The supplies are endless

Many retail stores have become aware of the pandemic. That's why they started selling masks to the public. They are found in stores and online. There are also many different types of masks to choose from the stores. They include cloth masks, filtered masks, surgical masks, and N-95 respirators (commonly used by construction workers).

Con: We can't steal from essential workers

Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are the most efficient coverings. However, those coverings must be reserved for those in the medical field. If the average person takes away crucial medical supplies, doctors and nurses will put at significant risk. (ACSH, Dinnerstein)

What's the conclusion?

Masks are fundamental during the pandemic. We just can't be complacent with them. Face coverings and social distancing are useful in crowded places, but the most crucial element is proper hygiene. That is our best defense against the virus. As long as our hands are clear of germs and bacteria, the masks will help us. As long as masks are correctly used, we won't get sick from the virus or any other infection. So, take good care of your cloth masks. They may just save your life.

Sources: Children's Health Defense, ACSH, Mirror.co.uk, Science Times, Science Alert