The CDC recommends that everyone wear face masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19, emphasizing different mask types' effectiveness. Cloth masks can be reused but are less effective when wet, while N95 masks provide the highest protection for healthcare workers, filtering out 95% of particles. Surgical masks offer excellent protection from splashes and droplets, preventing viral transmission.

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Image source: hackensackmeridianhealth.org
Consider these things when choosing a face mask
December 25, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the CDC recommends every individual, both sick and
healthy, to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many types of face coverings exist, and each
one of them has different levels of effectiveness.
A person carrying COVID-19 can spread the virus through
droplets by sneezing, coughing, and talking, especially
when they are not wearing any form of face covering.
Face masks are supposed to cover the nose and the
mouth in order to block droplets from spreading. Cloth or
fabric masks can be washed and reused. However, these
get wet and dirty more easily compared to other masks,
says Lisa M. Cannon, M.D.
Health care professionals and individuals accompanying
sick loved ones in the hospital or
other medical facilities are required to wear N95 masks.
These masks filter out 95 percent of liquids and particles that have a chance of reaching the mouth and the
nose. Some N95 masks are reusable while others are for single use only. Hospitals and other facilities do not
allow individuals whose masks have one-way valves to enter their premises as these only protect the wearer
from the virus and other particles, but expose others to the danger of catching the dreaded virus as the
wearer could be spreading it through the valve.
While single-use only, surgical masks offer the best
protection, says Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. It protects a wearer
from splashes that could enter the nose and the mouth when
coming in contact with others. Surgical masks are also known
for filtering out particles and ensuring droplets from the
wearer are not released or spread.
Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. is a board-certified specialist in
pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine. She
obtained her medical degree from New York Medical College
and received her board certifications in critical care in 1998,
in internal medicine in 2006, and pulmonary disease in 2007. To read more from Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., head
over to this page.