Essential Guidelines for Proper Face Mask Usage During COVID-19

Wearing a surgical face mask correctly can significantly help in preventing the spread of infections, particularly respiratory illnesses such as cold, flu, or COVID-19 (the coronavirus infection). Research indicates that the addition of a surgical mask while delivering supplemental oxygen can enhance oxygenation in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the mask's role in mitigating respiratory distress during treatment ^[1]. However, this protective measure is only effective if you adhere to proper infection control protocols when putting on and removing the mask.

How to Properly Wear a Face Mask?

If you decide to wear a mask, follow these steps:

1. Before you touch the mask, disinfect your hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash them with soap and water.
2. Carefully pick up your mask and check it for any tears or holes.
3. Hold the mask with the metal nose strip facing upwards.
4. The colored side of the mask should be facing outward.
5. Pinch the metal strip to mold it to the shape of your nose as you position the mask on your face.
6. Secure the mask by placing the ear loops over your ears. If the mask has ties, tie the upper strings first, followed by the lower strings behind your head.
7. Ensure that the mask covers your mouth and chin properly by pulling down the bottom of the mask.
8. Avoid touching the mask while you're wearing it to maintain a higher level of protection.
9. When it's time to take off the mask, first wash your hands, then remove the ear loops or untie the strings. Avoid touching the outer and inner surfaces of the mask, and dispose of it in a closed bin immediately.
10. Never reuse a surgical mask.
11. After discarding the mask, perform hand hygiene again.

Only use surgical and N95 masks if you exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness. Due to the global shortage of these masks, they should ideally be reserved for healthcare professionals. Studies have shown that wearing surgical masks can alter metabolic and cardiovascular responses during physical activity in individuals, affecting their overall performance and respiratory function ^[2]. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context in which these masks are used.

The CDC advises wearing cloth face masks in crowded areas where social distancing is challenging to maintain, as a measure to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. Use the same precautions as with surgical masks, but remember to wash cloth face coverings regularly in warm water and avoid sharing them. Although cloth masks are a useful preventive measure, they are not as effective as surgical masks or N95 respirators, particularly in high-risk situations ^[3].

It's important to note that while masks play a role in prevention, they should be part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Regular hand washing, sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter from others are all crucial steps you should follow for optimal protection against respiratory infections.