Why masks belong to your Thanksgiving gathering and how to clean and wear them properly

COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives and is ready to completely disrupt the holiday season. As people plan vacations and think about how to reduce risk to their loved ones, a strategy is essential.

Face masks are a crucial part of this strategy and are now mandatory in public in a growing number of states as COVID-19 cases increase.

I am an epidemiologist, researcher and nurse specializing in infectious diseases. Here are answers to some key questions about how and when to wear masks and how to manage their use during the holidays.

Are masks really necessary for family gatherings?

If you are meeting friends and family who don’t live in your home, yes. Just because you are with people you know doesn’t mean you are safe from the coronavirus. Infection rates are now higher than ever in the United States, and small gatherings have been a source of viral spread. An infected person who doesn’t know they have the coronavirus is enough to infect others.

Remember, people can be contagious two to three days before symptoms occur – this is one thing that makes this virus so hard to stop. And that’s why, even if you feel good, you should wear a mask.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimate that when both people wear masks, the likelihood of infection is low.

Who do I protect when I wear a mask?

In one word: everyone. The coronavirus spreads through the respiratory droplets you send into the air when you speak, sing or even just breathe. The smallest of these droplets can float on air currents for long periods.

Face masks block many of these droplets, reducing the amount of virus in the air. This reduces your chances of getting infected and also reduces the chances of infecting someone else.

Studies in people who have had prolonged exposure to others with COVID-19 have shown how masks can reduce the chance of the virus spreading. In general, well-fitting cloth masks made up of multiple layers can block most of the large droplets and at least half of the tiny ones. Plastic visors alone are much less effective. Face masks with valves or vents might be useful for construction work, but they don’t stop the wearer from breathing viruses into the air.

Can I reuse a mask and when should I replace it?

Reusable masks must be kept clean and dry. We are entering the season of colds and flu and the nose becomes runny. A rule of thumb: Whenever a mask is wet to the point that you can distinguish moisture, it’s time for a new one if it’s disposable, or it’s time to clean your reusable mask.

Moisture allows viruses to move more easily through the paper or fabric because it allows the threads to move and can reduce static charge in masks which add extra protection with some fabrics.

In general, you can use a mask that stays clean and dry for about a week before you need to wash or discard it.

How should I clean a cloth mask?

Washing the mask is like washing clothes. You know when the time is.

In general, weekly cleaning of the mask should be sufficient. If odors develop before then, it’s a good idea to wash it first. Smell generally means accumulation of bacteria.

Cleaning the mask by hand with soap and water is the best option. It’s also okay to use general purpose detergent on a gentle cycle in the washing machine, but this can increase the risk of damage, depending on the quality of the material. COVID-19 is not a resistant virus. Any soap or detergent should work fine. No special chemicals, bleach or harsh soaps are needed.

Be careful to remove any inserts before washing. The filters inserted are generally not washable.

Air drying masks work best. Remember, masks must be completely dry before use. So make sure you have a replacement mask on hand while the one you just washed dries.

Sunlight is always an excellent source of heat to dry the mask. Additionally, sunlight has ultraviolet radiation, which has been shown to kill the coronavirus and is also known to have antibacterial properties.

Can i wear the mask under my nose?

Wearing the mask under the nose is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

Think about it. If you are breathing through your nose and only covering your mouth, you are effectively eliminating the tip of the mask. Wearing a mask correctly requires that you always cover your nose and mouth.

Studies show that wearing a proper cloth mask or surgical mask during exercise has no detectable effect on the flow of oxygen or carbon dioxide. So, unless you have severe heart and lung problems, this is no excuse.

How do i safely remove my mask if i go to eat or drink?

When you take off the mask, carefully remove it from the straps without touching anything else and put it in a safe place, such as wrapped in paper in a purse, purse or pocket. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. When you put it back, wash your hands again.

So how can I organize a safe holiday meeting?

The surest way to celebrate this year is to do it with only members within your family. If you celebrate with friends and relatives outside your family, you need an action plan to reduce the risk of exposure.

Here are five tips:

1. Limit the number of people – fewer people means fewer exposure opportunities and you’ll have more space to distribute.
2. Ask for masks when you’re not eating or drinking.
3. Use physical distance when eating. Try to get people to sit at least 6 feet apart. Eat out if you can.
4. Consider getting tested for COVID-19 before traveling or gathering. It’s not a guarantee, but it can help signal illness. Remember to isolate yourself between the test and the event.
5. Be prepared to isolate yourself for 14 days after traveling or attending any event involving people outside your home.

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This article was republished by The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.