… it’s important that we all have an idea of how far the science can take us, so we can think clearly about political decisions that may limit our freedoms or compel certain actions. If we are to be told that decisions are scientifically justified, we need a discussion about that scientific basis, not just be told to take our medicine.
See also: Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Virus particles can be carried by air flow and spit mist from the cougher. Wearing a mask can stop a whole lot of spread of the virus going forward out of the cougher's mouth. We know that different masks will stop different amounts of particles, thus the N95 rating. If you want something more than that, you can visit Lowes and pick up some AC filters: Nurse in Texas develops masks with better filtration than N95.
ReplyDeleteThe virus makes coughers out of us. A bad cough can send particles out 12 feet -- and this is just standing still. Thus, the 6 foot guidance is a standard we are using to cuts down some amount of the spread, not all of it. More distance is needed from joggers and cyclists.
Then there is hang time. If someone has coughed in a grocery aisle ahead of you, you would want to delay before walking into the invisible mist. Even with a mask on, lab trials show that the mist shoots up past the eyes to hang higher for a while.
Wear the best mask you can. Stay away from places where someone has just coughed, consider again the variety of spaghetti sauces on sale before moving forward. Coughing is the virus' master plan for its multiplication of pandemic proportions.
The problem I have with my mask is that every time I exhale my glasses fog up. I am very dependent on my glasses. It also makes me feel hot. So I use it when it seems necessary, but I don't walk around town wearing it.
ReplyDeleteMy glasses fog too. My biggest problem is that it blocks my breathing, and I go short of breath. While walking outside, I pull it down below my nose, and need to often widen my chin and open my mouth to create unblocked air passages.
DeleteRus, have you tried another sort or brand of mask? Pulling down on the mask is not recommended, in fact not touching the surface of it at all. I always remove mine (homemade cloth)via the elastics.
DeleteI pull up my mask far enough over the bridge of my nose for my glasses to weigh the mask in place. It helps with the fogging. Also, there are some anti-fog wipes and sprays available, but I don't know if they work--and they may be pricey.
ReplyDeleteBTW, here's a link to a NYT piece about the problem. The comments are especially worth looking at for possible solutions:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/article/glasses-fog-wearing-mask-coronavirus.html
Hi Lee ~ That was my first walk to the store with an N95 mask given to me by my home nurse. I did not have that trouble with a mask I put together using a cloth napkin and hair ties. It seems something to do with the 95% rating, or the design, blocks enough oxygen to cause the distress. ~~ Thank you kindly.
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