Late one evening having stepped away from the computer and ready to ‘veg-out,’ I was munching away on a big bowl of popcorn in front of a favorite PBS show. Following the show, and after channel surfing, I landed on a local news station. A public-service announcement (PSA) flashed on the screen, no audio, just big font letters saying “Wearing a Mask is Not a Political Statement.”
It went on to opine that wearing a mask could keep you from killing someone. The PSA was produced by the State of Oregon and demonstrated a sensitive ear toward the manufactured political division over protective coverings and face masks in this country, some so extreme to lead to fisticuffs, gun violence and shootings.
Frankly, if you’re reading a blog called Aging with Pizzazz, I assume you acknowledge mask wearing will at least aid the ‘aging’ part, if not the ‘pizzazz’ (although some masks are fashionable and pretty unusual – like the cat face with whiskers I saw). Further, I trust that most readers have followed, read and considered the modeling research indicating benefits. It’s rather hard not to learn more about PPE than you ever wished. Still, I hope there are a few new considerations here for you, or for you to share with others.
Why are you Wearing a Mask — What’s Your Goal?
The first question you must consider is “are you wearing a mask for your own protection, to prevent coronavirus?” Or for protection of others? The answer can influence your choices. Different situations and places may demand different choices. Still, according to recent research,* even the simplest, loose-fitting surgical masks can block most infectious droplets and stop disease – especially if hand-sanitizing and social distancing is also honored. Since casual speaking with someone can spread this virus, prophylactic behavior is vital. People need not cough, sneeze or ‘sing’ in your direction – simple talking can cause contagious broadcast.
*In Nature Medicine “Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks,” and a meta-analysis article in The Lancet of 172 studies reviewing transmission of COVID, SARS and MERS and the effectiveness of mask wearing.
— My Mask Protects You; Your Mask Protects Me–
No one is prefect. Recently I went to the bank and used the drive-up teller machine visited and poked at by hundreds of others. After, I forgot to wipe my hands with sanitizer in the car (there exactly for such purposes). Then I stopped at a friend’s house to pick up a book and later realized I had been pulling on my mask from the front (a no-no) to maintain the adjustment over my nose. I came home and immediately sat at my computer (oh dear, the keys) and was wiping my eyes. YIKES. Of course, upon reflection I immediately went to the kitchen to lather my hands for a good soap & water session. But the point is I know better. I AM aware, but just wasn’t thinking – and it wasn’t the first occasion. None of us are on top of our behavior 100% of the time.
I was being a bit cavalier for an hour or so, but fortunately such lapses haven’t been common. Like me, you probably need to watch yourself (and know yourself), trusting that being prudent will pay off. That brings me to the mask. Similar to other efforts in life (like exercise), the best mask for you is the one you will use and stick to.
Which Mask to Choose?
N95 Respirator
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Originally in short supply for health care workers when the outbreak started, currently, the shortage is less extreme, so purchase for yourself need not feel selfish. I had several from a previous ‘fire-year’ when smoke was dangerous in my area. [Learn more about N95s at: AQI check for better quality of life in 4 easy-peasy-steps.]
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Surgical Masks
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Neck Gaiter – aka Buff
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Fabric / Cloth Mask
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KN95
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Boo on Peak-a-Boo
Masks needs to cover mouth and nose
(not worn with nose showing as we have seen some officials do).
For your own safety – don’t touch the outside of mask with fingers.
What to AVOID ?
Exhalation Valves
There may be varying qualities, but generally it is suggested to avoid cloth masks which contain exhalation values. The temptation to use them is that they provide extra comfort for breathing. They do. But for that very reason, they can release unfiltered air, exposing others. Exceptions? I can’t speak to specific designs (such as Chiclogs) that tout a layered carbon filter, which they claim prevents transmission to others. It may be worth more research.
Counterfeit masks
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed guidelines regarding unapproved N95 or other respirators. It also shows what an ‘official’ model would look like, and what is printed on it.
This link brings you to the full article, but here is part of their summary.
“Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
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- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
- No NIOSH markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
- Claims … of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands”
[Source: CDCP ]
Special Situations
Respiratory Conditions
A young(ish) woman with a pre-teen child was sitting at the entrance of our (now-open) library the other day. She was having “words” with a soft-spoken, articulate, matronly-looking woman. The latter wore a mask, the former did not. I listened briefly to the younger woman’s arguments about her ‘choice,’ ‘her body,’ and ‘freedom’ before she resorted to saying her doctor said a mask would make it too difficult for her to breathe. Surprising that she didn’t start with that argument, but perhaps just as well.
Dr. David Aronoff (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, infectious disease director) obviously knows something about this. While there could be exceptions, his view is that those with respiratory conditions are at greater risk for severe response if COVID-19 is contracted; so they especially may need to wear a mask. Even if a patient is “on oxygen” and using a cannula, they can wear a loose-fitting mask over it. Of course, one should check with their own physician, but if breathing seems difficult this way, another option is to wear a plastic face shield. It can at least protect wearer from incoming particles/droplets, and allows for full facial connection with others. It is unknown how well these plastic face shields protect those around you.
— One of the Greatest Civil Freedoms is Your Health —
Exercise
Maybe not everyone pants as hard as I do running or climbing up a hill, but it’s good to remember that at these times (as when we sing), the droplets from our mouths can be more forceful. The current recommendation from Harvard Medical School is that it’s okay not to wear a mask when outdoors alone, but we should have them on us to quickly and conveniently put in place when approaching someone else. Exercising indoors is best done at home these days (if possible). Again, it’s also advised to use ear loops or headbands, and not the front of mask, for taking it off and putting it on.
Final Thought
Masks are a good example of “it takes a village.” We all need to help. I am not confident that everyone sees it that way. As I finished writing this post, I spotted a headline touting the concern that “skepticism over the virus is on the rise.” Let’s hope not.
I sincerely trust that more and more people will listen to their Republican and Democratic governors and reject the idea that wearing masks is a political statement. Instead it’s one more (temporary) step to quality aging.
While we are considering masks and politics – don’t forget to vote by mail and protect yourself via one more avenue.
I took it to heart when I read one study
that if you were going to the supermarket,
a mask and gloves were enough.
Not so, everyone else had clothes on.
— unknown
References
WHO (World Health Organization). Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-during-home-care-and-in-healthcare-settings-in-the-context-of-the-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)-outbreak. [Includes good advice on cloth masks.]
USA Today review of best cloth masks. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2020/06/29/10-best-cloth-face-masks-we-tested-athleta-tom-bihn-and-more/3278947001/
Nature Medicine. Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks. Volume 26, pages 676–680(2020) https://rdcu.be/b53si (April 3, 2020).
I wear a mask when I depart my shelter at home because of my perceived “social pressure” from others, much as I would feel about wearing pants in public, or failing to do and observing disapproval on faces of strangers. We all understand the “safety” elements, positive of course, but minimally effectual.
I just heard a PBS News report on a research test of masks, and on the basis of one out of a sample of about 90 various mask models, the one I like (the neck gaiter) is minimal. I don’t care.
First, I just avoid being face to face with anyone; the store clerks are behind plastic or apparently casual, as many have masks loose or down. 2nd, I figure I am 77 and the years remaining are not such as for me to spend a lot of “pandemic” time worrying about. If I get it, I will be open to the experience like Seneca, the Roman stoic who was commanded to suicide by Nero. I am prepared.
In terms of keeping score, I have outlived my father and his ancestors and avoided so far the Alzheimer’s that preserved my mother’s body for 5 more years. I hope not to be “preserved” like that.
To Joe, while I still push for the quality aging bit, of course, I really appreciate your reference to Seneca — if need be. And while sad, I also agree about the ravages of Alzheimer’s. And while the neck gaiter is probably not the most efficient, at least you are doing your part. I sure like the look of them.
Have you considered putting a disclaimer or warning on the top of your page, noting that advertisers may be selling masks with valves ON THIS PAGE, that are not recommended? I am looking at some right now above this comment.
Good point about advertisers. Just a reminder to everyone that not each of us sees the same thing in regards to adverts on any page. Also, to be fair, some of the masks with exhalation valves MAY be better than others – would take more research. Thanks for pointing this out Alice.
The ads Alice might see could be more frequent than the one’s I see (none) due to her research into the topic, looking at a large sample of culprits in her investigation.
Good work, Alice; but fear not for your ads. Rapid deletion of any like that is my tactic.
Appreciate both of your comments! 🙂
Your post is thoughtfully written and informative. I have read that surgical doctors and nurses wear masks to block BACTERIA, which are larger than viruses. While masks block some “stuff,” I question their efficacy against the present virus. I watched an Exploratorium video from March 20 that displays various cell models, blown up 4,000 times, to compare the size of a corona virus. The tall model of a hair strand (normally about 80 micrometers thick) is 1 ft. wide. A corona virus (120 nanometers), blown up 4,000 times, looks like a poppy seed. One doctor’s comment on mask-wearing to protect against Covid was that “It’s like building a chain-link fence to keep mosquitoes out.” Sorry not to have that specific reference; I’ve read and taken notes on so many things these past several months, as no doubt, you and many of your readers have done.
Sharon, thanks for the further thoughts on our dilemma. It is disheartening that so many concerns are unclear. Of course, many other scientists and doctors (armed with different info) come to different conclusions. The bottom line I take from your statement is that not all masks work equally.
I read Sharon’s comment as saying all masks will fail against the nano particles, and I have heard that elsewhere. But there is a “herd mentality” (not “immunity”) to adopt some visible, plausible idea – regardless of actual utility (viz. a St.Christopher medal on wears habitually).
Wearing a mask in public has become more like we Westerners have simply adopted an old Islamic custom, but in our unique “transgender” style (‘unisex’ is a passe term).