Are masks really effective in preventing disease?

This April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all Americans, even those who feel healthy, should wear cloth face masks or homemade face covers in public when the 6-foot social distancing is difficult to maintain in an effort to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Experts emphasize that other preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing, remain crucial. Medical masks, including N95 respirators and surgical masks, should be reserved for healthcare workers. This story was originally published on January 27.

Surgical masks are frequently seen outside hospitals during cold and flu season or when there is an outbreak like the coronavirus. But how much protection do they really offer?

The answer is "a little," says Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and principal investigator at the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University.

A typical disposable mask can help prevent large particle droplets from coming into contact with the mouth and nose, two of the common areas of entry of viruses into the body. "But you have to be very meticulous when using them and not put your hands under them or touch your face or do anything that contaminates the face and nullifies the reason for using the mask," says Adalja.

And that is difficult, especially since the masks are uncomfortable, "and if the person itches his mouth or nose, he will scratch inadvertently," he adds.

Choosing a tight-fitting mask is key to keeping germs from coming in contact with your face, says Amira Roess, a public health expert and professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University. He recommends an N95 respirator, which is of better quality than most loose-fitting disposable masks and which, when fitted correctly, can offer more effective protection. Here you can get the perfect disposable medical face mask.

Available in most drugstores and home improvement stores, N95 blocks large particle droplets and most small particles that are transmitted through coughs and sneezes, according to the Food and Drug Administration. (FDA). However, a properly adjusted N95 does not completely eliminate the risk of contracting an illness, the agency warns. Also, they are not designed for children or people with facial hair.

Wash your hands to keep germs at bay

The most effective method to reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory illness or infection is to maintain adequate hand hygiene, according to experts. Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom and when leaving a crowded place, advises Ross. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  recommends rubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.