Wearing masks when you venture out may make you feel safe and may even encourage you to gather closer to one another in social settings. Masks are useful as partial barriers, protecting others from you. But in close quarters, people think they’re “protected” and tend to gather closer because masks give a psychological sense of safety. After all, you have your mouth covered right? Well kind of…
Picture the flow of water out of the tap. Now put a piece of the filter in the flow and slowed down the amount of water passing through. That’s what a mask is doing for you and others when we begin to mingle. Slowing down particles, droplets, and some amount of the virus going from you or coming to you.
Truth is that most masks the public and some essential workers are wearing are not designed to screen viruses, larger particles yes but not viruses. Even surgical masks are made to stop larger particles like droplets, not viruses. N95 masks block small particles, just like regular cloth or paper face masks. They also use an electric charge to trap tiny respiratory droplets. N95s, KN95 and KF94 masks are made of ‘electret’ material made up of plastic fibers that are permanently electrically charged. These fibers attract passing particles so they can be trapped in the material.
I’m not saying do not wear masks. Masks will slow down and reduce the number of viruses coming through. But you will either spread or get exposed to the virus, period.
Why wear a mask then? The main reason to wear a mask is for the protection of others. Yes for others, because you really do not know if you have the virus. As many as half or more who are infected, do not display symptoms! So please wear it for the safety of your loved ones, friends, and neighbors.
What to do to keep each other safe with less restrictions and get back to work and socializing in public places?
Until quick, easy and reliable testing is widespread:
- Pretend like you are contagious until proven otherwise. You do not want to be the one infecting others, do you? Keep doing the following:
- Wear a mask that fits – Masks should create a “seal” on the face, gaps around the nose and mouth means a partial barrier of safety. Press along the edges of the Mask to mold to your face.
- Social distancing (6ft or more) even with a mask. You simply reduce the number of virus coming at you with distance.
- Wash your hands every 3 hours when in public or at work. Wash your hands leaving and returning home from an errand.
- Be safe than sorry. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Self-Isolate or Stay-at-Home if you experience any of the following symptoms.
-
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Gut problems like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Test, Test, Test:
Please get tested. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and you do not want to be the one spreading the disease.
- Time4Health is vetting testing kits that are reliable, quick, easy finger-prick rapid results antibody testing kits for you! Stay tuned because we are getting closer to finishing up on our research and recommendation.
Now these steps help a lot BUT… WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU EVENTUALLY GET EXPOSED?
The SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACTION you can take to reduce your risk during this pandemic is to BE PREPARED & ENHANCE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Would you go do battle without proper armor and the right weapons?
- No, then why would you expose yourself to viruses without a properly supported and enhanced immune system?
It’s your immune system and body that’s going to deal with the virus. The better shape it’s in, the better you will do in this battle. Be done quicker with less or no damage, and faster recovery so you can get on with life…
Viral exposure WILL increase as we interact & socialize. That’s OK, as long as you are mindful & actively keep a Robust Immune System, Keep your Distance, Wash your Hands, Be Courteous, & Continue to protect the most vulnerable of our tribe…
Book a quick chat here & Learn what you can do for you and your loved ones …
Looking out for you,
Be well & Be Safe Friend,
Hugs
Vimal
