During pandemics, masks serve as a public health measure, helping to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses within communities. They act as a barrier to reduce the transmission of infectious particles, offering protection to both the wearer and those around them. Historically, masks have been employed in various outbreaks, with early forms used during the 17th-century plague epidemics. The 1918 influenza pandemic saw widespread, and sometimes mandated, mask use in public spaces, laying groundwork for modern public health policies.
Common Types of Pandemic Masks
N95 respirators offer a high level of filtration, designed to block at least 95% of very small airborne particles, including those 0.3 microns in size. These masks create a tight seal around the wearer’s face, which is essential for filtering pathogens. N95s are frequently used in healthcare settings and high-risk environments.
Surgical masks, also known as medical masks, are looser-fitting and primarily block large respiratory droplets and splashes. They also act as source control by preventing the wearer from expelling large droplets into the environment. These masks are commonly used in medical procedures to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider.
Cloth masks serve as source control in community settings. They are made from various fabrics like cotton, often in multiple layers, and are intended to contain respiratory droplets released by the wearer. While offering less filtration than N95s or surgical masks, they still reduce community transmission by limiting droplet expulsion.
How Masks Reduce Spread
Masks function by creating a physical barrier that intercepts respiratory droplets and aerosols, the primary modes of transmission for many respiratory pathogens. When an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, they release these particles into the air. Masks worn by the infected individual act as source control, reducing the expulsion of these particles into the surrounding environment.
Masks also offer some protection to the wearer by reducing the inhalation of airborne droplets and aerosols from others. Different mask types achieve this through varying filtration mechanisms; for example, N95 respirators filter out a high percentage of airborne particles through their dense material and tight fit. This dual action of source control and wearer protection limits the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Correct Mask Use and Maintenance
Properly putting on a mask begins with clean hands, followed by placing the mask over your nose, mouth, and chin, ensuring there are no gaps along the sides of your face. For masks with ear loops, secure them behind your ears. If your mask has ties, tie them securely behind your head to achieve a snug fit.
While wearing a mask, avoid touching the front, as this surface may be contaminated. If you must adjust your mask, use the ear loops or ties, and then clean your hands immediately. Maintain a proper fit, ensuring the mask securely covers your nose, mouth, and chin without slipping.
To remove a disposable mask, grasp only the ear loops or ties, lifting the mask away from your face without touching the front. Dispose of the used mask in a waste bin. For reusable cloth masks, remove them in the same manner and place them directly into a laundry bag or washing machine. Cloth masks should be washed regularly with soap and water, ideally after each use, to maintain cleanliness. Store clean masks in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination before use.
Situations for Mask Use
Masks are advised in crowded indoor public spaces where maintaining physical distance from others can be challenging. This includes settings like public transportation, grocery stores, and indoor gatherings. Wearing a mask in these environments can reduce the risk of transmission when close contact is unavoidable.
Masks are also recommended in healthcare settings for both patients and visitors to protect vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers. Individuals with respiratory illness symptoms, even mild ones, or those recently exposed, often wear masks to prevent further spread. Public health guidance on mask use can vary based on local transmission levels and the specific characteristics of an ongoing pandemic.