The airborne lifetime of small speech droplets and their potential importance in SARS-CoV-2 transmission

[BJRSanDiego]

If masks don't protect the wearer against others, why do health care workers wear them? There are varying degrees of protection, depending on type of masks. Because our government is afraid of people hoarding N95 and 3-ply surgical masks, it is asking everyone else to wear cloth masks. Cloth masks are low on efficacy in protecting the wearers. Unlike N95 masks, 3-ply masks are available for purchase by the public.

We had another Telehealth session with our PCP this week and he told us to go for our 6-month lab tests and to see him in person. When we go to our lab appointment, we plan to wear both the 3-ply surgical mask and cloth sports mask which includes a 5-layer disposable filter, with the surgical mask on the inside. We tried it at home and did not have difficulty breathing through the 2 masks. We will probably do the same when we visit our PCP. We really don't want to get sick.

I too find the media information on masks/respirators to be confusing and sometimes contradictory. For instance:
1. "Don't wear a mask because it doesn't do any good."
2. Wearing a mask (surgical or respirator) doesn't protect the wearer but may protect others.
3. Healthcare workers are depending on masks and respirators to keep themselves safe(r). So, if I wear a mask it doesn't do any good but if a healthcare wears one it protects them.
3. Surgeon general: "Wearing masks can be hazardous to the general public"
4. Many municipalities: All must wear a mask. (The inference is that wearing a mask protects others. (Ca. has a mask requirement)
5. News media: wearing a mask may result in CO2 poisoning, decreased O2 intake, dizziness, passing out, etc.

BTW, N95 masks/respirators were (until about 3 months ago) available at places like Home Depot, Lowes, and a lot of other places. Those places have largely dried up in the short term. I have seen N95 on ebay and Amazon periodically, although the price may be around $10 plus (whereas the price in Lowes 6 months ago was around $2 or 3 apiece). They can be re-used numerous times and seem to hold their shape after cleaning.

Earlier in the week I went to a doctor's office and I was required to wear a mask to enter the building and the "guard" took my temperature before I was allowed to enter. I was wearing an N95 (plus goggles). Probably a good thing to do.

It is good that you and your husband are staying safe.

 

[Brett]

I too find the media information on masks/respirators to be confusing and sometimes contradictory. For instance:
1. "Don't wear a mask because it doesn't do any good."
2. Wearing a mask (surgical or respirator) doesn't protect the wearer but may protect others.
3. Healthcare workers are depending on masks and respirators to keep themselves safe(r). So, if I wear a mask it doesn't do any good but if a healthcare wears one it protects them.
3. Surgeon general: "Wearing masks can be hazardous to the general public"
4. Many municipalities: All must wear a mask. (The inference is that wearing a mask protects others. (Ca. has a mask requirement)
5. News media: wearing a mask may result in CO2 poisoning, decreased O2 intake, dizziness, passing out, etc.

BTW, N95 masks/respirators were (until about 3 months ago) available at places like Home Depot, Lowes, and a lot of other places. Those places have largely dried up in the short term. I have seen N95 on ebay and Amazon periodically, although the price may be around $10 plus (whereas the price in Lowes 6 months ago was around $2 or 3 apiece). They can be re-used numerous times and seem to hold their shape after cleaning.

Earlier in the week I went to a doctor's office and I was required to wear a mask to enter the building and the "guard" took my temperature before I was allowed to enter. I was wearing an N95 (plus goggles). Probably a good thing to do.

It is good that you and your husband are staying safe.

N95 mask and goggles should work fine -- also wear a hat and gloves to be safe

 

[geekette]

....3. Surgeon general: "Wearing masks can be hazardous to the general public"

When did this happen? Not saying he didn't say it, not odd that I would have missed it. Simply curious. I'd like a link to it. This was the man that told us to prepare for massive death. He was not wrong.

 

[Ken555]

....3. Surgeon general: "Wearing masks can be hazardous to the general public"

When did this happen? Not saying he didn't say it, not odd that I would have missed it. Simply curious. I'd like a link to it. This was the man that told us to prepare for massive death. He was not wrong.

It’s likely due to his Feb tweet...which of course has been taken out of context.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Brett]

It’s likely due to his Feb tweet...which of course has been taken out of context.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

OK, now masks can be easily bought and everyone is making masks for their own use and for sale

Masks are the newest fashion clothing trend