Is the N95 face mask effective in protecting us from COVID-19?

Question

This morning, I was listening to a piece of local news and claimed that the 'valve type mask' or N95 is not advisable to protect us against COVID-19*. When hearing this, it is really confusing because experts that is good to use. Is this a confusing fact?

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Answer 1

I wasn't sure what an N95 mask was until I saw your picture. I googled it and I couldn't bring that up for the UK but I have seen only a very few people wear similar type masks. They seem to have a different identification number over here.

Most people here wear the standard blue medical masks used in hospitals or alternative cloth face coverings that you can buy or make yourself. Masks are big business for the retailers over here at the moment.

Comments

Most frontliners are using this type of mask. They can protect them for not being infected. However, what if they are infected. It was claimed that it does not filter the air when a person is exhaling. With this concern, they might spread the coronavirus to others.

Answer 2

Yes, it is effective in protecting us from covid-19 because it has the capacity to filter out very small particles that could possibly contains the virus. This is different from a surgical mask which can only stop larger droplets.

Comments

I do agree with you. However, it cannot filter the air when being expired by a person. We just only hope that this person is not infected with COVID-19 so that he or she will not spread it. It is best if the frontliners are healthy enough to fight against this virus.

Answer 3

The efficacy of any face mask is the ability of it to block exhale air from the nose from the direction of a person standing next to you. But at the same time allowing you to take in oxygen, although they are different types of face mask, you can judge it by the company that produces it. 

Comments

In my opinion, the World Health Organization (WHO) needs to release the best face masks for the people to use. Perhaps they can even be asked the manufacturers to create the same type of face masks.

Answer 4

These discoveries led public health groups to do an about-face on face masks. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now include face masks in their recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends cloth face masks for the public and not the surgical and N95 masks needed by health care providers.

Comments

I did not know that cloth face masks were being recommended. Are you referring to washable face masks? Do you have any links to read this claim? Thank you.

Answer 5

By expert doctors  and scientists are saying that instead of cloth mask, the N95 mask is to be weared.It has double protection. Now it is saying that we have to wear both n95 and cloth mask.

Comments

In fact, most of us are wearing medical masks. In my opinion, we just need to stay away for those people who sneeze or cough.

Answer 6

A form of respirator that complies with international requirements is the KN95 mask. Due to its ability to filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales, it provides greater protection than the medical mask.

Answer 7

Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!

Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible.

Answer 8

It is not a confusing fact that you are using an old-fashioned mask that is made to protect you from COVID-19. The N95 face mask is a very good mask against COVID-19 because it is made to protect you from the early stages of COVID-19 development.

Answer 9

Most people here wear the standard blue medical masks used in hospitals or alternative cloth face coverings that you can buy or make yourself. Masks are big business for the retailers over here at the moment