With new and evolving Covid variants with higher transmissibility than in the earlier pandemic stages, it feels like society is in a loop while trying to figure out different information. It is a lot to process. There are various options for masks, and not all are equal. Some protect you more than others from higher viral loads of the virus. Look at the differences between them:
Cloth
Thinner material masks were the first out of the gate as society had to improvise, and boutique shops filled the gaps for people who needed a face covering. A washable cloth mask does an okay job keeping the germs of the wearer out of the air but is not great at protecting the person wearing it. They are estimated to be only 10 - 35% effective at preventing Covid aerosol particles from getting through. This is still better than wearing nothing, but there are better options to choose from, especially as Covid becomes more infectious.
Surgical
Typically, a baby blue color with white straps, these “3 Layer Masks” tend to be the most common and an excellent option for lower-risk activities. They are suitable for using quick trips to interact with some people. Surgical masks can be purchased cheaper online or in stores and reused for a few days and up to a week—double masking with a layer cloth with surgical for a better layer of protection. These types of masks are considered loose. Adding a rubber band around the ear loops helps make it snugger for a tighter fit.
Higher-end medical grade
A significant difference with this classification of masks is how strong they are. It is infused with an electrostatic charge that filters out many infectious particles. Experts assert that wearing either a KN95 or an N95 respirator is an adequate safeguard against omicron since these masks filter out viral particles. The “95” in the terms directs the masks’ 95% filtration effectiveness against certain-sized particles. An essential thing to remember is that numerous counterfeit N95 and KN95 masks are being sold online, so shoppers must be mindful when ordering them and get them only from an honest, authorized vendor.
Mask wearing is an effective way of reducing your likelihood of contracting COVID. Nothing is foolproof, especially for a more infectious virus. However, the amount of viral load someone catches plus other co-mobilities is why we see a different reaction from diverse people. Since 1988, WSi has been an expert in the health care industry. Contact us for your staffing needs.