"Covid19 and Valved Masks"

 

"Covid19 and Valved Masks"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Always wear a mask. Except a Valved mask. A what?

You often see these masks , they have a one way valve that makes people breath easier. And while it does protect the wearer from the virus much cannot be said for the surroundings that that person inhabits.

As of this writing there are studies that point that presymptomatic and asymptomatic patients make up almost half of COVID19 patients. This means that without a mask one can speak , cough or sneeze and spread the virus without even knowing it. It poses no problem when people are in open areas but enclosed spaces like Restaurants and offices are a different matter. The virus can be suspended in the air for hours on end.

And wearing a valve mask contributes to this. As air from those wearing it comes out to the environment. Anyone using the same room has a high probability of getting the virus. It is as if the wearer was not wearing a mask at all.

So if you see anyone wearing a valved mask please ask them to put a surgical mask over it or simply just wear a surgical mask that offers better protection for everyone.

Ask the nicely. Ask them calmly and offer a solution instead of condemnation. People are worried and on edge nowadays. The last thing they need is someone barking at them when they feel that they have not done anything wrong.

Yes to masks. No to Valved Masks.