Why (Still) Wearing a Mask Is Important
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still emphasizing the importance of wearing masks. Research has shown that masks play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of the virus, as well as keeping you — and those around you — safe. But wearing masks can also present new challenges that need addressing, such as difficulty in communication and a decrease in human connection. This is why it’s important to choose the right mask for you — one that keeps you safe while still encouraging human connection and communication. Read on to learn about why wearing a mask is important and what mask is the best option for you.
Your Mask Keeps You Safe
Since the COVID-19 vaccine distribution began in the United States on December 14, more than 377 million doses have been administered, fully vaccinating more than 177 million people in the country. This translates to 53.4% of the total U.S. population. Many individuals who are vaccinated mistakenly believe that they no longer need masks. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The CDC is still recommending that people — even those who are fully vaccinated — continue to wear face masks. If you’re wondering why, the answer is simple: Your mask keeps you safe.
The Vaccine Isn’t 100% Effective
Although being fully vaccinated helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, the vaccine is not 100% effective. With that in mind, wearing a mask will help protect you from getting the virus. In comparison, the measles vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. The vaccination program began in the United States in 1963, but the disease wasn’t considered eliminated until 2000 — nearly 40 years later.
Those Who Are Vaccinated Can Be Asymptomatic Spreaders
Since the pandemic started, scientists have worried about silent spreaders. This term refers to individuals who are infected, but don’t show symptoms. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you are fully vaccinated, there’s a small chance that you can still get infected and be an asymptomatic spreader. While more research needs to be done to determine if vaccines also prevent transmission, in the meantime, you can stay safe by wearing a mask.
Your Mask Keeps Others Safe
In addition to keeping you safe, wearing a mask also reduces your chances of spreading the virus. Wearing a mask is a simple measure that you can take to prevent the spread. Here’s how wearing a mask can help keep those around you safe.
Masks Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Droplets
According to the CDC, “COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets.” Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you talk, shout, cough or sneeze. They then land on what is in close proximity — whether that is mouths, noses or other surfaces. Masks create a simple barrier that prevents this from happening, and stops your respiratory droplets from reaching other individuals. A study published by PubMed Center has revealed that the use of masks reduces airborne droplet transmission, helping to protect the individual wearing a mask and those around them.
Masks Help Protect Those with Compromised Immune Systems
In addition to significantly reducing the spread of droplets, masks also help to protect those with compromised immune systems and those who cannot be vaccinated. After all, we know that people with chronic medical conditions — such as heart disease and cancer — are at risk for developing severe cases of COVID-19. And since this population was not included in clinical trials, there isn’t research to support whether or not they have the same protection rate from the vaccine. Additionally, it’s also recommended that if you have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, it’s best to not get it. Likewise, if you had an allergic reaction after receiving the first vaccine, the CDC doesn’t recommend getting the second dose. That’s where continuing to wear a mask comes in — it helps keep vulnerable individuals safe.
Which Mask to Choose?
Since masks are going to be around for a while, this means that you want to have a mask that is comfortable for you. Now that we’ve established the importance of wearing a mask, the next step is finding the right mask for you.
If you’re looking for something that is comfortable and effective at preventing the spread of the virus, then a SmileMask mask is the perfect option for you. Plus, this mask is ADA-compliant and clear, which means that you can see the smile of the person you are talking to. SmileMask has also become a popular choice for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. The clear masks enable you to read lips and pick up on facial cues and expressions that often go unnoticed when traditional cloth masks are used. SmileMask offers an original mask, sport mask, and single-use mask, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Wearing a mask is important in helping to fight against COVID-19. It keeps you and those around you safe. However, it can also create difficulties when communicating or additional challenges for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. That’s why Smile Mask’s ADA-compliant clear mask is the best option for you.
Anna Bell is a writer who lives in Los Angeles.
Sources [[PLEASE CONVERT LINKS TO ACTUAL TITLES OF ARTICLES.]]
NPR - How is the Covid 19 Vaccination Campaign Going in Your State
FDA - Vaccination Against Measles
CDC - Measles History
CDC - Considerations for Wearing Face Masks
PubMed Center - Respiratory Droplets
Cleveland Clinic - On Respiratory Droplets and Face Coverings.