CDC Updates Mask Guidance and Best Masks to Offer Protection Against COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its mask guidance, noting that N95 and KN95 masks offer higher levels of protection against COVID-19 in comparison to cloth masks. The CDC did not recommend that people stop wearing cloth masks or that everyone should be choosing to wear an N95 or KN95 however.
Originally N95 masks were reserved only for healthcare workers due to the nature of exposure and demand in healthcare. These masks are more optimized and have higher filtration efficiency and in theory should work best in combating the Omicron variant, but the mask must be fitted properly and securely in order to achieve this.
While many in the public have speculated this knowledge, this is the first time the CDC has made a statement on the differences between mask types. The highly contagious nature of the Omicron variant makes the effectiveness between cloth and medical grade masks much more apparent.
“Well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection,” stated the CDCs website in reference to the products evaluated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The CDC also reiterated that regardless, “any mask is better than no mask.”
N95 masks are known to filter 95% of airborne particles and are considered the gold standard of protection from contaminated particles. N95 masks approved by NIOSH are marked on the filter. Counterfeits will lack markings on the mask or approval number, may misspell NIOSH, use ear loops instead of bands which go over the head, or may claim that they are approved for use by children.
“Some of these do-it-yourself cloth masks may not actually be up to the task,” he said. “But the most important thing to remember is [that] the best mask is the mask you actually wear. So if people get N95s or KN95s and they can’t wear them because they’re uncomfortable, or they don’t know how to wear them properly, they’re not going to be very effective. So the key message is, the mask that you wear religiously, that’s the one that’s actually going to be the most effective.” said Dr. Amesh Adjala, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
KF94 and KN95 masks which meet international standards, but are not regulated in the United States, offer the same levels of protection; these masks are common in South Korea and China respectively and offer the same levels of protection.
Generally the CDC says that masks do not need to be worn outdoors, but that it may be a good consideration for crowded outdoor events or when engaging in close-contact activities with people who aren’t fully vaccinated.
Many public health experts are urging Americans to upgrade to any one of these types of higher quality masks, especially with the higher contagiousness of the Omicron variant running rampant. These masks are being advised for use especially if one is sick and coughing/sneezing. Regular surgical masks are an acceptable alternative. The CDC recommends choosing the one that is the most comfortable and you are more likely to wear while also offering the most amount of protection.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-cdc-mask-guidance-n95/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/01/14/world/omicron-covid-vaccine-tests
About Us
Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.
Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: (718) 888–1808
Terms of Use and Disclaimer — The information contained in this document has been culled from online resources and government agencies and is for general informational purposes only. The information is provided in good faith to support the community and our friends impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Your use of this document and your reliance on the information contained herein is solely at your own risk. All liability with respect to any reader, user or browser’s reliance on this document and/or actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is hereby expressly disclaimed.
