So you want to wear a mask to prevent you from getting Covid-19. Here is some information that I think that you should know.

From the CDC, “CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.”

If you do want to use a cloth mask here is a video from the CDC on how to make one. From LiveScience, “All of this leakage in surgical and fabric masks are why public health officials generally don’t believe that wearing a mask prevents anyone from catching a virus that is already floating around in the environment. Airflow follows the path of least resistance, said Rachael Jones, an associate professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of Utah who was not involved in the new research. If viral particles are nearby, they have an easy path around a surgical or fabric mask. And in the case of a fabric mask, wearers may well be wafting in particles small enough to flow right through the fabric.” So don’t believe that wearing a cloth mask will stop you from getting Covid-19 and please do not hoard the N95 masks, our healthcare personnel need them more than you do!

Now I am going to put in my two bits in (that is 25 cents). Wearing the cloth mask is not at the level of protection that will guarantee that the virus won’t infect you, but it does help and this is especially true if you have the virus and do not know it. It will slow down the spread and that is a good thing. But I have a very big concern about cloth masks, especially the homemade ones. And that is the fact that you will get hot wearing one. You are rebreathing some of the hot moist air that you are expelling out of your nose and/or mouth. This will cause the incoming air to be preheated above the true temperature of your surroundings. So that means that you will get very hot, particularly when you are doing something physically stressful. Such as running, lifting something heavy, etc. So be aware of this and do not overheat yourself. As the weather gets hotter and moister you will notice this happening more often.

I know this for a fact for back when I was a young boy my father bought some winter masks made by 3M. 3M advertised them as helping to keep you warmer on a cold day and they worked. They looked like the masks you buy today for protection against dust, but a little thicker. So I know what I am talking about.

Also, if you have a cloth mask and can get a proper filter to put in it, be aware that the filter impends the exchange of air even more. That means it will be harder to get enough airflow and it will be even hotter to wear. The N95 masks have a port that helps with airflow, but again don’t buy them for yourself for they are needed by our healthcare workers.

Stay safe.

That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike