“不是你，是我……但也可能是你。”
Although you never want to be on the receiving end of this statement while in a relationship, when it comes toCOVID-19，这是重要的考虑。我们现在知道，我们可以在不知不觉中将病毒从一个人传播到另一个人，然后穿着脸部覆盖, combined with otherpreventive measures，提供对病毒的最有效保护。
Over the last few months, you’ve heard and seen a lot about the importance of wearing face masks. Whether it’s from theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and the World Health Organization or the countless Facebook and Instagram ads from companies selling them, it’s clear masks are a hot topic.
But with so many options out there, you may wonder what type of mask is best.
Good news! We break down the three primary types of face masks and how to use them properly. Plus, we’ve included a quick cheat sheet with helpful masking tips.
Three Types of Face Masks
Generally, face masks fall into three types:
- 布面盖
- Procedural/Surgical masks
- N95 respirators
布面盖
Accordingto the CDC, cloth masks help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep people who may unknowingly have the virus from transmitting it to others. Whether from t-shirts or bandanas, for those who are “sew” happy to make their own, cloth masks are the simplest and cheapest to make. Additionally, out of all the choices, they are the best for the environment too! If sewing is not your thing, never fear, there are a variety of cloth face coverings available for purchase online as well.
The CDC shared分步说明—for novices and sewing pros—on how to make your own cloth face coverings at home.
Important Tips
If you wear cloth face coverings, remember these important steps:
- Make sure it fits securely and snugly around your nose and mouth.
- Remove face coverings carefully by holding onto the straps or ties. Do not touch the front of the mask.
- Wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.
- 洗衣服每次使用之后。
- And, always follow preventive measures (i.e., social distancing and staying home when sick).
Procedural/Surgical Masks
While not as environmentally friendly and pricier than cloth face coverings, procedural or surgical masks are another acceptable choice when it comes to choosing a mask. These loose-fitting masks are fluid resistant (when worn properly) and provide some protection against larger respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Their primary purpose is preventing the wearer (that’s you) from spreading infectious droplets to others (those around you).
Important Tips
If you wear a procedural/surgical mask, remember these important steps:
- 确保您的面膜遮住鼻子和嘴，并且面膜的蓝色（或彩色）侧面远离您的脸。面膜的白色侧是吸收性的，面罩的外部是防水的，因此面膜可以吸收并使您从咳嗽或打喷嚏中排出的所有液滴。
- Do not touch the front of the mask.
- 仔细删除程序/手术面膜，然后将其置于垃圾桶中。不要重复使用这些口罩，佩戴后会破裂并变得效果降低。
- 处理或触摸二手程序/手术面膜后洗手。
- And, always follow preventive measures (i.e., social distancing and staying home when sick).
N95呼吸器
N95 respiratorsor masks, are designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.
疾病预防控制中心不建议公众穿N95呼吸器来保护自己免受包括Covid-19在内的呼吸道疾病的侵害，因为这些是必须继续为医护人员和其他医疗急救人员保留的关键用品。
Healthcare workers who wear them undergo a fit test to find the right make, model and size to ensure a tight seal.
While these masks sound too good to be true, think again. Some N95 masks have one-way exhalation valves that release unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out. This means this mask doesn’t prevent you from spreading the virus. For this reason, many places – including hospitals – have banned patients and visitors from wearing them.
Important Tips
If you have a non-ventilated N95 mask, remember these important steps:
- Make sure the mask securely fits and covers your mouth and nose. A poor seal can lead to leakage, lowering the respirator’s effectiveness.
- Remove the N95 mask carefully and dispose in the trash after one use.
- 处理或触摸面具后洗手。
- And, always follow preventive measures (i.e., social distancing and staying home when sick).
Takeaway
The CDC recommends cloth face coverings in public settings where it is difficult to maintain social distancing. Cloth masks are easy to make and the most affordable option. Reserve surgical masks and N95 respirators for healthcare workers and medical first responders.
并记住：It may not be them, it may be you … but it could be you both. So, mask up and do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
