COVID-19 Masks: Are They Protecting You?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 27, 2020
Dear Reader,
Over the past few months there’s been a lot of mixed information regarding the coronavirus and face masks. However, recently President Trump recommended that all Americans cover their faces when going outside of their homes.
Many mayors and governors have already suggested the same.
But the real question is: is wearing a mask really going to help protect you?
A joint international study by the researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Hong Kong suggests that masks appear to stop the spread of seasonal viruses (like coronavirus and the flu).
The research team’s series of lab experiments found that face masks significantly reduced the number of airborne viruses traveling from infected individuals to others.
This is nothing new. Masks have always been thought of as a way to stop the spread FROM infectious people to people without the disease.
But here’s the problem. With COVID-19, you can be infected for two weeks before you know you have the infection. PLUS, — if you are carrying the infection — the amount of virus you have (the viral load) in those two weeks is very high. In plain English that means it is very easy to spread the virus.
There is also the thought that you don’t need a cough to spread the virus, but that it can spread by just breathing.
The Center for Disease Control in the past has suggested masks aren’t all that helpful outside of medical settings.
The reason for this is medical masks (called N 95 masks), which prevent viral transmission, are made of a specific fabric which prevents viruses from passing through and are fit tight to the face of the health practitioner.
And this is where the public generally fails: they don’t make sure their mask is on tight enough to prevent air from sneaking around the sides of the mask. For example, I recently saw an elderly man in the store with a mask covering his mouth, but not his nose.
So, should you wear a mask?
The suggestion that everyone wears a mask might not be the solution we’re looking for, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Especially for those people who have the infection, but don’t know it yet.
If you are looking to keep from getting the virus, staying home is still your best bet. Namely because you (and those around you) probably don’t have the specialized masks or the training on how to wear them properly.
But, if we get everyone wearing them correctly, it should be helpful.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...