COVID-19 Masks: Are They Protecting You?
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
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...