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.
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