Don’t Believe the Face Mask Myths You See on Facebook

Experts agree wearing face masks combined with social distancing is an effective way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus

At the time I am writing this, coronavirus cases in the United States have increased by 90% in the last two weeks. We’re up to over 50,000 new cases per day. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases warned senators on Capitol Hill that new cases could reach 100,000 per day if the current outbreaks can’t be controlled.

Experts have advised everyone to wear a mask when they leave their homes. Yet, in America, the backlash for mandated mask-wearing has been severe.

With mixed messages from our leaders and an explosion of false information from social media, in many parts of the country, most people are still not wearing masks.

We can’t control the disjointed messages from Washington, But we can learn the truth behind the myths on mask-wearing.

In a global pandemic, it’s time to listen to the people that have spent their lives dedicated to studying infectious diseases. Here are some common myths I’ve seen making the Facebook rounds, and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Wearing a mask causes you to breathe in carbon dioxide

No, it doesn’t. This seems to be the most prevalent of false information regarding masks. I have even seen comments on Facebook where people were mistakenly getting carbon monoxide, which is deadly, mixed up with carbon dioxide. These people believed that wearing a mask would cause them to breathe in the same fumes that come from car exhaust. Your body can’t make the same fumes as your car. It’s not how it works.

The only way you would breathe in too much carbon dioxide would be if you had an airtight face covering. The cloth masks and disposable surgical masks are not airtight. You will still breathe oxygen in, and carbon dioxide out.

While too much carbon dioxide can be a problem, cloth masks allow air to flow. They don’t fit tight enough around your face and if they did, you’d feel so uncomfortable that you would take it off.

Myth #2: Wearing a mask causes low oxygen levels

No, it doesn’t. See number 1 above. Cloth face and surgical masks do not fit tight enough around your nose and mouth to reduce your oxygen levels. You may feel like you are getting less oxygen because you aren’t used to having your face covered. It feels different, and it can get hot. But it’s perfectly safe.

N95 masks fit more tightly, and there is some evidence that suggests wearing them for a very long time can cause reduced oxygen levels. But N95 masks should be reserved mainly for healthcare professionals. The cloth and surgical masks that the public is being asked to wear do not fit tightly enough to reduce your oxygen to dangerous levels.

Myth #3: You only need to wear a mask if you feel sick

No, you need to wear a mask anytime you are in public. Recent studies have shown as many as 40% of people carrying the virus can be asymptomatic. They will either never have symptoms, or their symptoms haven’t begun yet.

This is how viruses spread so easily. People are contagious before they show symptoms. It works the same for the flu. You can be contagious before your symptoms begin. And with the coronavirus, some people may never show any symptoms, yet can still spread the disease.

Myth #4: Masks don’t work

Yes, they do work. Masks work best when everyone is wearing them. When you wear a mask, you are reducing viral droplets from reaching the air. This protects everyone around you. And when they are wearing masks, they are protecting you.

You don’t just wear a mask for yourself. You wear it to protect others. And you hope they will wear theirs to protect you.

Check out the article below on LiveScience for a visualization of how masks work.

Find the right fitting face mask

The key to tolerating mask-wearing is in getting the right fit. Everyone has a different shaped face. The mask I think is comfortable may not work for you. Try a variety until you find one that fits snugly while still feeling comfortable.

It’s a simple thing to wear a mask. Yes, it might be a little bit uncomfortable and not what you’re used to. But the more you wear it, the more you will get used to the feel of a face covering.

And most importantly, it may save someone’s life. Isn’t that worth a small amount of discomfort?