In light of the ongoing pandemic, U.S. health officials are issuing a stern warning to the public: refrain from buying N95 respirator masks. With the volume of alarming news about the coronavirus escalating, the urge to hoard supplies is understandable. However, Surgeon General Paul Thompson has made it clear that this behavior is counterproductive.
In a recent tweet, Thompson emphasized, “Please everyone — STOP PURCHASING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing the general public from contracting #Coronavirus. If healthcare providers can’t access them for treating patients, it endangers both them and our communities!” This urgent message highlights a significant misunderstanding about mask usage, especially as many scramble to secure N95 masks, which filter out 95% of airborne particles.
Understanding the Risks
During an appearance on Morning News, Thompson further elaborated on the issue, stating that improper use of the N95 mask can lead to inefficiencies. Most individuals will not fit the masks correctly, making them more vulnerable. “It’s crucial for people to recognize that their risk remains low. There are safer practices to adopt instead of buying masks,” he remarked. “One of the top recommendations is that the general public should avoid purchasing masks, as they do not provide proven protection against the coronavirus.”
Healthcare professionals, including Thompson, must undergo rigorous fit testing for their masks, a step that the general public typically lacks the resources to perform. This gap can result in mask fidgeting and face-touching, which only increases the risk of transmission.
Channeling Anxiety into Productive Actions
Acknowledging the panic that often arises in uncertain times, Thompson urged Americans to channel their anxiety into more productive actions. “The best thing anyone can do right now is wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and maintain excellent hygiene,” he advised, echoing sentiments shared in a briefing by Dr. Sarah Lee, executive director of the global health initiative at the Health Organization.
Moreover, stockpiling N95 masks can severely disrupt the supply chain for healthcare workers who genuinely need them. “There is a critical shortage of protective equipment worldwide. Our priority is to safeguard healthcare professionals and ensure they have the necessary resources to provide care,” added Dr. Lee.
The Reality of Surgical Masks
As for the popular surgical masks seen in various social media posts, they don’t serve the protective purpose many believe. They are primarily designed to protect patients from the wearer’s respiratory emissions and are not effective at blocking droplets from others, such as those from a cough.
While it might provide a sense of security to wear a mask, it can inadvertently contribute to misinformation and hinder the overall response to the pandemic. If you’re looking for ways to ease your worries, consider investing in disinfectants and hand sanitizers instead. For more insights on health and wellness, check out our other blog post.
Conclusion
In summary, health authorities are urging the public to stop purchasing N95 masks due to their ineffectiveness for general use and the potential harm it causes to healthcare providers. Instead, individuals should focus on maintaining good hygiene practices to protect themselves and their communities.