BY: GENEVA LEE
News Editor
No matter one’s health status, anyone can get really sick, and COVID-19 is especially dangerous for the 51% of Americans who have comorbidities (CDC). Obviously, the deadly and unprecedentedly contagious Omicron variant necessitates increasing protection. Here is a guide to what masks are out there and which ones are effective at reducing Omicron’s spread.
Vaccination and masking; an N95 mask; a KN95 mask; a surgical mask; a cloth mask; a neck gaiter; a face shield
Vaccination:
This is not a mask, but it is the #1 way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The mRNA vaccinations have been proven to be safe, efficacious, and COVID-19 has been proven to be very, very dangerous and has killed over 850,000 Americans. Unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to die. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility, though COVID-19 itself may. Please, go get your shots.
N95 Masks:
The next best line of defense is a respirator (specialized filtering masks), usually marketed as N95s. This is the best mask that you can get, according to the CDC. N95 is a U.S. designation for filtration, and N95 masks remove 95% of 0.3+ micron particles (a micron is 1/1000 of a millimeter). They almost always have an electrostatic charge that helps them filter particles, a charge which becomes reduced over time (so they become less effective with more wear). As far as masks go, these may be the most effective available on the market now.
KN95 Masks:
KN95s are also respirators, and they are essentially the Chinese “equivalent” to the N95 designation. However, the CDC found that about 60% of KN95 respirators did not meet these requirements. Like the N95, these masks also almost always have an electrostatic charge, and the charge diminishes over time. A well-made KN95 is a top-notch mask, but do due diligence before buying to ensure that the mask is not a knock-off.
Surgical Masks:
Surgical masks (that are not N95s and KN95s) are electrostatically charged, but they are not as effective at reducing transmission and infection due to their loose fit (UC Davis). A surgical mask is much better than nothing, but still not as good if N95s or KN95s are available.
Cloth Masks:
Cloth masks are the typical masks that are sold in drugstores and grocery stores made of cotton, synthetic fibers, or a blend. These used to be sufficient; however, with Omicron, these are not enough, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Multi-layer cloth masks are much better than single-layer masks, the latter of which have almost no effect on reducing transmission. Double masking multi-layered cloth masks is fine, but if KN95s and N95s are unavailable, opt for those.
Neck Gaiters:
Neck gaiters have similar issues to cloth masks. If multiple gaiters are worn at once or in conjunction with a mask, their efficacy increases dramatically (MIT). If KN95s and N95s are available, opt for those, otherwise, one can use a neck gaiter in conjunction with a cloth or surgical mask option.
Face shields:
These are not efficacious on their own, as they don’t block very many particles at all, so the CDC does not recommend their use as a substitute for masking, only using them in addition to a mask.
Any mask chosen MUST be well-fitted and worn correctly to be efficacious. Perfectly covering one’s mouth but leaving the nose exposed will not prevent the spread or contraction of COVID-19. Ear loops can create a looser fit than masks that fit around the head, so opt for around-the head strings. And keeping the mask on is important too: while eating and drinking is impossible with a mask on, the virus does not care, so it is important to minimize the time that the mask is off. And of course, social distancing, isolating when exposed or displaying symptoms, and frequent testing are important as well. And above all, GET YOUR VACCINATION!
