Rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic
It is time for governments and public health agencies to make rational recommendations on appropriate face mask use to complement their recommendations on other preventive measures, such as hand hygiene. WHO currently recommends that people should wear face masks if they have respiratory symptoms or if they are caring for somebody with symptoms? Perhaps it would also be rational to recommend that people in quarantine wear face masks if they need to leave home for any reason, to prevent potential asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission. In addition, vulnerable populations, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, should wear face masks if available. Universal use of face masks could be considered if supplies permit. In parallel, urgent research on the duration of protection of face masks, the measures to prolong life of disposable masks, and the invention on reusable masks should be encouraged. Taiwan had the foresight to create a large stockpile of face masks; other countries or regions might now consider this as part of future pandemic plans.
Recommendations on face masks vary across countries and we have seen that the use of masks increases substantially once local epidemics begin, including the use of N95 respirators (without any other protective equipment) in community settings. This increase in use of face masks by the general public exacerbates the global supply shortage of face masks, with prices soaring,9 and risks supply constraints to front line health-care professionals. As a response, a few countries (e.g., Germany and South Korea) banned exportation of face masks to priorities local demand.10 WHO called for a 40% increase in the production of protective equipment, including face masks.9 Meanwhile, health authorities should optimist face mask distribution to priorities the needs of front line health-care workers and the most vulnerable populations in communities who are more susceptible to infection and mortality if infected, including older adults (particularly those older than 65 years) and people with underlying health conditions.
Vacuum cleaner bags seem to be particularly good
Vacuum cleaner bags have proven to be particularly effective at filtering harmful particles, according to a 2013 study that compared various household materials for their ability to block bacterial and viral aerosols. While tea towels showed moderate effectiveness, materials like linen and silk performed poorly. These findings are especially relevant in the context of health & nutrition, as maintaining clean air and minimizing exposure to airborne pathogens plays a crucial role in supporting overall health and reducing the risk of infection in home environments.
If you choose to wear a mask, using it correctly is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Improper use—such as frequently touching or reusing the mask—can lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection. It’s also important to remember that wearing a mask should not create a false sense of security. You can still be exposed to viruses even with a mask on, so regular handwashing remains a critical habit. Integrating proper mask use and hygiene into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful step toward a more resilient health lifestyle.
Conclusion
Even if everyone followed this advice, it isn’t clear whether widespread use of face masks would have a significant impact on the spread of the virus. The WHO says it is collaborating with research and development partners to better understand the effectiveness and efficiency of non-medical masks. There’s just not a lot of evidence for cloth masks in the community, a says McIntyre.
