We are all working together to come out on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic and wearing a mask is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the virus. There has been so much misinformation that has been put out and knowing the truth can help you decide what course of action is right for you. The first myth that you might want to take a look at is the myth that masks are not going to be effective. Tom S Chang MD is a great proponent of mask-wearing. Though the virus itself is very small, the method by which the virus spreads is not. The virus is transmitted via saliva and other fluids and droplets that come out of our mouths and noses.
These droplets are big enough to be stopped by masks. Another myth is that you do not need to wear a mask if you are not feeling ill. Some people have reported being COVID positive but having no symptoms at all. You should make sure to wear your mask at all times no matter if you feel sick or not as you may still be carrying the virus. Tom S Chang MD, states that wearing a mask is one of our best methods of protection. The last myth to address is that mask-wearing can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning. This is simply not true. Unless you are wearing a face-covering that is not breathable at all or you suffer from some other form of respiratory illness, you are not going to be at any risk for carbon dioxide poisoning by wearing your mask. Carbon dioxide can dissipate and diffuse through your mask, no problem.
