4 mistakes to avoid when wearing a mask

Using a mask incorrectly can reduce its protective effectiveness and even harm your health. Specifically, wearing a mask incorrectly can cause the wearer to be infected with bacteria and viruses, affecting the skin and respiratory tract, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Using masks incorrectly can increase the risk of disease

PHOTO: AI

Absolute mistakes to avoid when wearing a mask include:

Do not wash cloth masks after each use.

Cloth masks are reusable. However, that doesn’t mean they can be worn multiple times without washing. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says cloth masks should be washed after each use to remove bacteria, viruses, and dirt that accumulate on the surface. Continuing to wear an unwashed mask could be bringing bacteria back into your respiratory tract, increasing your risk of infection.

Therefore, experts recommend washing cloth masks with hot water and soap after each use. You can hand wash or machine wash, but make sure the mask is completely dry before wearing it again.

Frequently touching and adjusting the mask

The habit of constantly adjusting the mask, such as pulling it down, touching the outside or adjusting the straps, increases the risk of transferring bacteria from your hands to your face. According to the Mayo Clinic , the outside of the mask can contain pathogens if the wearer has been exposed to a high-risk environment.

To avoid this, people should make sure their masks fit properly before leaving the house. If they need to be adjusted, clean your hands before and after touching the mask.

Using disposable medical masks for too long

Surgical masks are designed for single use and should only be worn for 4–8 hours. When they become wet or dirty, they lose their ability to filter droplets, reducing their protective effectiveness. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says disposable masks cannot be washed or reused because this will damage the filter structure.

Therefore, people should always carry a spare mask, especially if they need to wear it for a long time. Discard the mask immediately if it feels damp, torn or has an unpleasant smell.

Wear a damp mask

A damp mask, usually from sweat, breathing, or rain, will reduce its filtering efficiency and allow bacteria to grow. A damp mask loses its ability to block droplets and can increase your risk of infection. The best way to handle this is to replace your mask when possible, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-sai-lam-can-tranh-khi-deo-khau-trang-185250524234528562.htm