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Wearing masks and maintaining social distance are considered to be effective ways of inhibiting the spread of coronavirus. However, one has to be aware of all the dos and don’ts of the precautions, especially of wearing a mask, since that’s where people misinterpret the facts.

Why Is Wearing Masks Important During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

The coronavirus can simply spread by speaking, let alone sneezing. Hence, it is important to wear a mask to protect oneself from the potential danger of getting coronavirus. Since an infected person cannot be pointed out from a crowd, it is now important for everyone to wear a mask to protect themselves.

To ensure proper safety the mask must cover the nose and mouth and there should be no leakage.

Healthcare workers have to be specifically careful with their mask fitting. They are constantly in contact with patients in one or another hazardous condition.

Risks of an Improperly Fitted Medical Face Mask

Wearing an improperly fitted mask does not serve the purpose and is almost of no use. It exposes the user to various possible risks as discussed below.

1.  Increases the Chances of Getting Coronavirus

Authorities have mandated masks to help thwart the spread of covid-19 by preventing the spread of droplets from an infected person through talking, coughing, or sneezing. The masks act as the barrier between the wearer and the harmful droplets in the air. They filter the air to some extent before it enters the nose or mouth of the wearer. They also protect others from the saliva and respiratory secretions of the wearer.

2.  Increase the Chances of Spreading the Virus Over A Larger Surface Area

On average people touch their faces about 15 to 23 times in an hour. A study has concluded that a large number of respiratory tract infections are transmitted through the contact of the contaminated hand with eyes, nose, or mouth, and so is the case with covid-19.

Coming in contact with a used or contaminated mask and then touching your face without washing hands drastically increases the chances of getting the virus. An improperly fitted mask causes itchiness which ultimately multiplies the number of times the wearer would touch the mask or the covered area and the other facial parts. It further increases the chances of spreading the virus through touching other objects in the surrounding like the doors, handles, utensils, etc.

Moreover, an improperly fitted mask may also need frequent adjustment, which further increases the chances of touching the contaminated mask.

3.  The Too-Small Mask Can Cause Other Issues

Unnecessarily tight masks can cause rashes, breakouts, and other skin issues. They can leave marks on your face and make breathing difficult. Since they sit on your nose and ear, they can leave them aching. The conditions can worsen in people already suffering from skin issues. People might even give up wearing masks because of these issues.

How to Wear a Face Mask