Can someone explain why wearing a mask won't help a

[Raven]

healthy person from breathing in virus droplets? It seems to me that if sick people are supposed to wear them to keep the droplets in why don't the masks work to keep the droplets out?

[In_The_Wind]

1. I think they will work.

[Merlot]

2. Because their aren't enough masks to go around

so we're hearing stupid stuff to make us feel ok about the fact that we don't have enough masks.

Eventually they will tell us that everyone needs a mask. Like they should have told us back in February.

[unblock]

3. It will "help" but not by much

Without a very well sealed mask, a lot of the air you breath comes through the path of least resistance, which is through the sides and gaps. Any nearby droplets just float and follow the flow of air through those same gaps.

Some of the air does flow through the fabric of the mask, and thus will stop those droplets, which is why it's a bit of help.

Still, the outside of the mask is then contaminated, so you have to be careful not to keep adjusting your mask as you then contaminate your hand and then potentially spread the virus around your face and so on.

[obamanut2012]

10. This n/t

[Kali]

4. a really good, logical reply here -

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=13219181

[dewsgirl]

5. Masks offer you protection, they said that because of the shortage.

As if we needed more crap out there to confuse people.🙄

[TreasonousBastard]

6. A little complicated. Surgical masks are designed to keep the doctor from...

drooling or coughing into the open would. Of course they would stop drops coming out of the wound, too, but not as effectively.

If you cough, you are sending out large and small droplets that are largely stopped by the mask. If someone else coughs, they are sending out the same stuff, but if unmasked, the large droplets fall toward the ground sooner, while the finer ones can drift along. Those finer ones, when they get to your face, can slip through the mask or slip around it.

So, while wearing a mask while out and about can't hurt, it doesn't help all that much.

[LisaL]

8. So if masks protects those around you, wouldn't everybody wearing a mask

protect everybody? New covid research suggests it can be transmitted when infected person talks or simply breathes.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. Probably, but that won't happen.

[LisaL]

15. Why exactly?

In countries like China, nearly everybody is wearing masks.

[LisaL]

7. Because there are not enough masks for general population, that's why.

N95 masks, to be exact. Those are the ones that protect the person wearing them.

[shanti]

11. It's mainly to keep you from touching your face

A reminder of sorts.

[Mosby]

12. I think they help and I started wearing one at work

The store I work at the employees are not distancing and many of the customers aren't.

[FirstLight]

13. either way, it seems to me that having a barrier of some sort would be beneficial

I wear a tightly woven cotton scarf doubled around my face when going out.

Dont have any masks, so I just improvised to try and keep my breath and others' from mingling.
Besides I think it makes others stay further away to some degree.

I've also taken to NOT wearing makeup, so that way I "look" sick and therefore keep others from wanting to be weirdos and get too close. I live in a small town an inevitably see ppl I know if I have to hit the store, so it's kinda fun to have the social pressure off and only have to wave or nod and that's enough lol...

[Totally Tunsie]

14. Agreed. You can't rely that others who may be sick are wearing a mask.

Everyone needs to protect themselves, IMO. Since many are asymptomatic, they could be walking around with CV and not know it, putting you at risk if you encounter them. Your mask will prevent their output from being drawn in through your nose and mouth.

Also, there are homeless or persons who live in poverty who can't afford groceries, never mind masks. Don't expect them to take caution of your health.

Lastly, there's Mr. Macho Man - sweating profusely (but then, he always is), coughing without covering (because he never does), and brushing up against you (because to him this is all a "hoax" and a big joke). You think he'll wear a mask to protect you?

[quickesst]

16. this mask controversy....

....is utter bullshit! Use them the correct way, and it will protect you from others, and it will also protect others from you. If you have no symptoms, you have no idea whether you are carrying the virus or not.

Don't wear masks because medical people need them? My wife bought some masks around 7 months ago to use when she sprayed for ants. To those people, I say take your guilt trip and stick it where the sun don't shine. What would I do with them? Drive up to the hospital, and not wearing a mask, because it's one more that could go to them, walk in, and say, "Here, although they are not in the original package, I have some masks, and even though you don't know how old they are, where they have been, whether they are used or not, I can assure you they are perfectly fine."

I'm sure they would, without question, take my word for it.

[ProfessorGAC]

20. Guilt Trip?

Sanctimonious nonsense.

[quickesst]

21. thanks

That's the word I would have used instead of guilt trip had I been under the illusion that I was somehow morally and intellectually superior to everyone else. It looks as though I gave you a little too much credit in my reply to your previous post. I know better now.

[aka-chmeee]

17. My view:

The temperature outside is -10F. All I have is a light sweat jacket. I have to go out. I should leave the sweat jacket at home just because it's inadequate to keep me fully comfortable?

[Caliman73]

18. First of all, what to you mean by mask?

If you are talking about the type of masks that are given out at the doctor's office, those masks are just filter paper with the plastic side on the inside of the mask to prevent aerosol from going out. They are not designed to prevent particles from entering.

The N95 respirator type masks will prevent droplets but they have to be fitted and are typically one time use. Those are the masks that are in short supply.

The problem with masks is also that they encourage people to take risks because of the protection that is promised by using the mask. Sometimes the false sense of security encourages people to not take the care precautions that are recommended.

[Ms. Toad]

19. No, becasuse it will.

It was initially discouraged because of the fear that masks would not be available for medical personnel.

It is a no brainer that any barrier (properly handled so you don't contaminate yourself when you remove it) provides more protection than nothing. They have always said it helpd a sick person limit the spread of their infection - but they didn't take into account that many of us are contagious before we are symptomatic.

So now we are having to overcome the early messaging that was incorrect.