CDC advises N95s as the best coronavirus masks | Health info

By Cara Murez and Ernie Mundell, health day reporter

SUNDAY, Jan. 16, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Now is the time to update your mask.

Contrary to its earlier advice on face masks, new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks as the best protection against COVID-19, rather than cloth masks.

At the start of the pandemic, supply shortages of N95 and KN95 masks led to the prioritization of these masks for healthcare workers, but these new guidelines are aimed at the general public and are the last to have evolved. throughout the pandemic.

The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus has Americans wondering which facial massager can best help curb infection.

Prior to this update, the CDC began in September recommending people use disposable N95 masks in certain situations — for example, use by people who are more susceptible to serious illnesses, those caring for a person at risk and traveling.

The CDC continues to approve the reservation of a special category of masks called “surgical N95” masks for healthcare workers. Their design helps protect against blood splatter and other operating room hazards, the AP reported.

However, not everyone feels comfortable in an N95, the CDC also stresses that the best mask is one that fits well and is therefore easy to wear consistently.

“Our primary message continues to be any mask is better than no mask,” CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said in a statement Friday. Associated press reported.

The Biden administration has said it will soon begin sending “high quality” masks to Americans. According to PA, the federal government currently has a stockpile of over 750 million N95 masks. More information on the mask rollout is expected this week.

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