Wearing a mask can prevent the spread of colds

Wearing a mask can prevent the spread of colds. Many people don’t know much about this issue. Colds are mainly caused by viral infections, and most of them are transmitted through droplets in the air. Wearing a mask can effectively prevent the spread of colds. Of course, you should also strengthen physical exercise and enhance your body’s resistance. You should also eat more vegetables, fruits and other foods rich in vitamins. Let us now take a closer look at how wearing a mask can prevent the spread of colds.

1. Wearing a mask cannot prevent colds.

When it is cold, the cold air you inhale through your nose is already close to body temperature by the time it enters your lungs. This physiological function of the human body is innate and can be enhanced through exercise, which can significantly improve a person's resistance to cold. Wearing a mask artificially prevents this physiological function from being exercised, making people's resistance weaker and making them more likely to catch a cold if they are slightly cold.

However, for people who are allergic to cold air, such as those with respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis or asthma, catching a cold can easily cause acute bronchial spasm. They should keep warm and wear a mask when going out.

2. Wearing a mask does have a certain effect.

Theoretically, wearing a mask sets up a barrier in front of the mouth and nose, blocking viruses or bacteria that cause respiratory diseases from entering the nose or mouth, thereby preventing respiratory infections. However, due to the material of the mask, its fit to the face, how it is used, etc., the effectiveness of wearing a mask in preventing colds may be compromised.

3. It can reduce the probability of infecting others.

When you have a cold or other respiratory disease, you should consciously wear a mask. Because doing so can reduce the release of viruses or bacteria into the environment and indirectly help others reduce the probability of getting sick. By the same token, please cover your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when you sneeze or cough to reduce the spread of viruses or bacteria.

4. Choose a special protective mask or medical mask.

Masks can be roughly divided into three categories. One is the professional protective mask that was popular during SARS. It can protect against infectious viruses smaller than 1 micron and is very effective in preventing the spread of colds.

The second type is a medical mask, which is generally divided into three layers. The outermost layer has a waterproof coating, the middle layer has the function of absorbing germs, and then there is the inner layer close to the skin. The protective effect of this mask is also very good.

The third type is the gauze mask we commonly use. The gauze mask cannot block the virus at all, it can only reduce dust, so it is not suitable.