Is it still necessary to use face masks?

Is it still necessary to use face masks?

That is a question a lot of people are asking. Many feel that getting vaccinated does not require the use of face masks. So, is it still necessary to use face masks?

The answer is yes!

Some might still ask why?

The why my friends are because of three things:

1. It is common courtesy and a decent human thing to do. There are still many who have yet to be vaccinated. Our children are still at risk, especially the younger ones who are still not eligible for the vaccine. 
2. While the new vaccines will probably prevent you from getting sick with the Covid, it is still undetermined if it will keep you from spreading it to others.
3. The virus is still mutating. Not even our scientists know to what extent it is transmittable or if the new variants are immune to the vaccines.

Contents:

• Is mask-wearing in public still mandatory?
• What you need to know.
• Exceptions of wearing a face mask.
• Are you already vaccinated? Is it still necessary to use a face mask?
• Common problems people have using a face mask.
• My final thoughts

Is mask-wearing in public still mandatory?

In South Africa, it is very much so. It is mandatory to use a face mask in the following areas:

• health care services
• passenger transport services
• airports and airplanes
• people in quarantine
• indoor public places
• indoor workplaces

My personal opinion is that if you can wear a mask, wear it!

People are NOT socially distancing. I see it all the time. Even driving around, I see how people don’t feel that it is necessary to use a face mask.

What is much worse to witness is that some who are wearing their face masks don’t seem to know how to wear them.

I mean, what is the purpose of using a face mask if you are going to use it hanging from your ear or leaving it under your chin, or removing your face mask to talk to someone.

Come on, my FRIENDS, you should know that defeats the whole purpose of prevention.

All everyone is talking about is the new Omicron variant. I have been privy to some very misinformed info surrounding that topic. It is common for people to go into ”panic” mode when they don’t fully understand what is happening or they rely too much on the gossip mill for their info.

Recent research shows that South Africans infected with the Omicron are less likely to be hospitalized. Omicron causes milder symptoms compared to the previous variants.

Scientists believe that this may be because very few South Africans have never been exposed to the coronavirus- either through a vaccine or a natural infection.

 So by the time Omicron hit our shores, it was unlikely a primary infection, but rather secondary infections, also known as reinfections.

The thing about secondary infections from SARS-COV-2: they tend to be milder. As a result, the population as a whole most probably had built a significant amount of immunity to COVID-19.

However, the findings in this study should be addressed with caution and not misinterpreted the wrong way. Everything is not A-ok; we are all not in the clear. Research is still ongoing and, their data is not conclusive, so the necessity of using face masks is still that- a necessity. Face masks are still the most effective way of preventing transmission of the virus from person to person. Other countries globally may not be in the same ”boat” as South Africa, and this new variant can still be a threat.

 What you need to know

When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. It is not a substitute for social distancing. When you use a face mask, it should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps. Wash your hands before and after removing your mask.

Your mask helps protect everyone around you.

 

Exceptions of wearing a face mask

In some circumstances, there might be a possibility of not wearing a mask.

Those are:

• people that have a physical or mental health illness or condition, including persons with obstructed breathing
• serious skin condition on the face
• an intellectual disability
• mental health condition
• a person who has experienced trauma
• persons communicating with the deaf or hard of hearing, and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication.
• persons working by themselves in an enclosed indoor space
• persons lawfully required to remove their mask for identification purposes
• children two years and younger

Are you already Vaccinated? Is it still necessary to use a face mask?

I have so many people who have argued this point with me. While I believe that every one of us should get vaccinated, I also feel that there is no guarantee that it will protect us 100%. So, until we reach that point, I will still follow all the protocols, including wearing a face mask.

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes Covid-19, change over time.We have witnessed many variants of this virus, including the latest Omicron. Very little has been discovered about this variant, except that scientists believe it poses a case of concern.

Until we learn more, we must use our face masks and adhere to all the protocols.

Common problems people have using a face mask

Use your mask correctly.

First and foremost, you must use your mask correctly. Ensure that you wear your face mask properly, ensure that it fits your face, and cover both your nose and mouth. 

Bad breath

If you are one of those people that complain about having bad breath after using a face mask, then you are not alone. Wearing a mask for prolonged periods can change the way you breathe.

Humans primarily breathe through the nose. When wearing a face mask, you may feel like airflow is restricted, and you will begin to breathe through the mouth. Mouth breathing dries up saliva. It allows bacteria to build inside the mouth, which leads to bad breath and cavities.

Solution:

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks.
2. Avoid eating smelly foods such as onions and garlic.
3. Clean your mask. Every time you exhale, you expel bacteria and sulfides on the inside of your face mask. When you inhale, you suck all that bacteria back into your mouth, making your stinky breath worse. Wash your reusable face mask regularly and change your disposable masks frequently.
4. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day. Do not forget to visit your dentist regularly so that they can detect signs of any dental problems that can cause your bad breath.

Dry and chapped lips

Dry and chapped lips are a common problem that many faces. The easiest solution is to apply petroleum jelly on your lips before wearing your face mask. 

Skin irritation

A lot of people experience this problem. If you Are one of those people that suffer from acne, peeling skin, rashes, and itchiness then, dermatologists suggest these tips:

• Wear the correct mask and make sure it is a comfortable fit.
• Avoid using makeup when using a face mask.
• Cleanse and moisturize your face daily before and after you wear a mask.
• Use petroleum jelly to protect your lips.
• Avoid using new skincare products that may irritate your skin.

Foggy glasses

Having foggy glasses has been one of the major problems I have had to deal with while using a mask. I spent endless hours on the internet looking up solutions. The first hack that I tried was to place a folded tissue inside my face mask. It helped by absorbing the warm moist air before it could fog up my glasses. It did work until I found something better, which I will share with you in the video below. After trying this less than a 5-second hack, I am proud to say that I never had foggy glasses again:)

My Final Thoughts

Until I am 100% sure that we are over this virus, I will always feel that it is necessary to use a face mask. This virus is still taking lives daily around the world. In the grand scheme of things, using a face mask is a small price to pay compared to the chance of losing a life.