{"id":40443,"date":"2021-09-09T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-09T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=40443"},"modified":"2024-05-28T10:43:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T14:43:26","slug":"cold-and-flu-masks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cold-and-flu-masks\/","title":{"rendered":"Do masks prevent cold and flu viruses?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year, everyone has gotten used to wearing masks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the world is slightly opening up again and it\u2019s time to send kids back into classrooms this fall, other infectious diseases like cold and flu viruses are on the rise. If you went back to work or sent your children to camp this summer, they may have come home with some nasty germs such as the common cold, influenza, or other viruses like the stomach flu. Wearing a mask is commonplace to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but mask-wearing can also help protect you and your family from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/common-cold-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common cold<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/influenza-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/influenza-a-vs-influenza-b\/\"><b>Influenza A vs. B: Which is worse?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold and flu masks: What\u2019s the recommendation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/professionals\/infectioncontrol\/maskguidance.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CDC) has published information about guidelines regarding wearing a mask to help prevent transmitting and contracting flu viruses. They say it\u2019s best practice to wear a medical-grade mask if you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate cold, flu, or coronavirus including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing or other respiratory distress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle or body aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny or stuffy nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CDC also warns that people can be contagious even when asymptomatic before or after symptoms occur. To be safe, people can wear a mask to help prevent getting sick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Except in healthcare settings, wearing a mask may be new to us in the U.S., but mask-wearing to prevent catching or giving germs is not considered strange in other parts of the world. \u201cRoutinely wearing a mask to avoid transmitting or being exposed to colds or flu is common in other countries,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidzmedical.com\/provider\/kunjana-mavunda-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kunjana Mavunda, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a Florida-based, board-certified pediatric pulmonologist at KIDZ Medical who specializes in travel medicine. Now that you\u2019re used to wearing masks for COVID prevention, you can incorporate mask-wearing into cold and flu prevention as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When are face masks effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masks help with infection control and reduce cold and influenza virus transmission. \u201cMasks do add a layer of protection, which has been confirmed in the research regarding flu transmission specifically,\u201d Dr. Mavunda says. The reason is that the way the cold and flu spreads can be blocked by the usage of a mask. Masks are especially effective if:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. You\u2019re around someone who is coughing or sneezing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCOVID, flu, and common cold are all viruses and are transmitted either through respiratory droplets or contact,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theranova.com\/team\/dan-burnett\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daniel Burnett<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a California-based physician. \u201cMasks protect against transmission through respiratory droplets via blocking large droplets from leaving the user&#8217;s mouth\/nose or from entering another&#8217;s mouth\/nose.\u201d When you cough or sneeze, or even breathe heavily, you release small particles through the air. These particles can contain germs and increase the spread of influenza and cold viruses. Similarly, when you breathe around other people, you are sharing their air and therefore can contract their illnesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. You\u2019re returning to school or work<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors have seen less cases of seasonal influenza and the common cold during the pandemic. \u201cDuring this pandemic, masking, adequate hand hygiene, and social distancing used for prevention of COVID-19 transmission led to significant decline in infections with other respiratory viruses such as influenza, parainfluenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in all age groups, from infants to the elderly, and this in turn led to less exacerbation of chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD,\u201d Dr. Mavunda says. One upside of the pandemic is a break from the season of sickness, which is a relief to everyone, especially people who are at high risk when it comes to respiratory infections. Unfortunately, returning to work or school is causing a resurgence of cold and influenza transmission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. You might touch your face<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masks have another, somewhat hidden way they keep you from getting infected with respiratory illnesses. \u201cMasks also protect against contact transmission,\u201d Dr. Burnett explains, \u201cby discouraging the most likely source of contact infection: touching of the user&#8217;s face with fingers that have become contaminated.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What type of mask is best?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best masks to help prevent cold and flu and those that are sold as medical-grade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical masks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The simple, surgical masks or medical masks healthcare workers wear are effective, as are the heavy-duty N95 respirators that were flying off shelves during the first part of the pandemic. \u201cAn N95 allows ~5% of droplets that are 0.3 microns in size to pass into the mouth\/nose and even that is only if they are professionally fit,\u201d Dr. Burnett says. The use of masks can be as simple as buying a pack at the grocery store.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fabric masks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fabric masks come in a wide variety of thicknesses and therefore protection levels against respiratory illnesses. \u201cThe typical cloth mask does provide protection against aerosolized droplets which can also carry the virus,\u201d Dr. Burnett says, but the CDC advises two layers of fabric to protect yourself and others. During the pandemic, wearers often double masked with fabric masks to make sure they are protected and protective. The wearer can also check the packaging and purchase fabric or synthetic materials in masks that are approved to prevent the spread of disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vented masks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masks with vents keep <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protected but allow you to spread droplets to others and are not approved or recommended for flights or other high-contact areas. Masks with nose wires are ideal for ensuring a tight fit over your nose so air cannot escape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face shields<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other face coverings like face shields and gators are not protective enough on their own and must be used with a proper-fitting mask. People with beards must be extra careful to ensure proper, tight fit. Children over the age of 2 should wear appropriately sized masks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of usage, follow the mask guidance from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/about-face-coverings.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC\u2019s best practices<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding coronavirus:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash reusable masks after each use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispose of paper masks after each use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear the mask correctly: It must cover your nose and mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure proper fit and material: Your mask should fit snugly while still allowing you to breathe comfortably.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/face-masks\/\"><b>Face masks 101<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CDC outlines the best cold and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-the-flu\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> flu prevention techniques,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> many of which we are familiar with as ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice frequent handwashing, following proper handwashing technique with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use alcohol-based hand-sanitizer when you cannot use soap and water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a disposable tissue for any nose blowing or wiping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid touching your face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid close contact with people who are sick<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay home if you\u2019re sick and isolate for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean and disinfect possibly infected surfaces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/keyfacts.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get vaccinated<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as soon as a flu vaccine is available if you are able to receive the vaccination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get tested if you suspect you may have COVID-19<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/flublok-quadrivalent\"><b>Flublok coupons<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/flumist-quadrivalent\"><b>FluMist coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you get sick with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2019\/0901\/p281-s1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or the flu, unfortunately, the best thing you can do is wait it out and manage your symptoms and take over the counter or prescription medications as recommended by your healthcare professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best practices include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get plenty of rest and fluids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/saline-nasal-spray\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saline spray<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help with nasal congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take an over the counter <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sudafed-sinus-congestion-24hr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or prescription expectorants such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/guaifenesin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guaifenesin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to cut down on mucus\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take over-the-counter pain medication such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acetaminophen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to help with aches and pains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-cough-medicine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough medicine <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to relieve your symptoms and help you get rest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the flu, healthcare providers can prescribe antivirals such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tamiflu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamiflu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (oseltamivir), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/relenza-diskhaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relenza<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (zanamivir), Rapivab (peramivir), or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xofluza-40-mg-dose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xofluza<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(baloxavir marboxil)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For severe colds, healthcare providers can prescribe <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ipratropium-bromide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold medication <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or recommend <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zinc-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zinc supplements<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen combined with other practices, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-wash-your-hands\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hand hygiene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/social-distance-coronavirus-isolation-precautions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social distancing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, masks do have a role to play,\u201d Dr. Mavunda advises. The flu can be dangerous and, every year, leads to hospitalizations and death. Do your part, get your flu shot, and plan to wear a mask this cold and flu season to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This year, everyone has gotten used to wearing masks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the world is slightly opening up again and it\u2019s time to send kids back into classrooms this fall, other infectious diseases like cold and flu viruses are on the rise. If you went back to work or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":39597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[11169,14636,8905],"coauthors":[20599],"class_list":["post-40443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-cold-flu","tag-coronavirus","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Does wearing a mask help prevent cold and flu viruses?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The CDC recommends wearing a mask if you have cold, flu, or COVID symptoms. 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