Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 1
Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
Vicki Thompson
School of Nursing, Liberty University
Author Note
Vicki Thompson
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Vicki Thompson
Email: Vthompson42@liberty.edu
Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 2
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many unknowns regarding the virus
itself, and how to not only protect ourselves, but others. As healthcare workers, the wear of a
surgical mask is normal. However, all other sections of healthcare and the general population,
mask wearing is new. The question lies, when it comes to the COVID-19 virus, does the use of
masks work? This research examines the comparison and effectiveness of the different types of
facemasks for protection amongst healthcare workers and the general population, along with how
effective the masks are to reuse.
Keywords: acquiring COVID-19 virus, mask, protect, handwashing
Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 3
Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
The use of surgical masks have long been a practice within healthcare. We, as the general
population, have always known they protect the wearer, as well as the patient, from airborne
particles, which lead to illness. With the development of the COVID-19 virus, little was known
in regards to how it is transferred and what is the use of protection. Since the development of
COVID-19, all healthcare workers wear N95 respirators and surgical masks, as well as the
general population. The general population also wear cloth masks. This research review focuses
on the effectiveness of these masks in addition to the standard precautions of gowning, use of
gloves and handwashing. It also focuses on the effectiveness of reuse. Research continues on
this subject. It is our responsibility to protect not only ourselves, but others around us.
This leads to the question: Does the use of masks, along with standard precautions,
among healthcare workers and the community reduce the risk of acquiring the COVID-19 virus?
This research review was chosen from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ),
which explores this question. There are several different methods of facemask protection that the
general population are now wearing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s (CDC) article titled, “Masks Protect You & Me,” N95 respirator masks, surgical and
cloth are all safe to wear in the protection of COVID-19, only if worn properly, and they cover
both the nose and mouth, with a fit snug against the face that allows for no gapping, and fitting
snug over the bridge of the nose (CDC, 2021). However, vented and thin fabric masks that do
not block light, are not safe (CDC, 2021).
To address the question if face masks help to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
the Mayo Clinic answers that question with a yes (Mayo Clinic, 2021). It is also stated that, in
addition to handwashing and physical distancing, face masks can help to slow the spread of the
Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 4
virus (Mayo Clinic, 2021). When it comes to reuse of masks for protection, surgical masks and
N95 respirators are intended to be disposed of (Mayo Clinic, 2021). However, with the short
supply of N95 respirators amongst healthcare workers, “researchers are testing ways to disinfect
and reuse them” (Mayo Clinic, 2021, para. 8).
As you can see, when it comes to protection from the COVID-19 virus, we do have
several ways to protect ourselves and others. The use of surgical, N95 respirators and cloth
masks do work, in combination of proper hand-washing and social distancing. With the hopes of
additional research, we can find out if N95 respirators can be used for future use. Cloth masks
are reusable, and surgical masks must be disposed of. If we can all do our part, this will help to
slow the virus and protect us all from this virus that has taken so many lives.
Protecting Yourself From COVID-19 5
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (2020). Clinical Guidelines and
Recommendations. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from
https://www.ahrq.gov/prevention/guidelines/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Masks Protect You & Me.
Retrieved
March 28, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (1998-2021). How well do facemasks
protect against coronavirus? Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/
diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449
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