We are seeing images of masses of people in airports wearing masks to prevent the spread of the novel (new) Coronaviras infection that originated in China just a few weeks ago. But do they help?
The quick answer is, yes, masks do help reduce the spread of respiratory viral illnesses. But what type is best? Are there other things we should be doing too? Or do we really need to worry about all this yet in most parts of the world?
How dangerous is this new virus?
We know that thousands die every year from influenza, the regular yearly flu. Although many of us think of it as “just the flu”, 61,000 Americans died in the 2018-19 flu season among almost 43 million who were infected and 647,000 hospitalized. And that was just in the US. The Health Canada website states that 12,200 are hospitalized each year due to the flu and 3,500 die because of it.
So far, as I post this on the morning of January 31st, 2020, approximately 9,825 cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus have been identified worldwide and 213 have died. You can check current numbers here. While that’s far fewer than the number who died last year from regular influenza, the percentage dying is what’s startling… 2.2% for the Coronavirus, as compared to 0.14% for the flu…over 16 times the rate!
And, unlike the flu, we don’t yet have a vaccine to prevent its spread. With worldwide travel so common now, it’s understandable that authorities are worried and taking action to try to contain the infection.
After our experience with SARS, a similar coronavirus that caused 8,098 cases and 774 deaths, the international community has moved quickly to contain the Wuhan coronavirus. China has essentially quarantined millions of people at the center of the outbreak—a move that is unprecedented.
Because of this, your risk of catching the novel coronavirus is very low presently if you are outside China. But there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of catching either the influenza or coronavirus…
How to you catch coronavirus or flu?
Like the flu, the coronavirus can spread from person to person, generally through fairly close contact. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing viruses are sprayed into the air. Just like misty rain, these droplets settle onto nearby surfaces. Depending on how “virulent” or strong the virus is, it can remain infectious for 24-48 hours or even up to 7 days on hard surfaces (length of time varies with the virus and type of surface, although virus’s ability to cause infection generally decreases after 24 hours).
Infectious droplets can potentially be inhaled by another person if they are close enough when someone coughs, sneezes or even when they talk, causing an infection. Once the droplets settle onto nearby surfaces, viruses can also be transmitted by touching a virus-contaminated surface then touching the face with the contaminated hand.
Ways to prevent the spread…
So, the first piece of advice is to wash your hands frequently and to avoid touching your face when in public or anywhere an infected person might have been. Disinfecting surfaces that a sick person may have touched or left droplets on can also reduce the spread of the illness.
Secondly, if you are going to be in close proximity to someone who is infected, for example, caring for a family member who is sick with a respiratory virus, wearing a mask is likely to decrease your chance of becoming ill. If you are going on a long international flight, the need for a mask is more questionable, depending on where others on your flight may have been in the previous 1 to 2 weeks. Carrying a disposable mask and putting it on if someone seated near you is coughing or sneezing is one strategy some travellers are considering, due to the emergence of the new coronavirus. I have not seen studies to prove whether this is a beneficial strategy, as yet, but wearing one creates little discomfort for the wearer and the cost of a regular disposable surgical mask is very low.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you can reduce the chance of passing it on to someone else by wearing a mask. And, of course, staying home when you’re sick is the most effective way of containing a viral infection.
Masks can serve two functions:
1.)They can prevent inhalation of contaminated droplets in the air and can prevent their release into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
2.) They prevent the person from touching their face with potentially contaminated hands.
Which type of mask is best?
While some masks are more effective at blocking inhalation of tiny particles and droplets, such as the “N95” mask that blocks 95% of inhaled particles, all masks have been shown in studies to lower the risk of transmission of viruses from person to person when in close proximity. But it is always recommended to pair wearing a mask with frequent washing of hands.
Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds or using a sanitizing handwash has also been shown to reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection. Several studies of combining handwashing with wearing a mask, even a simple surgical mask, have shown that the risk of catching influenza from an infected person living in the same household was reduced by 70 to 80%!
Lastly, although perhaps this should be the first piece of advice, be sure to keep all vaccines up to date, especially if travelling. There are few good excuses for not getting the annual flu shot but, obviously with flu-related deaths in the thousands, many don’t think it’s important. But the flu generally peaks in February, so it’s not too late to get it. Reports suggest they may have a vaccine for the Wuhan coronavirus within 5 to 6 months.
Meanwhile, the risk of catching the coronavirus remains low in most countries where few cases have occurred, unless a person is in close direct contact with someone who is actually infected with the virus.
So, thus far, you’re more likely to catch the flu virus than the new coronavirus, unless you’re visiting China where most cases have occurred. But, remember that proper handwashing can help prevent the transmission of any respiratory virus.
How to wash your hands properly
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
2. Apply soap and lather hands by rubbing together with the soap.
a. Studies have not found added benefit to using antibacterial soaps, other than in healthcare settings.
3. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse hands well with clean, running water.
a. If using a public washroom, it may be advisable to use a paper towel to turn off the tap, although it has been debated whether significant numbers of germs are transferred between hands and faucets.
5. Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
6. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you can’t use soap and water.
a. Apply enough product to the palm of one hand to wet hands thoroughly.
b. Rub the gel over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry. This should take about 20 seconds.
c. Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty and may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides or heavy metals.
I’ve made it a habit to wash my hands and remove shoes as soon as I enter my home. Now, if I can just learn to keep my hands away from my face and use that hand sanitizer I carry around in my purse more often…
References and additional reading:
Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World—Bloomberg.com
2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Handwashing: Clean hands save lives—CDC
Does wearing a mask prevent the flu?—Healthline
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)—Wikipedia
How long to six common bacteria and viruses last outside the body? Idealresponse.uk
This is how long cold and flu germs can live on surfaces like doorknobs and subway poles--health.com
