Do masks keep you from getting sick?

Families became very familiar with wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. And many people wonder — do masks prevent flu and other common viruses?

Carla Garcia Carreno, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Children's Health℠, shares insight on how masks work, when to wear one and other tips for avoiding common illnesses.

How do face masks prevent viruses and other infections?

Diseases like COVID-19, the flu and common colds spread through small droplets that travel through the air when a person coughs, sneezes and talks. A face mask acts as a barrier to help prevent the spread of those respiratory droplets. Masking can reduce the spread of disease when worn by:

• People who are sick, reducing the number of droplets that travel through the air when they cough, sneeze or talk (called “source control”).

• People who are not sick. Covering your mouth and nose makes it more difficult to breathe in droplets that can make you sick.

“Many people associate masks with COVID-19, but health care providers use masks to reduce the spread of many other illnesses too,” Dr. Carreno says. “For example, a patient who might have the measles comes for evaluation, doctors, nurses and staff will all wear high-level protection masks (N95) or respirators to reduce the risk of contracting the infection. Simultaneously, the patient and family members should wear a mask to prevent spreading infectious particles."

Who should wear a face mask – and when?

If you are currently sick, consider wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of germs when:

• You can’t avoid being around other people (for example, you have to go to the grocery store or to medical appointments).

• You are in close contact with others (such as living with multiple family members, sharing bathrooms, etc.) and want to keep them from getting sick - especially if they might be especially vulnerable to infections such as infants, elderly people or people with compromised immune systems.

If you are not currently sick, consider wearing a face mask if:

• You are going to be in close proximity to someone who is sick.

• You are going to a crowded indoor space such as public transportation, a mall or concert and are worried about getting sick.

“You might consider wearing a mask in these situations especially if you are more vulnerable to infections such as elderly people or those with compromised immune systems,” Dr. Carreno says.

What kind of mask should I use?

You might consider different types of masks depending on your situation:

• Cloth masks can provide some protection. Use a cloth mask if it’s the only mask available. Cloth masks are effective in preventing the spread of infection when used by the sick person when used as “source control.”

• Surgical face masks offer more protection than cloth masks. They are effective in protecting against the spread of most respiratory viruses including the flu and common cold viruses.

• N95 or respirator masks offer the most protection. These are the masks that are indicated to prevent catching infections spread by airborne particles, which are very tiny droplets that will travel longer distances and remain suspended in air for longer periods of time. These infections include measles, chickenpox and tuberculosis.

“If there is somebody vulnerable in the household, I would recommend wearing a surgical mask at minimum – especially for that vulnerable person. The person who is sick should also wear a mask,” Dr. Garcia Carreno says.

Should I wear a mask on the plane?

Whether or not to wear a mask on a plane is a personal decision – but it can’t hurt.

“Masking on a plane may help you avoid getting sick, so you might consider it, especially if you have an immune deficiency or may be at higher risk of complications for illnesses,” Dr. Garcia Carreno says.

How do I properly wear a mask?

Make sure your mask:

• Completely covers your nose and mouth

• Fits snugly and securely on your face

• Includes multiple layers of fabric

• Is breathable

• Can be washed and machine dried without changing shapes (for cloth masks)

When removing your mask, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands immediately after removal. You should also routinely wash your face mask after use if it's washable.

What are other ways to prevent the spread of viruses?

You can help prevent COVID‑19, flu and other viruses by making sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations. These everyday precautions can also help prevent the spread of germs:

• Stay home if you are sick

• Practice proper hand hygiene (see tips for hand washing)

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away tissue in trash after sneezing

Read more about how to prevent common illnesses in children.

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