7 precautions that you must take before wearing a mask

There are still some very fundamental steps that you miss when putting on your mask.


So many of us depend on the masks to keep us safe these days, but if you do not take the appropriate precautions when using your mask, you could put you at risk. Currently, most of us bought a suitable non-surgical mask and use it regularly in the last month or more. But there are still some very fundamental steps that you might miss whenMask. To help you, we talked with experts for the essential mask precautions you need to take every time you put yours.

1
Wash your hands.

black woman washing hands at sink
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It is now the common knowledge that during the pandemic coronavirus, you should bewash one's hands Well and often. But if you do not clean before putting your mask, you make a big mistake. "Your hands must be washed before manipulating and after use forPrevent germs from spreading [your] eyes, mouth and face mask, "saysWill Hampa, aHealth and safety expert In the U.K. The last thing you want is accidentally contaminating the element supposed to protect you. And for more ways that you are secretly contaminating, check11 ways to spread germs throughout the house without realizing.

2
Check tears or holes.

Person looking for holes or tears in their face mask
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According to the Department of Public Health of San Fransisco,Before putting a mask, users should first check holes or tears. If a hole in your mask goes unnoticed, they could be unwanted germs through the opening, which would cancel the goal of the mask and make youMore likely to Covid-19. And for tips on when it's time to get a new mask, check7 signs that you must replace your facial mask as soon as possible..

3
Determine which one is the front, the back, the up and down of your mask.

Learning how to put on a mask properly
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Before pandemic coronavirus, most people were not familiar withwearing face masksSo, it should be emphasized that there are correct and incorrect ways to use a mask. The San Francisco Public Health Department suggests that you determine which edge of the mask must be at the top and what side of the mask is the forehead. Determine the correct orientation of the mask helps ensure that this will do its job properly.

4
Try your mask.

Senior man putting on a protective mask for coronavirus at home
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"People who have never used these people before finding hard to wear and may feel claustrophobic," says Hampson. Because of this, novice mask carriers should give themselves a little time to adapt to their mask at home so that they do not feel uncomfortable while walking outside. In this way, you did not require a change of breath while wearing your mask with aCOVID-19 symptom. And learn which mask you should avoid completely, discoverIt's the type of mask you should never wear.

5
Touch your mask by links or loops.

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Dimitar Marinov, MD, a medical expert working on theControl and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, previously saidBetter lifethat you should "Never touch the inside or outside of your mask"Instead, put it and remove it using only the links or loops, he says.

6
Adjust your mask before leaving the house.

Woman making sure mask is comfortable before wearing
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The masks are not the most comfortable accessory, but before going to the door, you must make sure that your mask is comfortable enough for you to not be tempted to oppose. "The last thing you would like is to adjust the mask outside, because hands contaminate the outside of the mask after, say you open a store door," highlights Hampson. Take the time to pinch and prick your mask in the most comfortable position for your face before wearing it outside. And if you can not get from mask, check5 household items to use as facial mask alternatives.

7
Store it in a paper bag.

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When you have finished wearing your mask, you shouldnotPut it in a plastic bag, according toAshley Roxanne Peterson, Do a resident doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Many people store inappropriately their masks in plastic bags when they should be paper bags," she saidBetter life. Paper bags "increase the breathability of the storage bag and reduce infectious growth."

Better life Constantly monitoring the latest news regarding COVID-19 in order to keep you healthy, safe and informed. Here are the answers to your Burning questions , the ways you can stay safely and in good health, the facts You must know, the risks you should avoid, the myths You must ignore, and the symptoms to know. Click here for all our COVID-19 covers , and Subscribe to our newsletter stay up to date.

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