How Masks Help Protect People From Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory viruses spread most readily to people with close contact (about 6 feet or 2 meters). When someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice, respiratory droplets spray into the air. You and others can catch the illness if you breathe in these droplets, or if you touch these droplets and then touch your eye, nose, mouth, or face.

Wearing a face mask over your nose and mouth keeps droplets from spraying out into the air when you are speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Wearing a mask also helps keep you from touching your face.

You can choose to wear a mask and take other steps to help prevent respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu from spreading:

• When there are high rates of respiratory illness in your community
• If you or the people around you have a respiratory virus and are sick or recovering from the illness
• If you or those around you are at risk for severe illness from respiratory viruses

About Face Masks

When choosing a face mask, follow these recommendations:

• The most effective mask is the one that fits you comfortably and well that you will wear consistently.
• The face mask should fit snugly over your nose and mouth, against the sides of your face, and secured under your chin.
• Look for masks with a nose wire to help prevent gaps and prevent fogging if you wear glasses. Antifogging sprays may also help.
• While most all masks provide protection, some respirators (N95 and KN95 masks that meet certain standards) provide the best protection if worn properly.
• If you have a weakened immune system or are at high risk for severe illness, wear a mask or respirator that provides the highest level of protection (such as an N95 or KN95 mask).
• If you use cloth masks, they should be made of at least 2 layers of fabric that can be laundered in a washing machine and dryer. For extra protection, you can wear a cloth mask on top of a disposable surgical mask (creating a double mask). If you use a respirator (an N95 or KN95) mask, you should not double mask.
• If you have a beard, try to use a mask that fits around your beard or trim your beard to help with the fit. You can also use a mask fitter or wear a disposable mask under a cloth mask. Even if you have a beard that is not trimmed, wearing a mask will still help protect you.
• Make sure you can breathe comfortably through the mask.
• Do not use masks that have a valve or vent, which can allow virus particles to escape.
• In cold weather, scarves, ski masks, and balaclavas should be worn over masks. They cannot be used in place of masks, as most have a loose knit material or openings that allow air to pass through.

The CDC provides more detailed information on ways to increase mask protection.

Learn how to properly wear and care for a face mask:

• Wash your hands before placing the mask on your face so that it covers both your nose and mouth. Adjust the mask so that there are no gaps.
• Once you have the mask on, try not to touch the mask.
• If your mask becomes wet, you should change it.
• Once you return home, remove the mask by touching only the ties or ear loops. Wash your hands after removing the mask.
• Do not share masks or touch masks used by other people in your household.

Face masks should not be worn by:

• Children younger than age 2
• People with breathing problems
• Anyone who is unconscious or who is unable to remove the mask on their own without help

For some people, or in some situations, wearing a face mask may be difficult. Examples include:

• People with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Younger children
• Being in a situation where the mask may get wet, such as at a pool or out in the rain
• When doing intensive activities, such as running, where a mask makes breathing difficult
• When wearing a mask may cause a safety hazard or increase the risk of heat-related illness
• When talking to people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing who rely on lipreading for communication

In these types of situations, staying at least 6 feet away (2 meters) from others is particularly important. Being outside can also help. There may be other ways to adapt as well, for example, some face masks are made with a piece of clear plastic so the wearer's lips can be seen. You can also talk with your health care provider to discuss other ways to adapt to the situation.

COVID-19 - face coverings; Coronavirus - face masks; Respiratory viruses - face coverings

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Community respirators and masks. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/publicppe/community-ppe.html. Updated May 16, 2023. Accessed April 22, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. How to use your N95 respirator. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/publicppe/use.html. Updated May 16, 2023. Accessed April 22, 2024.

Updated by: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 04/26/2024.