I think many would agree with me when I say that 2024 has not been very kind to us. It definitely wasn’t the best year. For a lot of people, it might be the worst year of their lives and I can understand why. That is how we all feel because of the COVID -19 pandemic. It is probably one of the worst outbreaks of a virus in modern society. But do not exactly know how to stop it or treat it. The only thing we can do to prevent it right now is to wear a face mask.
However, it seems like a lot of people still do not understand just how important it is to wear a face mask during the outbreak. Either they do not understand or do not believe the facts. But, we have to try and convince as many people as possible that face masks are mandatory if you want to stay safe and protected from Corona.
Of course, this will not protect you 100% from the virus, but at least it reduces the chances of getting sick or spreading it to others.
To help people understand why it is so important to wear this kind of protection in 2024, I decided to write this article and talk about all the potential health consequences.
1. You can get COVID-19
The most obvious risk or health consequence of not wearing a mask is the fact that you can contract COVID-19. This information should be enough to scare you into using a face mask every single day, no matter where you go. Whether you want to go out just for a couple of minutes to walk your dog or if you want to go to the gas station to buy something to eat, you should always have a mask with you.
Keep in mind, if you wear a mask, it does not mean that you are 100% immune to the virus. There is still a chance that droplets might go through the material and into your mouth. It is also possible to contract the virus through your eyes or even years.
But, if you keep your mouth and nose cover, the chances that you are going to get Corona are much smaller.
Remember, all of this depends on what kind of mask you are wearing. For example, if it is the surgical type, it will filter out most large particles or droplets, but smaller droplets could get through the material.
If you want higher protection, you should go for N95 as suggested by this website. These types of masks filter through 95% of the particles and small droplets in the air.
But, I think it is also important to understand the fact that even the cheapest cloth type of face mask is much better than nothing. It still considerably reduces your chances of contracting the virus.
2. You pose a risk to others
During these times, during a pandemic, it is essential not to be selfish. The more self-aware we are and the more we are willing to help each other, the faster we will get rid of this awful situation. All of us should strive and fight against the virus, otherwise, we will be stuck with it for years. At least, until a vaccine is developed. But, who knows how long that will take? Or whether there will be enough supply for everyone.
So, one of the main health consequences of not wearing a mask is the fact that you are a risk to everyone else around you. Every word, cough, or sneeze you do without covering your mouth is a danger. It exposes all those around you with your saliva. This is dangerous because you might be a carrier of the COVID-19 virus, but you just don’t know it yet. You might be asymptomatic. This means that you don’t experience any kind of symptoms.
By not wearing any protection over your mouth or nose, you could infect hundreds of people in just one day.
3. There is no alternative
The facts are simple. The health consequences are the fact that you are exposing yourself and others to COVID-19 a lot more than needed.
What people need to understand is that we simply do not have any alternative right now. We have only a couple of ways of protecting ourselves and each other. The first and most important rule we have to follow is social distancing. If we keep our distance, the chance of spreading the virus is almost zero. The second rule is to avoid grouping. No more than 3-4 people in a group.
Last, but not least, is to just wear a mask. If you care about those around you, keep your face covered all the time. At least, outside of your home.
4. Prevents you from touching your face
Even after a full year of dealing with the Coronavirus, it is still not exactly clear how it can be transmitted. We do not know how long the virus can survive on surfaces. Does it stay on a wooden surface for a few minutes or for 12 hours? What about metal, plastic, or a surface from any other material? This information would be essential to help us stay safe, but unfortunately, we do not have it.
This is why the World Health Organization advises everyone to keep their hands away from their face. Do not scratch your eyes, nose, or anywhere near the mouth. Do not lick or put your fingers in your mouth. This might sound like an easy thing to do, but it is not. Subconsciously, we are constantly touching ourselves.
Fortunately, if you have a mask on your face, it can prevent you from touching your mouth or nose. Whenever you go for a scratch, you will notice that your face is covered and you will reconsider.
In these troubling times, we have to be as selfless as possible and listen to what the doctors, scientists, and other experts have to say about all of this. We hope that in the near future we will see a vaccine against COVID-19.