Language
Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

News

HomeHome / News / Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
search
RECENT NEWS

Oct 04, 2023

Face masks are still a good idea at the doctor's office, study says

Jan 24, 2024

Elevate Your Shower Experience With These Soft and Absorbent Cotton Bath Towels That Are 67% Off for Memorial Day

Jul 12, 2023

FDA expands hand sanitizer recall to at least 75 brands across the U.S.

Jul 15, 2023

Hand Sanitizer Market is Anticipated to Reach US$ 3.7 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.2%

Aug 29, 2023

The Trail Is Not Your Toilet: Bathroom Hygiene When You’re Out on the Trail

SEND YOUR INQUIRY
SUBMIT

Oct 14, 2024

Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

Generally, masks can help act as a filter to reduce the number of germs you breathe in or out. Their effectiveness can vary against different viruses, for example, based on the size of the virus. When

Generally, masks can help act as a filter to reduce the number of germs you breathe in or out. Their effectiveness can vary against different viruses, for example, based on the size of the virus. When worn by a person who has a virus, masks can reduce the chances they spread it to others. Masks can also protect wearers from inhaling germs; this type of protection typically comes from better fitting masks (for example, N95 or KN95 respirators).

There are many different types of masks that have varying abilities to block viruses depending on their design and how well they fit against your face. Cloth masks generally offer lower levels of protection to wearers, surgical/disposable masks usually offer more protection, international filtering facepiece respirators (like KN95 respirators) offer even more, and the most protective respirators are NIOSH Approved® filtering facepiece respirators (like N95® respirators).

All of the prevention strategies described in this guidance can be helpful to reduce risk. They are especially helpful when: