Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
To stay safe from coronavirus but not throw a billion face masks into landfills, can i use a fabric mask? i've seen them online and they look nice.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Likely waste of $: Most recent data suggest the face masks do little if anything to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Good hand washing done frequently with soap & water is more effective overall. It is a cultural event in the orient to wear face masks anytime you feel sick, as it would be wrong if you spread your germs to another. It is actually a social taboo not to wear one.
Answered 2/6/2020
104 views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
I heard that coronavirus face masks should be the denser N95 masks. Isn't that a waste of money for bearded guys as the mask can't seal on the beard?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Went to the supermarket wearing a fabric mask. Took the mask out when I got home. The outside of the mask touched my whole face. I wore it again to go to a pharmacy.Can I get infected with Covid19 if the outside of the mask is infected with Covid19?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
A technician was wearing a bandana mask but when he was outdoors, he took it out and talked to me. I was wearing a cloth face covering.He was 6 ft from me. I let him talk for a few seconds ( may be 5-6 secs& left him). Can I get Covid19 if he has it?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Should I throw away my hats to prevent reinfection from tinea capitis ? Can the fungus stay on the fabric on the hat?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
What are the best ways to clean or disinfect a cloth/fabric face mask, especially to kill the coronavirus?
Would sewing a face mask with two layers of fabric and a piece of micron hepa filter fabric cloth from like a vacuum bag work at all to protect you from coronavirus?
I am a teacher. When I am around kids, I wear 2 masks ( a surgical mask under a cloth mask and filter). I also wear a face shield. I still dont feel safe. Is there a nasal sanitizer that you suggest? How can I keep myself from getting this virus?
Is it worth it to buy surgical face masks or N95 masks to protect against the novel coronavirus, even if the masks are expensive?
If my hands are always clean and I make sure I never touch my face, will wearing N95 mask help protect from Coronavirus? If not, can you please explain exactly why? Thank you.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
