N95, KN95 Best Mask Options, Where to Buy Online, Sources, RX, Kids, Fakes, Tips. Next Pandemic?

[appalachiablue]

- 'N95 and KN95 masks are your best mask option—here’s where to buy them online,' USA TODAY, Jan. 6, 2023. Ed.

- Excerpts -

COVID-19 continues to be an issue as kick off 2023 and approach the 3-year anniversary of the pandemic. While mask mandates have long been lifted across the country, some institutions have recently reinstated them following the holidays, including a few school districts. A large factor in the rising cases is the latest variant, XBB.1.5 which is said to be 5 times more contagious than omicron & accounts for more than 40% of new cases. Compounding this are other sicknesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Fortunately, KN95 & N95 masks remain an effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19 & other sicknesses given their 95% efficacy. Here's everything you need to know when buying masks and where you can buy legitimate ones online.

Why choose N95 masks?..The argument for wearing an N95 respirator is that it's the gold standard of face coverings. With the proper fit, masks approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can filter up to 95% of particles in the air. When dealing with a respiratory virus like this coronavirus, N95 masks can make a large difference in protection from infection.

In Feb. of 2022, the CDC posted a report showing the efficacy of various masks, with respirators, surgical masks and cloth masks lowering the odds of COVID-19 infection by 83%, 66% and 56%, respectively. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, recommends upgrading masks: "If you're in an indoor public setting, that's where we recommend that you wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask. With how transmissible it is, I feel that we should all be wearing a higher quality, better mask."

N95 vs KN95 vs KF94: What to know: You may have seen talk about both N95 & KN95 masks, sometimes—& inaccurately—used interchangeably. At face value, they're similar, & both are rated with 95% filtration efficiency. The main difference between the 2 boils down to what country or organization certified the standard of quality of the masks..* RX: There are many pharmacies that offer free masks, though websites are not tracking current inventory so you’ll want to call the store to confirm their supply before going to get any.* TIP: It’s most effective to use a fresh face mask every day & replace it as needed throughout the day. If that’s not an option, you can consider rotating N95 masks every couple of days, storing the mask in a breathable paper bag in between uses, a method that many healthcare professionals used when PPE supply was limited..

.. Where to buy N95s and KN95s masks online and in-store:...

- Read More, https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/reviewed/2023/01/06/n-95-kn-95-masks-where-buy-them-prevent-covid/10996541002/
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- Also: 'As Covid Turns 3, Experts Worry about Next Pandemic -And If We're Ready,' USA TODAY, Jan. 4, 2023,

.. Now, in addition to worrying about a virus that might jump from animals to humans, experts are concerned about research accidents and – what should be unthinkable – the possibility of someone intentionally unleashing a highly contagious and lethal pathogen.

A pandemic has long been known to be far riskier for global security than conventional, nuclear or chemical warfare, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of public health law at Georgetown University and a leading expert in global health.

"We've seen that play out with COVID, and COVID is far from the worst pandemic threat that we face," he said.

Although COVID-19 has killed more than 6.6 million people worldwide, other pandemics have been more lethal. The 1918 flu is estimated to have cost 50 million lives across the globe, and in the 14th century, the Black Death killed 30% to 60% of all Europeans in just four years. Public health and national defense experts worry the next pandemic will come at an even higher price than this one. And they say the nation needs to be ready...
- More, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/01/01/covid-anniversary-next-pandemic-expert-concern/10847848002/

[hlthe2b]

1. It is fine to focus on quality masks, but especially with RSV (and flu) remember

the former especially remains viable for quite some time on inanimate surfaces which you then touch and self-contaminate mucus membranes of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Flu similarly but is a little less "hardy". So as easy as it is to make a little error--rubbing your eye, or nose with contaminated hands you just may have become infected. Eye protection (glasses) can help especially in crowded environments like planes.

So, you need to do more than mask. Hand washing is paramount. And eye protection may just clinch your avoidance especially around those sneezing/coughing.

[appalachiablue]

4. Very good information to have, thank you. I removed 'XBB, Flu & RSV' from the title..

I thought it might cause confusion, sorry The article specifically addresses Covid and only mentions the other compounding viruses now circulating.

[Peregrine Took]

2. We always wear our KN95's but how to clean them?

Plain paper bag? Microwave?

[appalachiablue]

3. The article doesn't cover usage in depth or cleaning, but notes to look for fraying, wear and tear,

and loose straps. Maybe someone here will provide info./guidelines. I read a while ago that you shouldn't spray or treat masks with alcohol to try to clean or reuse them because it could damage the masks.

[appalachiablue]

7. I think a lot of people are curious about this. DU has several doctors that are members

here, likely nurses too and a couple members have children/relatives in those professions. You could post the question about cleaning masks in an OP here in the HEALTH section and see if there are suggestions. Best.

[multigraincracker]

5. Just ordered some with

tie straps. After all in a mask, my ears hurt.

[woodsprite]

6. We buy them from the local paint stores.

Their DIY/homeowner stores sometimes carry them (3M N95), but we’ve had better luck going to the commercial branches of those stores (Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams). Also have ordered boxes off of Amazon in the past.