Public Health Q&A: What else is going on in the world?
We are still taking questions every week to post them on the blog. We got a few questions this week about masks and what else is going on in the world. Check it out!
1) Because I’ve gotten several questions, both on and offline, related to proper mask-wearing, I’m grouping them here:
a. I must wear a mask on my job, as I work outside the home. My boss keeps saying to change the disposable masks every 2 hours. Is there a time limit to how long you can wear a disposable mask?
i. Ideally, you do not want to wear a disposable mask for longer than a few hours at a time, but there is no advice from the WHO or CDC to suggest a specific time limit that is safer than others. In my professional opinion, you shouldn’t wear a disposable mask for a continuous period for more than 4 hours. Chances are, you’ve accidentally touched your mask or it has gotten contaminated in some way. Likewise, it doesn’t hurt to follow your company’s rules. So, if your boss mandates changing them every 2 hours, please do so. Or, buy a cloth mask.
b. How often should you wash your cloth masks?
i. Cloth masks should be washed after every use. Every single one.
c. Should I wash my hands before putting on my mask, or does it matter?
i. It matters! Wash your hands for 20 seconds, or more, before putting on your mask. ONLY touch the straps of your mask when putting it on and taking it off. Do not touch the mask itself while wearing it, as it may have already been contaminated with COVID-19, or you could contaminate it with your hands. Johns Hopkins has a great infographic on this.
d. Do I have to wear my mask in the car?
i. If you are in the car with someone you do NOT live with, yes! Please wear a mask. If you are in the car alone or with someone you live with, you do not have to wear a mask.
2) What the heck else is going on in the [public health] world besides COVID-19? I just need to hear about something else.
a. Well, September is National Suicide Prevention month, Baby Safety month, and sexual health month. All of which will receive a dedicated blog posts in the next two weeks.
3) Should we go to the doctor for our yearly checkups (OB/GYN, eye doctor, PCP, well-child checkups, etc.)?
a. Prevention is always important. Doctors’ offices are taking extreme measures to keep their patients safe. You must wear a mask, you must wash your hands in the office, and some even make you wait in your car and be called on your cell-phone before entering the office. I will always advocate for you getting your preventive check-ups. However, I like to meet people where they are. So, if you feel uncomfortable or will have extreme anxiety going to the doctor, first talk to a therapist to understand why and maybe find a way to cope. Then, be smart about your decision for either going forward with your appointments or postponing them a little while longer. Personally, I have felt extremely comfortable at every appointment I’ve had in the last few months. I encourage you to keep those appointments as much as you can.
That’s all for this week! See you next Friday!