8 Things You Need to Know About Wearing a Surgical Mask

8 Things You Need to Know About Wearing a Surgical Mask

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If you choose to wear a surgical mask to help protect yourself from infectious droplets that may occur when people cough, sneeze, laugh, or talk, then here are some important things you need to know:

  1. Make sure the mask has no tears or torn straps.
  2. Secure ties properly according to instruction depending on mask style.
  3. Do not leave a mask hanging off one ear or hanging around your neck.
  4. Remove the mask if the mask gets wet or soiled.
  5. To remove the mask safely:
    • Do not touch the front of the mask, as it is contaminated after use.
    • For ear loop masks: remove the mask from the side with your head tilted forward handling only the loops.
    • For tied masks: remove by handling only the ties and untie the bottom tie first and then the top tie.
  6. Properly dispose of the mask.
  7. Wash your hands before applying and after removing a surgical mask.
  8. Do not reuse a mask; toss it after wearing it once.

You can also protect yourself by doing the following:

  • Avoid people who have symptoms of acute respiratory infections
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Avoid touching your face