Reasons Why You Should Still Wear A Mask Everyday

1. Should we wear masks?

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Since the pandemic in 2020, we've all grown more used to wearing masks for the safety of others. In a lot of countries outside of the US, residents wore masks long before the pandemic. While many of the mask mandates have lifted, there are still a lot of benefits to wearing one.

2. If you're prone to respiratory issues

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As we said, masking is no longer ~required~, but if you have respiratory issues or a high-risk immune system, wearing a mask can still prove beneficial for you. While many have debated the effectiveness of masks, according to the CDC, they do indeed help lower the risk of infection.

3. COVID-19 is still a thing

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While numbers have decreased, COVID-19 is still out there! If you are already at risk, it might be a good idea to mask up, especially if you're indoors and in a crowded space. Of course, we know more about COVID now and many of us are vaccinated, but just use wisdom!

4. If you have COVID-19

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If you are currently having COVID-19 symptoms or you've tested positive, you should still wear a mask, for the safety of others. This is especially important if you're going to an area with high-risk people (i.e. Nursing home). It will also help it from spreading to the rest of your family or other people you come in contact with.

5. It protects you from a lot of diseases

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Whether it's the flu or another virus, evidence proves that masks can protect against viral spread. So go ahead and keep that mask on during peak flu season to help reduce transmissions! Of course, a flu shot is always beneficial along with hand washing hygiene. The mask is just an extra layer of protection.

6. You have a trip coming up

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Perhaps you have a family vacation or work trip coming up that you want to be sure you're healthy for. Wearing a mask is a great way to avoid illnesses. Especially if you're in confined and crowded spaces like a bus or an airplane. You definitely don't want to miss your trip to the Bahamas because you get the flu!

7. It protects those around you

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We touched on this a bit already, but besides helping protect you, masks protect those around you from any virus you might have. Please wear a mask if you're going to be around someone with immune-deficiency. These people's bodies are already fighting off other diseases. It includes everyone from chemotherapy patients to those with organ transplants.

8. You have cold or flu symptoms

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These days it's hard to know if it's a cold, the flu, allergies, or COVID. So it's probably for the best to keep a mask on you just in case, even if you just keep it in your back pocket until you need it. While we don't have to test every time we sneeze anymore, it's still good to have a mask on hand!

9. People around you are wearing one

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If you see people around you wearing a mask, it might be a good idea to pop one on. You never know what viruses other people are dealing with, and the gesture helps everyone to feel more comfortable. It helps keep people safe. If you're not sure, you can always ask!

10. You just want to wear one

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You are also more than allowed to continue to wear a mask for your own comfort level in whatever situation you find yourself. You don't have to have a specific reason or sickness to wear one. Some people prefer them as a layer of safety. The pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of people, so just do what makes you comfortable!

11. It's not a political issue, it's a health issue

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A lot of people tried to turn masks into a political agenda, but at the end of the day, it's a health and safety precaution. So whether you choose to wear one or not, please don't shame others for their decisions. Just do your best to protect yourself and those around you!

12. The benefits of wearing them properly

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Masks can reduce transmissions of viruses by up to 70%! But, they have to be worn correctly in order to do so. That means, over your nose and mouth. You should also wash your hands before you put your mask on and make sure it's snug but comfortable on your face. Cloth masks can be stored in their own bag and reused that day, but then needs to be washed.

13. They're simply good hygiene

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Medical professionals have been wearing masks to protect themselves from diseases for a long time. They also wear them to keep their own germs from being passed. As mentioned, there are other cultures who have worn masks regularly for a long time. So at the end of the day, it's really just good hygiene.

14. On public transport, you'll probably want one

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We mentioned this briefly earlier, but the reality is, most buses and trains don't get adequate ventilation. Especially in cities where these modes of transportation are overpacked, masks can protect you and others. A lot of essential workers and elderly people use public transportation, so it helps keep them safe. Plane air filtration systems are better, but it's still a lot of people in close proximity.

15. When you're listening to your favorite band

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Again, crowded indoor spaces definitely raise the risk of any type of infection spreading. So when you're in a small space with a lot of people like a theater or concert venue, the risk is much higher! If it's outside, there's way less to worry about, but wearing a mask at an indoor venue is a good call!

16. When you're in the supermarket

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Similarly, when you're shopping or going to the grocery, you may want to mask up. A professor used the comparison of someone smoking indoors. If that happened, would you be able to smell it, or even taste it? Yes, and the same goes for the spreading of a virus.

17. You're unvaccinated

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There are a lot of reasons why people have chosen to not get the COVID-19 vaccine. Whether it's for personal reasons or health reasons, at the end of the day, you should probably mask up. With the different variants happening, it's possible to get re-infected, even if you are vaccinated. But the illness and infection is worse for those who aren't.

18. You may not realize you're contagious

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As we mentioned, it's unlikely that you're still testing every time you get a little sniffle. But wearing a mask, even when you think you're healthy, can be beneficial. It helps keep you from unknowingly spreading a virus to others, especially coronavirus. Masks give people a sense of social responsibility.

19. They might actually be good for the economy!

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A report said that masks actually helped the economy, because when lockdowns happened, many people became unemployed. As masks were being more widely used, the growth rate of the virus slowed, which allowed people to return to work and resume life. While the economy was affected, it could have been much worse if lockdown would have continued.

20. It's low effort compared to other options

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If we were to experience another pandemic, masking is one of the low-cost strategies to help slow the spread. Compared to the alternatives, it's minimal effort, relatively cheap, and easy. When combined with social distancing and hand washing practices, it can alleviate the stress that comes from viral outbreaks.

21. You don't have to wear an N95

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Studies have shown that cloth face masks with a certain number of layers, when washed daily, are incredibly effective. They don't have to be medical grade, especially when that can take away from health care professionals. Cloth masks can be purchased online or even made at home.

22. Times you shouldn't wear a face mask

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Obviously if you're in the comfort of your own home and healthy, then there's no need to mask. If you're sick, then you can to help protect your family. Other situations would be swimming in a public area, of course! Babies also need not wear masks. If you TRULY feel like you can't breathe in a standard mask, you should see a doctor, because you likely have a respiratory problem.

23. Just remember to wash it!

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We've touched on mask hygiene a few times in this list, but the reason is that masks collect germs. Whether you sneeze into the mask, or cough, or even just your normal breathing, it's super important to wash your mask after each use. You can wash them by hand or in the laundry.

24. It helps even if you're the only one!

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Even if you go to an event or an indoor space where no one else is masked, if you're wearing your mask properly, it will still provide protection for you. The biggest thing is to be consistent in mask wearing and making sure it's fit properly on your face.

25. Even when it doesn't always make sense

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We've all seen the people who would wear their mask to the restaurant, and as soon as they're seated, they would remove it. Wearing a mask is always safer than not wearing one, but everyone has their own sense of risk. While you're unmasked and eating, there's a higher risk for spread, but it's still a good habit to wear your mask as much as possible.

26. It gives you a sense of privacy

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There are some people who have continued to wear masks simply, because it allows you to keep your emotions hidden and feel more private in different spaces. Maybe you still wear one at work so your co-worker can't see you smirking at his presentation. People are also more likely to stay out of your bubble if you're wearing one.

27. Others say masks give them freedom

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In a similar vein, many people have said that masks allow them a level of invisibility. Many people with anxiety have found comfort in wearing a mask as it often means they don't have to engage with as many people. It also shows community solidarity with those who weren't able to get the vaccine due to health issues.

28. What type of mask should you get?

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As we mentioned, it's best to leave the medical grade masks for the professionals. That being said, a multiple layer cloth mask is highly effective. You don't want a mask that has any sort of valve or opening, and you need to find one that fits you snugly. It's also important for you to be able to breathe in it (duh!).

29. What's proper mask etiquette?

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Beyond a snug fit and regular cleaning, be sure not to touch the inside of the mask with your hands as you put it on. This helps prevent contamination, both ways. If you sneeze or cough while wearing it, be sure to not touch the inside when removing, and wash your hands before and after. Don't allow the mask to slip below your nose, and don't slide it up on your forehead or neck.

30. We know they're not perfect

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Of course, masks cannot be barriers of transmission to 100% effectiveness, but when combined with other concepts like social distancing and contract tracing, it brings the combined efforts to a very effective level when it comes to slowing transmission and even reducing infections.

31. Helpful tips for preventing the spread of germs: count to 20 while you wash your hands

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You might think you're washing your hands thoroughly enough, but just like with the two minute teeth brushing rule, there's an optimum length you should be washing your hands! Count to 20 in your head every time you wash, making sure to get the back as well as the palm.

32. Have a sanitizer always with you

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It really helps to carry a hand sanitizer around with you wherever you go, because there might be a time that you don't have access to a tap to wash your hands. Especially when traveling and touching things in public, having sanitizer in your bag for a quick freshen up will help.

33. Use a tissue - and dispose of it immediately!

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Carrying tissues around with you all the time is just as helpful, too, so you can cough or sneeze into one instead of doing it into your hand. Make sure to dispose of the tissue immediately, too, instead of scrunching it up in your pocket or your bag in order to avoid germ spreading!

34. Don't have a tissue? Use the crook of your elbow

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You might not have a tissue on you when you need one, though, and if this is the case, the next best option is going to be the crook of your elbow. It might sound gross, but this is because it's better there than into your hand, which you're then going to use to touch things.

35. Don't share drinks bottles with others

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Sometimes you might lend your water bottle to a friend, or share a drink bottle with a partner when you're both thirsty, but no matter who it is, sharing bottles will just increase the spread of germs and be worse if they're already ill and don't know it yet, making it pass onto you!

36. Keep on top of your daily vitamins

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Having enough daily vitamins will make sure that your immune system is in the best condition it can be, so if you're not getting enough vitamins from your everyday diet, make sure to take some multivitamins and supplements to get everything you need on a daily basis.

37. Don't share things related to your head/hair!

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When we think of germs, we mostly think of mouths, noses and hands but your hair can actually be just as bad! Be careful not to share hats, brushes, bombs or hair bands with anyone else, because there are a lot of germs on your head/hair and these will easily spread.

38. Always stay home if you feel sick

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This can be very difficult in this day and age because we know a lot of employers make you feel bad about ringing in sick, or you feel like you have to force yourself into work for extra cash... but if you're really ill, going into work is going to make you feel worse while spreading your germs to everyone else.

39. Use hot water to kill germs

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The best way to kill germs is to use hot temperatures, so make sure you're using hot water when you need to to eliminate germs. This means hot water and a hot wash for bedding or dishes after you've been sick especially, instead of going for a cold/cool wash.

40. Take care around older people

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Older people are going to be more vulnerable to germs and getting ill, and especially during the time of the pandemic. If you've been invited to things like family gatherings with older relatives and you feel like you might be coming down with something, it's safer to tap out!

41. Make sure you're getting enough sleep

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Getting enough sleep is the best thing you can do for your body and your immune system. Lack of sleep puts you more at risk of falling ill very easily, and having your immune system unable to fight off infection. You should aim for at least eight hours of sleep a night.

42. Wash your hands after handshakes or hand contact

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We know this can be tricky if you're shaking a lot of hands during the day (like at business meetings) and you can't run to the toilet after every one, but try your best to wash your hands as often as you can if you're shaking people's hands, holding hands or having hand to hand contact.

43. Fruit and veg are your best friends

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Healthy fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and these are going to help support your immune system, too. This will give your body more of a fighting chance and it's less likely you'll get ill, meaning less of a risk that you'll be spreading germs.

44. Avoid double dipping!

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If you're someone who eats out a lot with other people, like groups of friends or family, you might want to avoid on the double dipping at the table, like with your fries. If you're going for round two with something you've bitten into, you're risking the spread of germs to others using the same dip.

45. Breathe outdoor air as much as possible

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If you spend a lot of time indoors, breathing in indoor air all the time is anything but fresh, and especially if you're sharing the house with other people that might be ill. Getting outside as much as possible to breathe in fresh air will help you to not be breathing in as many germs!

46. Avoid touching your face when you can

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Try to be more mindful about how often you're touching your face, like when you're leaning you chin on your hand at your work desk, or rubbing your eyes and head when you're tired. We know just how many germs can be on your hands, so you don't want to then transfer them to your face!

47. Don't share earphones with others

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You might want to give one of your earphones to your friend so you can both enjoy your latest Spotify playlist, but in reality this is pretty gross seeing as there can be a lot of germs on just one earphone. Headphones aren't as bad, but if you've had an earphone in your ear, don't have someone else put it in theirs!

48. Avoid crowded places in flu season

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If you know that it's that time of year where flu, germs and anything else are rife, then you'll want to avoid crowded places as much as possible, and especially at peak times. This goes for grocery shopping, mall visits, cinemas, or going to events or indoor concerts!

49. Find others ways to show love for family and friends

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If you spent a lot of time with others you likely hug, kiss on the cheek, sit close to, shake hands and all the rest! If you're worried about spreading germs, try to keep your distance and use other ways to stay close with loved ones, like blowing them a kiss instead of cheek to cheek contact!

50. Always take your doctor's advice

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At the end of the day, your doctor is going to know best, so if they recommend things like certain vitamins or for you to have a flu shot, then you should take their advice in order to best protect yourself - and others - from germs. You can even make an appointment to talk with them about options.