Replies

Yours is another sad example of what is wrong with the approach of our so-called “leaders”. Esp. the Governors and the CDC. They appear to be worthless and have left the people ignorant.

Here’s how masks work, used properly:

On the supply side (infectious person exhaling, sneezing, etc.) the virions are in mucous droplets large enough for even a decent quality surgical mask to catch almost all of them. There are some good vids on YouTube utilizing high speed high resolution cameras to demonstrate this. Cloth masks vary — the better ones are pretty good. Non-valved N95’s and better are actually overkill for this, but also see below.

Further, the mask provides a warm moist environment so the mask fibers can soak up droplets more effectively, like a slightly moistened cloth rag for cleanup, rather than a dry one.

Successful infection depends on several factors, but keep in mind that one’s innate immune system will generally prevent infections by “small” numbers of virions. Large numbers will tend to overrun the innate immune system. The larger the numbers of virions that get past the innate system, the more severe the infection is likely to be. Thus, so-called “viral load” is a big deal, and minimizing it is important. Masks do not stop all virions, but, properly used they DO reduce the viral load one is likely to encounter if going to, say, the grocery store. So, people who talk about masks not “stopping” a virus are correct in a sense, but badly educated. The idea is to reduce the number of virions one might encounter in, say, a few hours in stores. Call it slowing the rate of inhalation of virions if you wish. Keep that rate low, and most people will not get sick, and the number with serious or fatal cases will be reduced. This is not a black and white or “precise” sort of thing, but as a general trend it IS in effect. It is VERY basic virology and epidemiology.

For protection against incoming virions, because even with everyone wearing masks properly, a Wal-Mart that happens to have a large number of spreaders in it is going to have a significant level of virions about, and more vulnerable folks and those taking care of vulnerable folks are at some risk... ...That’s when non-valved N95’s are needed.

N95’s are VERY effective in trapping small / dry virions in the air because they utilize permanently (unless abused) charged polyester fibers. (This charge is sometimes known as an “electret” effect: It is used a bit differently in about a zillion electret condenser microphones.) Anyway, essentially these fibers’ static charge grabs particles as they go by. Smaller particles are actually nabbed more effectively than large particles because the small ones have less momentum to surface area ratio. (Other layers of the N95 mask target larger particles or droplets conventionally.)

There are other aspects to this: Masks help keep one from touching their nose (polite way of putting it) and then another surface, or vice versa. And so on. But your main argument is about the size of the virions, and, I’m sorry, you have been left in ignorance and told a bunch of bunk.

Who in the Gov’t is educating the people about this?

…………………..
…………………..
…………………..

(Crickets.)

Now, what IS true is that masks used without good attention to mask etiquette, handled without sanitizing one’s hands, not sterilized if reused, not worn / formed to minimize leakage, and so on, can themselves be a source of infection or can be poorly effective. Again, I have seen a few vids on You Tube put up by private individuals or groups addressing these points, but I’ve not seen one worthwhile PSA on TV or the Web educating people that masks must be used with good attention to detail to work well. Nor does there seem to be ANY advertised information put out by States, the CDC, etc., regarding mask quality or certification, and so on. Instead we just get heavy-handed mandates and what I call namby-pamby ads that we should wear masks to show our love for others.

Worst of all, for those at risk or those like me caring for an elderly parent, who must “get out” sometimes, certified quality N95’s are STILL virtually impossible to purchase. Yes, the filter media is a bit hard to make, but, Good God, this is the country that freakin’ buried the industrially powerful Axis in WW2.

WHAT THE (very hot place - sorry, JimRob)!!!!!!!!!

Rant off — the rant itself is NOT directed at you. And I hope the information helps. Ok? :-)