Medical experts and health agencies worldwide have spoken: Wearing face masks would help the nation curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), said data showed that face masks and covering could potentially bring the epidemic under control. He claims that having everybody wear masks could help the nation recover from the virus within four to eight weeks.

There is a host of myths being circulated that claims masks do not prevent transmission. Other posts claim coverings cause harm to wearers. Medical experts debunked the myths and explained the truth behind the controversial masks.

Myth: Homemade cloth masks protect users against COVID-19.

Earloop masks and homemade cloth face coverings do not protect the wearer from the virus. However, it helps in preventing the spread to others.

Myth: Face masks should only be worn by those who have symptoms.

COVID-19 affects people in different ways. While many develop severe illnesses, others only get mild symptoms. There are also cases where the coronavirus-positive individual never showed signs of the virus.

A recent study said asymptomatic cases are responsible for the majority of transmitted cases. The so-called silent spreaders could also sustain outbreaks.

Myth: Electroceutical fabric could neutralize the virus.

Initial research found that electroceutical fabric can neutralize the virus within a minute of coming into close contact with the cloth. The results have yet to be reviewed by peers or receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Myth: Wearing a mask can lead to lower blood oxygen levels.

Several posts on various social media platforms claimed that wearing face masks could reduce the oxygen levels in the blood enough to result in hypoxemia. Health organizations have yet to issue warnings suggesting masks could deplete oxygen levels in wearers.

Masks are made with materials that do not constrict airflow. Surgeons often wear surgical masks for prolonged periods. Additionally, a device called pulse oximeters showed wearing masks would not cause a decline in blood-oxygen levels.

Myth: Only the N95 mask can limit virus transmission.

N95 masks are incredibly crucial in hospital settings, especially when doctors or nurses need to intubate a patient. However, cloth masks and surgical masks aim to keep the general public from inhaling a large volume of virus particles.

Breathing in a small amount of virus may only lead to a mild infection, at worse. However, inhaling a large volume of virus particles can result in severe or fatal symptoms.

Wearing a mask would not eliminate the risk of infection. However, it significantly reduces the chances of contracting and transmitting the virus.

A face shield with a drape at the bottom edge is also a useful alternative for face masks. In Los Angeles County, officials require employees who regularly come into contact with other people to wear a face shield.

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