How humidity inside mask affects COVID-19 transmission

Wearing a mask creates humidity and prevents COVID-19 transmission.

Face masks have played an important role in battling coronavirus as doctors and scientists have presented many studies that show face masks reduce transmission. Another interesting fact about wearing masks has come to light and this has made it even more important for people to wear one.

Source- AARP

Wearing masks can lower the severity of respiratory diseases in people as the humidity created keeps the nostrils moist which helps the immune system in fighting off SARS-CoV-2. This study was published in ‘Biophysical Journal’ and the study was conducted in NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Increased levels of humidity can also limit the spread of the virus and this defense mechanism removes mucus with the infection, away from the lungs.

There are other benefits of high humidity that happens due to wearing masks. It induces an immune response that produces interferons and that fights off the virus.

Source- Loma Linda University Health News

The study was conducted with four different masks with each of them creating a certain amount of humidity and how it triggers an immune response. The study was not about the mask that produces the best result but about any mask helping in producing humidity.

While there are people being vaccinated now, it takes a while for the immune response to kick-in hence it is best to take precautionary measures and stay safe.

Always wear a mask while going out and practice social distancing to keep yourself and your family safe from coronavirus infection.