Coronavirus

The face mask you must use

A face mask can protect you from contracting a cold, flu or other virus — just make sure you get the right kind.

Walk around any crowded area during flu season and you’ll see a common sight: people wearing medical face masks to protect themselves from pollution, germs and other contaminants. With the outbreak of a new coronavirus, these face masks are flying off the shelves in almost every drugstore. But do they really work?

Although disposable face masks block large particles from entering your mouth, a more tight-fitting N95 respirator mask is far more effective at protecting you from airborne illnesses.