Because the virus is still somewhat of a mystery, many people — especially those in China, where the outbreak is centred — have started wearing face masks to protect themselves from getting sick. (There’s allegedly already a face mask shortage in some cities in Asia, and many Amazon sellers have sold out.) Another 2009 report found that, in tandem with frequent hand-washing, face masks lowered people’s risk of getting the flu by about 70%. There are two types of face masks that can help cut your odds of getting coronavirus: Surgical face masks and respirators, also known as N-95 masks. Those are surgical face masks, and what doctors, dentists and nurses use while treating patients.

Source: Huffington Post January 29, 2020 01:10 UTC