Can you still catch a cold if you always wear a mask?

It is still possible to catch a cold even if you always wear a mask, although the risk can be significantly reduced.

Masks help reduce the spread of droplets and aerosols that can contain viruses. This reduces the chance of inhaling viruses that cause colds, such as rhinoviruses. Masks can also help prevent you from touching your face, which can help reduce contact transmission of viruses from contaminated surfaces to your nose and mouth.

If you have a cold, masks can prevent you from spreading the virus to others and help reduce the overall spread of germs in your environment. Masks do not provide 100% protection. Viruses can still be transmitted through small openings or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

Cold viruses can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or telephones, or by touching your face. Even with a mask, these transmission routes can still contribute to catching a cold.

The effectiveness of a mask depends on the type of mask and how well it is worn. A poorly fitting or poorly made mask offers less protection. There are many different viruses that cause colds, and some may be less effective at blocking them than others.

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(24)00192-0/fulltext

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024