lawrence magazine / winter 2020
61
Doctors on Masks Infectious disease physicians Christopher Brychel, M.D. and Christopher Penn, M.D. of Lawrence Memorial Hospital addressed some common questions and myths about wearing a face mask. If I wear a mask, will I be able to get enough oxygen? Dr. Penn: A mask will not prevent oxygen from reaching your nose and mouth. Surgeons, surgical nurses, surgery technicians and many others have been wearing masks for extended periods every day without untoward effects. I’ve got a medical condition such as asthma or COPD. Is it safe for me to wear a mask? Dr. Brychel: In very rare instances, some individuals may not be able to tolerate a mask due to underlying lung issues. It should be noted that those individuals are at an exceptionally high risk of dying from Covid and should likely avoid public interactions. Am I breathing in more bacteria or virus if I wear a mask? Dr. Penn: No.There is no evidence that masks lead to bacterial, fungal or viral infections of the upper or lower airway. However, masks that become soiled should be replaced and masks should not be worn for more than one day before laundering (if cloth) or replacing. If I’m wearing a mask, I don’t need to social distance – right? Dr. Brychel: Social distancing is still encouraged even if a mask is worn. Cloth masks only offer a certain degree of protection for the wearer and even medical-grade masks have their limits on filtering capacity. —Interview courtesy Jessica Brewer, Lawrence Memorial Hospital
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