LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — If it's a choice between a bad mask or no mask at all, Dr. Craig Martin at the University of Kentucky will choose the former every time.
"I think masks are incredibly important. If you're worried about whether your mask is effective, don't choose not wearing a mask," Martin said.
Martin said there are a few good ways of testing your mask's efficacy. First, he suggests holding it up to the light. It's probably not offering optimal protection for you or those around you if you can see through it.
Second, Martin said, it's good to hold a candle or lighter up to your face while attempting to blow out the flame. If you can't, or the flame only moves a bit, your mask is likely in good shape.
Martin said he's worried about flu season mingling with COVID-19, and mask-wearing will be more critical than ever, even as our positive coronavirus cases have risen since the Governor's mandate went into effect.
"A mask is just one part of the equation," he said.
Martin noted that the summer months made it more challenging to adhere to social distancing guidelines. He also discussed the health ramifications many people have worried about while wearing a mask.
"There's no validity to that. The folks who are worried about getting those health problems from wearing a mask are those who'd probably benefit most from wearing a mask," Martin said.
