Don't throw away those masks!

Twice this week, I had someone say to me that since they have been vaccinated, they no longer have to wear a mask. This statement is not accurate and could even be harmful for them and the general public. I keep hearing the words "I am safe because I have been vaccinated." Safe from COVID-19 infection? No. The correct statement is that you have a significantly lower risk of developing COVID-19, but we are not 100% safe. The director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, Dr. Saad Omer, was quoted on NPR stating that "the vaccine doesn't switch our normal life back on." Omer referred to the vaccine as more of a dimmer switch, which I thought was a great analogy to understanding that we are not turning it off but dimming it a few notches. The infectious disease experts are still recommending that you wear your mask, social distance, and follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, even with the vaccine. As much as we want to get back to normal, the reality is that we are still in a pandemic and we need to do everything possible to stop the spread of the virus. My parents are in their mid-80s and I have not seen them for almost two years. I would love nothing more than to visit them and give them hugs, so I really do understand the difficulty we are all having with the break from normal. I can only suggest that we be smart about our safety and make good, science-based decisions. Speaking of science: Did you know that a vaccinated person can still spread the virus? What? Yes, you read that right. The first thing to consider is that vaccines are not 100% effective and the subgroup analysis of the clinical studies showed that both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines were slightly less effective in the older population. The vaccines are about 86% effective in ages 65 and older. The second part to think about is it takes a few weeks after the second dose to allow the spike protein to stimulate the body to make memory cells against COVID-19. Mutations of the virus, which can be found in the United Sates, are the third area of concern. The United States has a new mutation that was discovered in Los Angeles and has spread to 18 states. The mutation is being labeled CAL.20C, and not much is known about mutation coverage with the vaccines. The last but most important point is that someone who is vaccinated can get a mild form of COVID-19 or be asymptomatic but spread the virus. Scientists believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter the nose and replicate before the body detects and destroys it. While it is replicating in the nose, it can be spread to others through air droplets. So these are the five best reasons why everyone should still be wearing a mask! The CDC on Feb. 10 released information on a new study relating to mask safety. This study looked at the best way to wear masks to reduce COVID-19 particle size droplets from being exhaled from the respiratory tract. Cloth and medical procedure masks (common blue masks that you would see hospital workers wearing prior to COVID-19) are not as effective as the N95 masks that fit much tighter. The CDC study found that loose-fitting masks or masks that gapped were only about 50% effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 particle size droplets. Tightening the masks and eliminating gaps improved their effectiveness. The study showed that twisting the ear loops or knotting the ties of medical procedure masks helped reduce gaps and respiratory droplets. It also found that placing a cloth mask tightly over the medical procedure mask improved the effectiveness to 85.4%. The CDC study suggested that placing a cloth mask or neck gaiter over the medical procedure mask would help improve the fit to reduce gaps. The CDC suggested that one could take a plain pair of sheer nylon hosiery and cut a gaiter to pull up over the mask to hold it tight. I tried to resist the urge to make a comment about not wearing it into the bank or your local store but I failed. Seriously, the point is that wearing a mask that fits tightly, avoids gaps, and covers the nose and mouth is still essential, whether you have been vaccinated or not. So do not throw away your masks! Wear them properly and help turn the dimmer switch on COVID-19. Talk to your health care professional for more information or call ONU HealthWise at 419-772-3784. Kier is a pharmacist on behalf of the Ohio Northern University HealthWise team.