(Photo Source: TIME.com)

How face masks can help protect against the coronavirus

The growing threat of the new Coronavirus, which originated in China and has since infected thousands of people worldwide, has people on edge. Some are turning to face masks to protect themselves from contagious strangers in public. But do they really help?

It all depends on what type of face mask you select, according to the technology blog CNET.

“Although disposable face masks block large particles from entering your mouth, a more tight-fitting N95 respirator mask is far more effective at protecting you from airborne illnesses. Though the risk of contracting coronavirus in the US and other western countries is very small, if you really want to prevent viral infections, your best bet is take all of the precautions you can — including frequent hand washing and avoiding other sick people,” CNET reports. “Dr. Michael Hall, a CDC vaccine provider, tells CNET in an email that N95 respirators are the most protective, but that surgical masks can be worn when taking public transport or entering crowded areas to help protect you from other people’s coughs and sneezes.”

A handful of Coronavirus cases have been reported in the U.S., including college students who contracted the virus while traveling to Wuhan, China and then returned to campus. Earlier this week, all U.S. citizens were airlifted from Wuhan and returned to Southern California, where they were monitored for symptoms of the virus.