Coronavirus Protection

Widespread fear from the spread of coronavirus has more people turning to surgical masks to protect themselves.

Many stores are sold out and prices are skyrocketing, but doctors say there are better ways to keep from getting sick.

Mask come across as a take-no-chances approach that has become more prominent than ever. However, doctors say masks don't really help healthy people.

“For the general population, masks are not where we should focus our prevention efforts,” said Dr. Santiago Neme, an infectious diseases expert at UW Medicine.

Instead of wearing masks, the advice from medical professionals is that people should wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their face, mouth, nose or eyes.

“Masks really don't block the particles,” said Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, health officer with Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Air can come around the side of them and you can inhale the droplets if someone close to you is coughing or sneezing."

Duchin said stay at least six feet from someone who is coughing or sneezing and don't trust a mask for protection.

“There is some speculation that they can hurt in the sense that people may not take the other precautions that we suggest,” Duchin said.

However, doctors say masks can be effective and should be worn by people who are already sick.That will help contain their coughs and sneezes from spreading to healthy people standing nearby.