Which mask is best to protect against COVID-19? – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – As the Omicron variant continues to spread, some health professionals have pushed for stronger masks. Some cloth masks feel like they don’t cut it anymore. The CDC comes out and says wear what’s best for you and doesn’t give any specifics to wear.

Masks such as N95 and KN95 are not fitted to children. There are innovative ways to increase protection, says Dr. Michael Petrosky, pediatrician at Allegheny Health Network.

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Parents like Ryan Waltman find themselves in the midst of these changes.

“We obviously don’t want our children to get sick, but we also don’t try to make them look like they’re living in a chaotic future,” he said.

He is following all instructions as best he can for his two children. Dr. Petrosky said in a perfect world, everyone would wear an N95 or a KN95, as they offer the best protection.

“The kids size, it’s really tough because there aren’t many places to go,” says Waltman.

“We live in the real world, so we have to do our best,” said Dr. Petrosky.

According to the doctor, any kind of mask is better than no mask at all. He said that a mask that fits well is the goal.

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Dr. Petrosky said on Zoom: “Fit is an important thing. “Make sure the mask fits, hugs the nose, limits the gaps on the face and under the chin.”

He said one way to improve cloth masks is simply to double it with widely available disposable masks. The combination creates a stronger seal.

“Sometimes you get air gaps on the side or even above the nose. Putting them together, they can help pull them down,” says Dr.

“You’re just riding the wave all the time with this thing. You just have to do the best you can,” Waltman said.

To avoid fake masks online, Point Park University computer science professor Jeffrey Seaman says you shouldn’t always buy one. He says counterfeit coins can be more expensive in the long run as you will have to spend more money to replace them.

To avoid trouble, use stores you know and check the website to make sure it looks legit.

“Always look and see if there is a small gray or green padlock in the upper left to determine that it is using a secure site and that it is not unsafe,” says Seaman. “Hackers can get your information.”

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The professor said fake websites can lead to your personal information being compromised.