Essay Sample: The Benefits of Masks

The current virus Covid-19 has taught us so many things on how to protect ourselves ("Coronavirus disease 2019 {Covid-19}"). It has taught us about how serious viruses can be and what we should do to protect ourselves. An example is using a mask. Because of the pandemic, not everyone likes them or believes in masks. The use of masks is beneficial because they slow down the transmission of viruses. Protecting your nose and mouth to keep you from touching your face is where viruses are easily contracted. Masks also protect people that are at high risk from people who do not want to get vaccinated, including children and the elderly. Masks are affordable and easy to use, and even making homemade masks can protect you. Masking up is also a form of respect that we show towards others. Although masks don't appeal to everyone, they effectively protect us from contagious viruses. It is a form of protection anyone around the world can use. It benefits all of us by controlling the spread of any infectious virus. In this paper I will argue how masks are beneficial by how they protect our  nose and mouth and the importance of protecting children and the elderly and how they show respect towards others by using them.      

One fact is that the usage of masks helped control the spread of the Covid. The use of face masks was supported by protecting people while the vaccines were developed. Unfortunately, many individuals still did not believe in the usage of the mask. The effects caused mandatory mask usage in all public spaces. The use of masks helped the spread based on the drop of cases, although not every mask had the same protection. The N-95 mask is the top-of-the-line mask that offers the best defense (Center for Devices and Radiological Health). The drawback is the cost of this mask, but overall, the usage of even a less expensive mask will offer some protection. Homemade masks are also an inexpensive way to get protected. When it is your last resort, there are many ways to make one from cloth, even paper towels. There are many creative ways to make masks and add your design to them, like colors, logos, and customized to your liking. So, there is no excuse not to wear a mask. They are affordable and disposable and are also available in cloth to wash after using.

Protecting your mouth and nose is one of the best ways to prevent getting contaminated. We always cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze, and we get uncomfortable if someone is not covering up when close to us. The reason is that our nose and mouth are the entryways to any contagious virus. And we are sometimes not aware we are sick and expose ourselves to people at high risk (The National Academies Presents: What you need to know about the infectious disease). Unfortunately, we do not see how everyone's body will react to any contagious virus, so masking up is the most beneficial way to prevent transmission.

In schools, kids have been mandated to wear them because kids do not know how to protect themselves fully, and they are kids, so kids play and forget about distancing or covering up. Another reason is some children are asymptomatic, and that leads to the spread of any contagious virus. In schools, it is hard to keep a distance since there are many children in an enclosed space, which leads to school closures.The use of masks made it possible for children to go back to in-person school. The usage of masks makes it possible to control the spread of viruses. If the parent role models the use of the mask, the children will not have trouble adhering to them. The elderly are also at higher risk since their immune system is weaker and other individuals with underlying conditions that even a cold can lead to severe complications. So masking up can positively impact the protection of individuals with any contagious virus. And being sick is not fun, especially if it leads to being hospitalized. Children and the elderly are most prone to getting infected. Masking up is one of the best ways to get protected.

Furthermore, the usage of masks shows that we respect each other by adhering to the use and guidelines. Wearing a face mask to go to a public space shows the type of person you are, and people welcome you in. Stores and any public spaces have mandated the usage of masks for their employees and customers. Because if you are protecting yourself and go into a public space, you need to feel protected to go. Many individuals respect by keeping their distance when not wearing a mask. But the usage of them is still the best way to control, spread and protect us. It is a way to show the use of good moral values and our overall respect at all times.

In conclusion, the problem is getting people to follow guidelines of masks. People also fight for their choice of not wearing them, especially since some people don't care about others' health risks. Or some do not believe in the effectiveness of the mask. Many fight for their freedom of not wearing a mask. The importance is that the only way to get around and try to have a normal life is by protecting ourselves. So masking up should be an easy choice to make. Overall, masks are highly effective and recommended as the easiest way to protect and control spread of any contagious virus (Wang et al).