Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from an infectious disease specialist
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal mask wearing as an important way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
At this time, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask with two to three layers that fits snugly over your face. The CDC recently published new research suggesting that layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask (double masking) when a mask only has one layer, or knotting and tucking a single mask, may improve the fit of masks and provide additional protection from potentially infectious particles.
However, if your mask already has multiple layers and fits tightly, it’s not necessary to double mask.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we’re continuing to closely monitor the latest scientific evidence and CDC recommendations regarding face masks.
Studies from the CDC have shown that face masks effectively limit spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, protecting the wearer and those around them. To slow the spread of the virus, it’s important that everyone in the community wear a face mask. It’s also essential to social distance, avoid gatherings and wash your hands frequently. We also recommend taking the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you.
— Infectious disease specialist Steven Gordon, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Children as young as 6 months should get vaccinated, but dosage guidelines depend on kids’ ages and past vaccines
Studies have shown promising results, but additional research is needed
Walking pneumonia is milder and doesn’t always require medication — but it’s also highly contagious
Infection and inflammation can cause you to lose your voice and have other voice changes until you’re fully healed
A COVID-19 infection can bring on depression or anxiety months after physical symptoms go away
Just like the flu, COVID-19 continues to evolve every year with new and smarter variants
The latest omicron subvariants carry specific mutations that may allow the SARS-CoV-2 virus to be better at evading immune protection
Research shows the virus can affect your ability to get or maintain an erection
When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more
You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being
