An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Face masks prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19945.htm
Face masks prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
Overview
Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These viruses spread to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the virus who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit snuggly across your cheeks helps reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Wearing a face mask may also protect you from infection.
Review Date 1/1/2025
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
