Coronavirus prevention: Humidity inside the mask can lessen the severity of the coronavirus

There is no denying the fact that facemasks can help protect people from spreading and getting the novel coronavirus. A new study has added another reason why you must wear your facemask.

As per a new study, the humidity created inside masks helps hydrate the respiratory tract and benefits the immune system, which can lessen the severity of coronavirus infection.

The study was published in the Biophysical Journal. As per the research, the higher level of humidity in inhaled air could explain why wearing a mask is linked to lower disease severity in people infected with the virus as the hydration of the respiratory tract benefits the immune system.

Higher levels of immunity decreases your chances of severe COVID symptoms.

Experts say the high levels of humidity can limit the spread of the virus in the lungs by promoting mucociliary clearance (MCC), a defence mechanism that removes the mucus and harmful particles within the mucus from the lungs.

High humidity can bolster the immune system by producing special proteins called interferons that fight against the viruses. Low levels of protein have shown to impair both MCC and the interferons and response.

This is why people are more at risk of catching respiratory infections in cold weather.

For the study, four common types of masks - N95 mask, three-ply disposable surgical mask, two-ply cotton-polyester mask and heavy cotton mask were studied.

The humidity levels were measured by having volunteers breathe into a sealed steel box. When people wore no mask, the water vapour from the exhaled breath filled the box, leading to an increase in the humidity inside the box.

When people wore a mask, the humidity buildup inside the box decreased greatly as most water vapours remained in the mask, becoming recondensed and being re-inhaled.

The measurement was taken at three different air temperatures, ranging from 46 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure there is no leakage, the masks were fitted against the volunteer's face using high-density foam rubber. It was found that all the four masks increased the level of humidity of inhaled air, but at varying degrees.

At low temperatures, the experts said the humidifying effect of all the masks increased greatly while the thick cotton masks had the most humidity in all conditions.

Most people wearing masks felt the humidity without even recognising it is good for them.

All over, the study supports the importance of wearing masks as an effective way to protect ourselves from respiratory infections.