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Why You Need to Cover Your Nose With a Face Mask

Wearing a face mask so that it doesn't cover your nose nearly defeats the purpose. The nose is extremely vulnerable to infection with SARS-2.

Face masks have become politicized, but health authorities say they definitely help stop transmission of COVID-19. Now that so many of us wear them when we venture out of our homes, people are using them as accessories. That’s cool. But have you noticed some people wearing their face masks pulled down below their noses? That’s really not cool. To get the full benefit from wearing a face mask, you need to make sure to cover your nose as well as your mouth.

Why Should You Cover Your Nose With Your Mask?

Researchers have found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 targets cells in the nose (Cell, July 23, 2020). These nasal cells are especially rich in ACE2 receptors. As a result, they are especially susceptible to infection. SARS-2 utilizes ACE2 receptors to enter human cells before it starts replicating. Nasal cells, with more of these receptors, are ripe for viral replication.

Consequently, the scientists say that you must cover your nose as well as your mouth to protect yourself from infection. In addition, sneezes readily spread virus-containing particles into the air. That’s why making sure your nose is covered helps you protect others if you become infected.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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