Respiratory infectious diseases: Mask use for reducing the spread
This advice is intended for the general public and is not intended for occupational health purposes, including health care settings.
On this page
- Why wearing a mask is important
- What type of mask to choose
- When it's important to wear a mask
- What specific groups need to know
- Face coverings that aren't recommended
Why wearing a mask is important
Wearing a mask can help reduce the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, such as:
- the flu
- COVID-19
- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn mask is important because it can:
- protect you from getting infected or sick
- masks reduce the amount of infectious respiratory particles you breathe in
- prevent you from spreading a respiratory infectious disease to others
- masks help contain the infectious respiratory particles you produce when you're sick, even if you don't have symptoms
Wearing a mask contributes to a community effort to help keep everyone safe.
Masking is most effective when used alongside other personal protective measures.
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What type of mask to choose
The term mask is often used to refer to all types of masks including:
- respirators (like N95s)
- medical masks
- non-medical masks
Different masks offer different levels of protection. In some situations, certain types of masks may be preferred for optimal protection. Respirators and medical masks provide better protection against the spread of respiratory infectious diseases compared to non-medical masks.
How well a mask works depends on factors like:
- its fit
- proper use
- its materials
- its construction
When choosing a mask, it's important to choose the best quality and best fitting mask available to you. No matter which type of mask you choose, it needs to fit properly to be effective. Respirators don't need formal fit testing for use in the community.
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When it's important to wear a mask
You may choose to wear a mask anytime. There are certain times when it's especially important to wear a mask.
If you're sick
You should wear a mask if you need to be around other people when you're sick. This is important even if you only have mild symptoms like a cough or sore throat. When possible, you should also stay at home until you no longer have symptoms.
If you must enter a public setting while sick, wear a mask to help protect those around you from getting sick.
Respirators and medical masks provide better protection against the spread of respiratory infectious diseases compared to non-medical masks. When choosing a mask, it's important to choose the best quality and best fitting mask available to you.
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Seasonally
In Canada, respiratory infectious diseases usually increase in fall and winter. Wearing a mask in public indoor settings can reduce your risk of getting or spreading a respiratory illness during these months.
Your local public health unit may also recommend masking during certain seasons depending on what viruses are circulating in your community.
Settings and event characteristics
The risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission may depend on the characteristics of the setting you're in, such as:
- size
- layout
- ventilation
- how crowded it is
- the length of time spent in the setting
These factors may influence your decision to wear a mask.
Settings where the risk of transmission is increased include those that:
- are small
- are crowded
- have poor ventilation
- have people visiting for longer periods of time
The risk of transmission is even greater when a setting has many of these characteristics.
There are certain settings where there's a higher risk of a respiratory infectious disease outbreak. For example, in group living settings, such as:
- shelters
- group homes
- retirement homes
- student residences
- correctional facilities
In many of these settings, people may also be at higher risk of serious complications from respiratory infections.
Events or activities that bring together a large number of people, including those who have travelled from different areas, may also increase the risk of transmission. This could include transportation settings like:
- trains
- buses
- subways
- airplanes
- airports or train stations
It also includes large indoor events like:
- concerts
- conferences
- indoor sporting events
Personal risk factors
Some people are at greater risk of severe disease or serious complications from respiratory infectious diseases. This may include:
- older people
- young children
- people who are pregnant
- people who are immunocompromised
- people who have other medical conditions
You may choose to wear a mask in certain situations if:
- you spend a lot of time with others who are at greater risk
- you're at risk of more severe complications from a respiratory infection
Respirators and medical masks provide better protection against the spread of respiratory infectious diseases compared to non-medical masks. When choosing a mask, it's important to choose the best quality and best fitting mask available to you.
What specific groups need to know
For children
A child may not be able to properly use and care for their mask because of their:
- age
- maturity
- physical or cognitive ability
Children under the age of 2 should not wear masks.
Children between the ages of 2 and 5 may be able to wear a mask with supervision if they can:
- tolerate it
- put it on
- take it off
Children older than 5 should wear a mask in the same situations or settings as they're recommended for adults.
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For people who are hard of hearing
Some non-medical masks have transparent windows. You can use these masks:
- if you interact with people who are hard of hearing and lip read
- in settings where facial expression is an important part of communication
If you need a mask but one with a transparent window isn't available, when possible, instead of removing the mask:
- use closed captioning
- use written communication
- decrease background noise
If you must remove the mask, when possible, communicate in a well-ventilated space. Consider using other personal protective measures to help reduce the risk of transmission.
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For people in the workplace
When putting in place or making changes to mask policies for the workplace, employers should consult:
- occupational health and safety:
- committees
- representatives
- acts and regulations
- resources, such as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
- their local public health authority
Operators of community settings should have a supply of masks available to:
- give to anyone who needs or requests a mask
- give to anyone who may develop symptoms on site
- wear if they need to assist a person with symptoms
This includes settings like:
- schools
- daycares
- event venues
- places of worship
- recreational facilities
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For manufacturers
Non-medical masks aren't considered medical devices under the Medical Devices Regulations. Face coverings or non-medical masks:
- aren't regulated as medical devices
- can't make medical claims or indicate they'll reduce or prevent the user from being infected by a disease
To date, Health Canada hasn't approved any non-medical masks as medical devices.
Health Canada does regulate respirators and medical masks as medical devices, which must meet a standard level of performance and quality requirements.
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Face coverings that aren't recommended
Masks with exhalation valves
We do not recommend masks with exhalation valves as they:
- allow infectious respiratory particles to escape
- are less effective at preventing the spread of respiratory infectious diseases
Face shields
Face shields on their own do not replace masks. You can wear a face shield with a mask for added eye protection.
Without a mask, a face shield won't help prevent you or others from being exposed to infectious respiratory particles. These particles come from the nose and mouth and can escape around the face shield.
If you wear a face shield, choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. You'll still need to use other personal protective measures to help lower your risk of getting or spreading a respiratory infectious disease.
Neck gaiters, scarves and bandanas
We do not recommend neck gaiters (such as neck warmers), scarves and bandanas for use as a mask. They are not effective filters and may not fit well.
Environmental considerations
Many disposable masks are mostly made of plastic. Disposable masks are being thrown in the regular garbage at an increasing rate, with few opportunities for recycling. This increases the amount of:
- unrecycled waste going to landfills
- plastic pollution in the environment or water sources
If there's a mask recycling program where you live, consider using it.
You can also reuse a disposable mask when appropriate, such as if it's:
- not visibly dirty or damaged
- has never been damp or wet
This can help prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases while also reducing your environmental impact.
If using a disposable mask, always make sure that you dispose of it properly in a garbage container.
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