Omicron update: Is it time to upgrade your mask?
The latest Omicron variant has been sweeping the globe since at least November 2021. As of January 2022, the number of positive Omicron cases in the United States has surpassed Delta variant cases. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant is likely to spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus amongst unvaccinated and vaccinated populations. This is due to Omicron’s increased transmissibility and ability to evade immunity gained from vaccination or past infection.
Positive cases are surging across the United States. Those who are fully vaccinated may still be affected but are expected to be protected against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Mask wearing is still highly recommended in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.
What kind of mask should I be wearing?
While cloth and surgical masks are effective against earlier COVID variants, more protection is likely needed against the Omicron variant. Infection disease expert, Steven Gordon, MD says,
“Essentially, interactions that previously wouldn’t have resulted in infection are now making people sick… Researchers are still pinpointing exactly how much more infectious Omicron is than its predecessors, but at this point, it’s clear that Omicron is indeed more infectious — which means we all need to be taking additional precautions.”
Higher filtration masks like the N95 and KN95 provide a 95% air filtration rate, filtering the air during inhalation and exhalation. This level of filtration offers a higher level of protection for you and those around you from possible Omicron infection. N95s also block aerosol particles with electrostatic charge, making them more effective than cloth masks at blocking viruses. Make sure that your N95 fits your face properly, has a tight seal to your face, and is clean.
Do I need a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask?
Yes! NIOSH approved N95 respirators are evaluated by NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. Masks that are NIOSH-approved have passed all quality requirements and filter at least 95% of airborne particles. Certified N95 respirators provide a higher level of protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants compared to cloth and surgical masks.
FIRM6 takes pride in the quality of our NIOSH approved N95 respirators and other medical supplies. Certificates of approval are available upon request. You can purchase our NIOSH-approved Halyard Duckbill N95 here.
What is the difference between N95 and KN95?
Not all respirator masks are equal. The most common respirator masks sold in the US are N95s and KN95s. N95 respirator masks are approved and certified by NIOSH using specific US standards. KN95 respirators are approved and certified using Chinese standards and are also recommended to be used against the Omicron variant.
Be aware that in the US, many sellers are selling counterfeit KN95s. Approximately 60% of KN95 respirators in the US are fake and do not meet NIOSH standards and are not FDA approved. Fake respirators provide inadequate protection against COVID-19 infection, risking infection for yourself and those around you if you were to contract and spread the virus.
Please visit our website to request a quote for a KN95 mask.
COVID Data Tracker
Genomic surveillance is used to identify and track SARS-CoV-2 variants. To view the most up to date COVID data in the United States collected and analyzed by the CDC, click here.