As the colder weather and Holiday season approaches, there is one thing on many people’s minds: How will this season look during a pandemic?

Most of us have gotten into our routines of social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Many more of us may also be growing tired of doing those very three things. However, it is important now more than ever that we do not let us have these safety practices. Up until now, most of us have refrained from traveling or going out in public in general, however that will be changing soon as many of us travel cross country to visit our loved ones, celebrating the season. This in combination with flu season and ongoing wildfires occurring along the west coast, means that we will all need to take a few extra steps staying safe and healthy this season.

How To Travel Safely During The COVID 19 Pandemic

The holidays are a heavy travel time for most Americans as we prepare to spend time with our loved ones who may not live close by. With anticipation of this increase in travel, there is a very real fear of a spike in cases. While it is extremely important that everyone take the proper steps while traveling by train or even car during this pandemic, it is especially important for anyone who plans to visit a COVID hot spot to take the steps necessary to protect themselves and those around them from spreading the virus.

Here is how to travel safely during COVID 19:

1. Wear Your Mask

This is something most of us understand at this point but it bears repeating. As it has been proven over the past few months, wearing a face mask significantly reduces your chance of spreading or contracting coronavirus. Because of this, most if not all airlines, stores, and cities are not requiring that everyone must wear a face mask or some form of facial covering when out in public areas when social distancing may be difficult. Regardless, it is always good practice to wear a mask even if it is not required.

2. Keep Your Hands Clean

Frequently washing or sanitizing your hands has been shown to reduce the likelihood of spreading or contracting COVID 19 as the virus is able to live on certain surfaces for extended periods of time. If for some reason you are not able to sanitize your hands for a length of time, try to refrain from touching your face, eyes, and mouth all together. This is especially important when traveling as you are likely to be exposed to significantly more surfaces and people than you normally would which can increase your risk of getting sick. Additionally, traveling may also take a toll on your immune system which can make it more difficult to fight off illness.

3. Practice A Safe Social Distance Whenever Possible

We now know that the coronavirus is spread through person to person contact. Practicing a safe social distance of 6 or more feet from others whenever possible can lessen the likelihood of the virus spreading; however, this may be difficult during times of traveling through airports, stopping at gas stations, or when visiting with family members

When combining social distancing with wearing a face mask in public places, along with practicing proper personal hygiene, you will be doing your part to stop the spread of COVID 19.

Which Face Mask Is Right For Me?

Trying to decide which face mask is right for you, your specific situation, location within the US can be tricky and confusing. To better understand which mask is right for you, it is important to have an understand of the filtration rate of each type that each mask offers as it relates to the particle size of different viruses and other potentially hazardous aerosol particles.

COVID 19

Particle Size: .125 microns

Top Mask Pick: N95 or KN95

When looking at the specific particle size of the coronavirus, it is important to make note that a virus never travels alone. It must attach itself to a carrier, such as a respiratory droplet, to spread to another individual or surface. So while the COVID 19 virus itself measures .125 microns, it will actually measure at a minimum of 1.125 microns when spreading from an infected source through respiratory droplets. Taking this all into consideration, opting for N95 and KN95 masks are a great option for protecting yourself and those around you against the coronavirus as these masks effectively filter out particles .3 microns or larger.

Smoke

Particle Size: 2.5 microns

Top Mask Picks: N95 or KN95

While the world is suffering from the pandemic, the west coast of the United States has also been devastated by multiple wildfires which has forced many to evacuate their homes and is producing hazardous smoke that is traveling throughout the US. Breathing in smoke can cause inflammation in your lungs and air pathways which may block oxygen, leading to respiratory distress or potential failure. For this reason, it is recommended that anyone in the affected areas should wear a face mask whenever outside in order to protect themselves from potential smoke inhalation. One of the most important factors in choosing a mask for preventing the inhalation of smoke is how snug your face the mask sits on your face. While it is important to make sure your mask is able to filter out hazardous smoke particles, it is just as important to make sure your mask does not allow smoke to come in through the sides of the mask.

Studies have also shown that areas subjected to smoke exposure for extended periods of time, historically have experienced a more severe flu season after. Because of this, our top pick for preventing the inhalation of harmful smoke is a N95 or KN95 mask.

Influenza

Particle Size: 80+ microns

Top Mask Pick: KN95

Flu season is something we are all used to and does not usually require you to wear a face mask. However, we may be facing a particularly bad flu season this year making it important to take extra steps in protecting yourself from getting sick. Because many symptoms of the flu and COVID overlap it may be harder to properly determine which illness you may have contracted. There is worse news, however; when an individual contracts COVID in combination with a seperate illness, such as the flu, the severity of each can be more severe. One of the easiest ways to stay healthy this flu season is to continue wearing your face mask during flu season, while also continuing to practice social distancing and proper handwashing.

At Source Fitness, we are committed to helping keep our customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. We are now offering a wide variety of Personal Protective Equipment for sale to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones during your daily life and also during this holiday season. We are now offering face masks, gloves, sanitizing spray, and more. Shop all N95, and KN95 face masks 20% off with code MASK20.