Thread by @michael_hoerger

As more #hospitals drop universal #masking requirements, I see many patients, family members, and medical staff who are rightly concerned.

🧵This thread has my best advice for protecting yourself from #COVID in high-risk settings.

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Big Picture - Top 10 Tips if you're new to thinking about the importance of #mask quality, size, and fit in high-risk settings

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1549348644960321536

#FitTesting is not always needed but becomes extremely valuable if the following apply:
▫️ Prolonged time period
▫️ Others are unmasked
▫️ Indoor air quality is bad or not tested personally

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1604020083189219330

If fit-testing is something you or a loved one would never do, at least try a few different #mask types of varying sizes.

These are my recommendations in the U.S, though availability obviously varies geographically.

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1645531268099215366

Once you get your own mask situation figured out, help others.

We've given away thousands of #masks locally, as have many other individuals and organizations around the globe.

Our empirical data show people love free masks!

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1630307394524774401

This thread is designed to help people when at the #hospital for #labor, delivery, and recovery.

However, much of it applies to #inpatient stays generally.

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1573910969440292864

There's a lot of talk about protecting "the vulnerable" in hospitals. However, there's almost no discussion about #children too young to mask or get vaccinated.

This is where the #PAPRbuggy and #HEPAbuggy could help.

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1547521535824519170

Although these tips are geared toward patients and families, anyone in a position of #authority can take it upon themselves to do their best to keep others safer.

This is how I teach health students.

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1615108510525661201

In fact, we have argued that #hospitals should use their authority to become leaders, rather than laggards, when promoting #COVID safety.

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https://twitter.com/michael_hoerger/status/1638601749710745601

If you found any of these tips helpful, please share with others, especially offline + across other platforms.

I realize there are many limitations related to personal finances, the geographic availability of PPE, & procedures involved (ENT, dental, etc.).

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