To shave or not to shave: does a beard increase the risk of coronavirus infection

In self-isolation, many men began to pay less attention to shaving. Twitter even has a kind of challenge, indicated by tags #coronabeard and #letsgrowtogether: its members grow beards while they are in quarantine. Jim Carrey, for example, promised not shave until she can return from filming again.

But in February by news sites an infographic created by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has spread. In it, the organization encourages men to shave off their beards and mustaches, otherwise they will not be able to properly wear a face shield.

But do not rush to grab your razor and get rid of your beauty. The media, as always, exaggerated a little. This infographic appeared back in 2017, when the coronavirus was not even suspected.

In the original article, the CDC advises only healthcare professionals who wear N95-type respirators to shave their facial hair. Their CDC does not recommend wear on the street. For those who do not work in a medical institution, a regular sheet mask will do. And she may well be combined with a beard.

Carrie L. Kovarik, a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania, is talkingthat bearded men can breathe out with relief.

At this point, there is no evidence that you need to shave. If someone sneezes in your face, you will become infected regardless of the beard. The problem is not in the beard, but in close contact with other people who sneeze and cough. You don't have to shave off your beard to wear a surgical mask.

Carrie L. Kovarik, dermatologist.

However, John Schwarzberg, professor emeritus of medicine at the School of Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley, calls on people with long hair or beards still do not relax.

If someone coughed on your hair, virus particles can get onto your hair. Habitually touching your hair and placing your hand on your mouth, nose, or eyes can become infected. I guess with a beard too - someone sneezed at it, you rubbed your beard, touched your mouth or eyes and got infected. True, I do not know of a single study confirming this possibility.

John Schwarzberg, professor of medicine.

Schwarzberg called the habit of stroking a mustache or beard "very bad." So if you feel like the beard is constantly prompting you touch the face - shave it away from sin.

If you want to leave hair on your face, keep in mind that you should not touch it without first washing your hands. Carrie Kovarik argues that the best way to save your beard is through hygiene. You just need to wash it thoroughly every day with soap or shampoo.

Coronavirus. Number of infected:

6 066 560

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396 575

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