Health Farm

-- But be sure to wash your hands

It’s boom-time for face mask manufacturers as China struggles to combat a coronavirus outbreak that so far has struck down more than 24,000 people and killed more than 425.

But there’s little evidence to suggest face masks prevent infection from breathing in the virus, according to William Schaffner, a professor in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Even the effectiveness of N95 respirators worn by healthcare workers is unproven. Nevertheless, face masks will stop you from directly touching your mouth and nose – a common pathway for viruses to enter the body.

Health advisors are more certain about the virus-preventing powers of hand washing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating.

The abrasiveness of soap helps remove infectious particles from the hands.

Better still, keep your hands in your pockets.

And forget about bush meat.