Face masks are the best but if you don’t have one available then covering your mouth and nose with something like a bandana or a scarf is better than using nothing.
It is important that whatever you use fits you well and comfortably so that you don’t have to adjust it. If you touch it, you may stop it from working by transferring germs between your hands and face.
Scientific evidence
In a research study, families who had a child with flu took part, and some parents were asked to wear a face mask at all times when in the same room as the ill child. The other parents were not asked to wear masks.
Results showed that parents who followed instructions to wear masks were less likely to catch the illness from their child.
