4 ms·

I don’t think virus can replicate on cloth? They can’t replicate independent from their host, right?

• chadcmulligan 6y ago
  The reasoning I heard was - you breathe on the mask it gets moist and has some mucus on it maybe, maybe its enough for the virus to multiply, making a nice little culture dish, particularly if you wear it all day. I have no idea, this is just the reasons that I've heard put up.
  • sliken 6y ago
    Bacteria and fungus could reproduce inside a web mask, moisture and a source of food (spit, sugar, mucus, protein, or similar) is enough. Virus however need targeted cells to invade and take over the cell mechanisms to reproduce the virus. Said target cells for COVID19 are unlikely to be reproducing in your mask. So buy (or make) 2 masks, use them on alternate days, and make sure they dry out completely between uses. If particularly scared/careful wash and dry them between uses.
    • chadcmulligan 6y ago
      (from below) Yah, think I misremembered that - I think it was because they were worried people wouldn't maintain the masks well and bacteria would grow.