Navigating Cold, Flu & COVID Season
The seasons are changing and that means common colds, flu and COVID-19 cases are anticipated to rise. But not to fret! Keeping our guards up with high-quality KN95/N95 face masks and utilizing test kits frequently are surefire ways to keep ourselves and others protected during the upcoming months.
Masks, Not Just for Protection Against COVID-19
Masks became a part of everyone’s lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and are associated with protecting ourselves from the COVID virus and its variants. However, masks with minimum filtration efficiencies of 95% or greater (i.e., KN95 and N95 masks) help to filter out potentially harmful aerosols from various viruses, including the flu and the common cold. Wearing a mask today is not just to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus or its variants, it’s a way to protect our health overall as well as the health of those around us during a time when there is a higher risk of getting sick.
Following the pandemic, the world is now in a new space. We have the choice to wear protection, and many see masks as part of our (North America’s) foreseeable future. Wearing a mask has been practiced in Asian communities dating back as far as 1910, and has been used as a form of protection in addition to being an act of courtesy to others. In Hong Kong, if you aren’t wearing a mask during flu season or when feeling ill, you’ll be on the receiving end of some dirty looks. Judy Yuen-man Siu, an associate professor of social sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, says that most East Asian countries have a collectivist mindset and people generally prioritize others over themselves. “Putting on a face covering when you’re sick or around vulnerable people is part and parcel of good citizenship,” she adds.
At this point in time, we feel that North America and the rest of the world are in the same position, where they are now faced with the choice to don a mask when feeling under the weather or while navigating the height of cold and flu season. Since wearing a mask is no longer required, we see the choice to don one as an act of kindness to those around you and our communities as a whole.
KN95 masks are is an exceptional option for everyday, reliable protection. Comfortable for long hours of wear, our KN95 mask is made with soft materials and high-quality ear loops that allow for a range of movement without compromising the tight facial seal. An integrated nose bridge piece enables the wearer to personalize their fit and seal, securing their protection. Each KN95 mask is individually sealed making this mask great for easy storage, commuting or travelling with and dispersing amongst groups.
Available in adult, children and big & tall sizes! The adult 3D, willow-leaf KN95 mask is great for adults with average-sized faces while the cone-shaped KN95 mask is great for adults or older youths with slimmer face shapes. We offer children’s sizes in both 3D, willow and cone-shaped as well, making sure there is something for everyone!
SHOP THE ADULT INDIVIDUALLY SEALED KN95 MASK (3D, WILLOW) HERE
SHOP THE ADULT INDIVIDUALLY SEALED KN95 MASK (CONE) HERE
SHOP THE INDIVIDUALLY SEALED KN95 MASK (BIG & TALL) HERE
SHOP THE CHILDREN’S INDIVIDUALLY SEALED KN95 MASK (3D, WILLOW) HERE
SHOP THE CHILDREN’S INDIVIDUALLY SEALED KN95 MASK (CONE) HERE
If you’re looking for a made-in-Canada option, our CA-N95 is another excellent choice for comfortable, high-quality, everyday protection. Manufactured right here in Ontario and boasting similar features to the 3D, Willow-Leaf KN95 Mask, these masks are the perfect Canadian-made go-to for our customers!
Each mask has been tested in a Health-Canada-approve facility right here in Ontario and passed with a filtration rate of 95%!
Our CA-N95 Masks come in three different sizes, Regular, Large and Children’s! The Regular size is great for those with average-sized faces while the Large is the perfect option for those with a broader face/frame and require a bit more coverage. Our Children’s size provides a snug fit, allowing for lots of movement so your little ones can go about their day unencumbered. Packaged in boxes of 10 for convenience, easy storage and easy distribution amongst family members.
SHOP THE CA-N95 (REGULAR) HERE
SHOP THE CA-N95 (LARGE) HERE
SHOP THE CA-N95 (KIDS) HERE
Know When to Take Caution with Rapid Antigen Test Kits
Rapid antigen test kits are now a common household item, and we encourage all of our customers to keep them on hand at all times, especially as we enter cold and flu season!
Now that we are out of the thick of the pandemic, it can be difficult to distinguish what is a common cold and what is COVID-19 or one of its variants with some symptoms overlapping. Having test kits available allows us to take precautions and test ourselves the moment we start to feel under the weather.
Related products
Artron Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test Made in Canada
As viral loads can differ depending on where you’re at in your illness, having the BTNX Rapid Antigen Test Kit (5-Pack) is recommended, as you’ll be able to test yourself multiple times over multiple days. This enables users to feel confident in their next steps (i.e., taking a sick day vs. going to work or keeping away from those who are vulnerable). You could have the sniffles on Monday and your test will reflect as negative, but perhaps by the 5th day, your viral load has accumulated and you’re indeed positive. Having 5 or more covid test kits on hand gives you flexibility and further peace of mind!
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
A mask can be used for protection, as well as an act of courtesy to everyone you know, care about and meet! Be sure to equip yourself with a high-quality N95 and KN95 mask for optimal filtration efficiency and reliability.
Having more than one rapid antigen test kit on hand at all times equips us with the ability to stay ahead of our symptoms and continuously test ourselves throughout our illness and at various viral loads. Protect yourselves, protect others and keep our communities healthy throughout this cold & flu season!
