Affect you physically

You likely have hand-washing down pat. To keep germs at bay and help your mask do its job, wash your hands or use 60%-alcohol hand sanitizer before putting it on and anytime you need to adjust it on your face. Handle your mask by the loops or ties -- don't touch the front or your face. To take it off, grab the ear loops or untie the strings, bottom ties first. Then clean your hands again.