AP Photo/Kin Cheung Sales of face masks are spiking in China and around the world amid a coronavirus outbreak. Health experts say that for the average person, the masks are not as effective as everyday measures like hand-washing and avoiding close contact with anyone who might be infected. Still, the CDC recommends that healthcare providers and those who might be infected wear masks. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Of the many preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from the growing Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, wearing a face mask is one of the most visible.