What's the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 mask?

A surgical mask

"When we talk about face coverings, there are the surgical masks I wear in the hospital to protect patients from my own germs and avoid any splashes," said Gupta, who works as a neurosurgeon.

3M N95 respirators

N95 respirators are masks that must be fitted to the faces of health care workers to protect them during certain procedures, Gupta added.

"It's the only one of these masks that prevents most very small particles from getting in, when used properly," he continued. "We need to keep those masks in their hands."