Masks and their Effectiveness

created on 8/30/22 @ 05:22AM, updated on 8/30/22 @ 05:22AM

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karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This resource outlines that managing the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has relied on personal protective equipment (PPE). Face masks, as a representative example of PPE, have made a particularly significant contribution. However, most used face masks are made of materials lacking inactivation properties against SARS-CoV-2 or multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, symptomatic, and asymptomatic individuals wearing masks can still infect others due to viable microbial loads escaping from the masks.Moreover, microbial contact transmission can occur by touching the mask, and the discarded masks are an increasing source of contaminated biological waste and a serious environmental threat. For this reason, many researchers have developed face masks made of advanced materials with intrinsic antimicrobial, self-cleaning, reusable, and/or biodegradable properties during the current pandemic, thereby providing extra protection against pathogens in a sustainable manner. To overview this segment of the remarkable efforts against COVID-19, this review describes the different types of commercialized face masks, their main fabrication methods and treatments, and the progress achieved in face mask development.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34797624/

Protective Face Masks: Current Status and Future Trends - PubMed

Protective Face Masks: Current Status and Future Trends - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This paper is based on pandemic which commenced in  the beginning of 2020; the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread to nearly every country worldwide. The airborne pathogen has led to large numbers of deaths, principally in elderly and vulnerable segments of the population. Protective vaccines have recently become available, but it is not yet clear whether and when population-wide immunity will be achieved. The existence of evidence for the protective effect of masks covering the mouth and nose is a topic of public debate. A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed. Data from the German Robert Koch Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were also considered.

When talking, as many as 20 000 droplets ranging in size from 20 to 500 μM are released every second. According to PCR tests, the amount of virus exhaled is highest immediately before the onset of symptoms. No randomized trials have been conducted on the effect of masks covering the mouth and nose. A meta-analysis of 29 studies on infection with SARS-CoV-2, SARS, or MERS revealed that type N-95 masks (corresponding approximately to FFP-2), surgical masks, or similar multilayer cotton masks could greatly reduce the infection risk for the wearers (RR 0.34 [0.26; 0.45], with moderate heterogeneity [I2 = 48%]). Model experiments and case reports suggest that masks covering the mouth and nose afford considerable protection against transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne diseases by reducing the release of and exposure to potentially infectious droplets; in addition, infections that do occur take a milder course. A limitation of the studies analyzed is that, in most cases, this effect cannot be viewed in isolation from the protective impact of other measures (distancing, hygiene precautions). It can plausibly be assumed that consistent use of masks covering the mouth and nose can play an important role in containing the spread of SARS-CoV- 2.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33785117/

Protection From COVID-19–The Efficacy of Face Masks - PubMed

Protection From COVID-19–The Efficacy of Face Masks - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This resource is crucial in showing the effectiveness of wearing masks. The generalized lockdown caused by COVID-19, necessary yesterday, can no longer be that of tomorrow. It will no longer be possible to cram the humblest into cramped areas, but priority must be given to prevention (certainly with physical barriers, hydro-alcoholic gel, face masks), biological diagnosis, isolation, and the care of any infected person. COVID-19 has hit the most vulnerable regarding biological inequality, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Those with AD can have sensory deficits and perception troubles, including visual difficulties and the inability to recognize faces and emotions. Face masks and physical distancing can disrupt facial familiarity and make it more difficult to recognize emotional facial expressions. It can provoke distress, which the visitor perceives and feels obligated to take off the face mask. This gesture should not be considered an act of indiscipline but empathy. Transparent face masks could improve the suffering of AD patients, distraught in the presence of their loved ones whose masks hide their faces. Wearing a mask should not be due to fear of punishment but as an understanding of the responsibility of everyone in the control of the current pandemic. It may be necessary to convince more citizens of this civic duty, using clear and attractive messaging to standardize the wearing of face masks for the public and to adapt them to the needs of patients.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33252083/

Alzheimer's Disease and Face Masks in Times of COVID-19 - PubMed

Alzheimer's Disease and Face Masks in Times of COVID-19 - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This link helped discuss the effectiveness of masks. Wearing face masks is recommended as part of personal protective equipment and as a public health measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Their use, however, is deeply connected to social and cultural practices and has acquired various personal and social meanings. This article aims to identify the diversity of sociocultural, ethical, and political meanings attributed to face masks, how they might impact public health policies, and how they should be considered in health communication. In May 2020, we involved 29 experts from an interdisciplinary research network on health and society to provide their testimonies on using face masks in 20 European and 2 Asian countries (China and South Korea). They reflected on regulations in the corresponding jurisdictions and the personal and social aspects of face mask wearing. We analyzed those testimonies thematically, employing the method of qualitative descriptive analysis. The analysis framed the four dimensions of the societal and personal practices of wearing (or not wearing) face masks: individual perceptions of infection risk, personal interpretations of responsibility and solidarity, cultural traditions and religious imprinting, and the need to express self-identity. Our study points to the importance of an in-depth understanding of the cultural and sociopolitical considerations around the personal and social meaning of mask-wearing in different contexts as a prerequisite for assessing the effectiveness of face masks as a public health measure. Improving the personal and collective understanding of citizens' behaviors and attitudes appears essential for designing more effective health communications about the future COVID-19 pandemic or other global crises. To wear a face mask or not to wear a face mask? Nowadays, this question is analogous to the famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet: "To be or not to be, that is the question." This is a bit allegoricalbut certainly not far from the current circumstances where a deadly virus is spreading amongst us... VanjaKopilaš, Croatia.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33520918/

Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Simple Protection Tool With Many Meanings - PubMed

Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Simple Protection Tool With Many Meanings - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This discussion is essential in outlining the effectiveness of masks to human health. It involves highlighting cases of Influenza viruses circulate the world every year. From time to time, new strains emerge and cause global pandemics. Many national and international health agencies recommended using face masks during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. The authors reviewed the English-language literature on this subject to inform public health preparedness. There is some evidence to support wearing masks or respirators during illness to protect others, and public health emphasis on mask wearing during illness may help reduce influenza virus transmission. It shows that  there are less data to support using masks or respirators to prevent infection. Further studies in controlled settings and studies of natural infections in healthcare and community settings are required to define better the effectiveness of face masks and respirators in preventing influenza virus transmission.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20092668/

Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review - PubMed

Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This review paper describes the context of global Coronavirus Disease (2019) (COVID-19) cases; there is a lack of consensus across cultures on whether wearing face masks is an effective physical intervention against disease transmission. This study illustrates transmission routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); addresses controversies surrounding the mask from perspectives of attitude, effectiveness, and necessity of wearing the mask with evidence that the use of mask would effectively interrupt the transmission of infectious diseases in both hospital settings and community settings; and provides a suggestion that the public should wear the mask during COVID-19 pandemic according to the local context. To achieve this goal, the government should establish a risk-adjusted strategy of mask use to scientifically publicize the use of masks, guarantee sufficient supply of masks, and cooperate to reduce health resources inequities.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32623270/

Mask use during COVID-19: A risk adjusted strategy - PubMed

Mask use during COVID-19: A risk adjusted strategy - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This paper highlights the discussion of how effective masks are, it gives an example on how the German government has made it mandatory to wear respiratory masks covering the mouth and nose (MNC) as an effective strategy to fight SARS-CoV-2 infections. This directive has been extended to shopping malls or public transportation in many countries. This paper aims to critically analyze the statutory regulation to wear protective masks during the COVID-19 crisis from a medical standpoint. It involved performing an extensive query of the most recent publications addressing the prevention of viral infections including the use of face masks in the community to prevent the spread of the infection. The issues of practicability, professional use, and acceptability were addressed based on the community and the environment where the user resided.

There was a critical review of the available literature; we found only weak evidence for wearing a face mask as an efficient hygienic tool to prevent the spread of a viral infection. However, the use of MNC seems to be linked to relevant protection during close contact scenarios by limiting pathogen-containing aerosol and liquid droplet dissemination. Importantly, we found evidence for significant respiratory compromise in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease, secondary to the development of hypercapnia. This could also happen in patients with lung infections, with or without SARS-CoV-2.  Epidemiologists emphasize that wearing MNC will effectively interrupt airborne infections in the community. The government and the politicians have followed these recommendations and used them to both advise and, in some cases, mandate the general population to wear MNC in public locations. Overall, the results seem to suggest some clinically relevant scenarios where the use of MNC necessitates more defined recommendations. Our critical evaluation of the literature highlights the protective effects of certain face masks in defined risk groups and emphasizes their potential risks.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32787926/

Face masks: benefits and risks during the COVID-19 crisis - PubMed

Face masks: benefits and risks during the COVID-19 crisis - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This paper outlines that health authorities and organizations consider non-medical face masks as an additional passive means to prevent virus diffusion. Communication strategies disseminate information among the population that such masks are essential for mitigating virus diffusion. However, scientific studies are not conclusive in showing the undisputed filtration efficiency of fabric/cloth facial masks (both commercial and homemade). This study examines scientific data about the effectiveness of face masks before and during the COVID-19 emergency. Present trends in making commercial and homemade fabric/cloth face masks are also examined. Statistical data of published studies are analyzed and compared. Main considerations and suggestions are also extracted and discussed. Current approaches are examined to assess the characteristics and effectiveness of fabric/cloth commercial and homemade face masks intended for the population.Conflicting data exist regarding whether non-medical masks protect from the spread of respiratory viruses. Both medical masks (MDs) and personal respiratory protection equipment (PPE) show a given effectiveness value.Concerning commercial and homemade fabric/cloth masks, giving general indications on the choice of materials and their assemblage is difficult as it is not possible to assess the effectiveness of the filter media concerning the kind of multiphase fluid that may be emitted upon breathing, sneezing, or coughing under different environmental conditions. This is particularly important because airflow rate, temperature, humidity, and use duration will affect filter media performance. Moreover, while a mask may have excellent filter media, droplets may leak into the facepiece unless there is an adequate facial seal. In the presence of leaks, any mask may offer less protection independently of its nominal filtering efficiency.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33258868/

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

This paper is based on the status of the COVID-19 global pandemic; there is an urgent need to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of wearing masks to protect public health from COVID-19 infection. ItOutlines methods, including the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement, were consulted to report this systematic review. A systematic review was conducted and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of using face masks to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP (Chinese) database. There were no language restrictions. This study was registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42020211862. A total of 6 studies were included, involving 4 countries, after a total of 5,178 eligible articles were searched in databases and references. In general, wearing a mask was associated with a significantly reduced risk of COVID-19 infection (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21-0.69, I2 = 54.1%). For the healthcare workers group, masks were shown to have a reduced risk of infection by nearly 70%. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis support the conclusion that wearing a mask could reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Robust randomized trials are needed in the future to provide evidence for these interventions better.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33347937/

Face masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

Face masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

karen-marriott
Karen Marriott

In this article, guidelines from the CDC and the WHO recommend the wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the protective efficiency of such masks against airborne transmission of infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) droplets/aerosols is unknown. Here, we developed an airborne transmission simulator of infectious SARS-CoV-2-containing droplets/aerosols produced by human respiration and coughs and assessed the transmissibility of the infectious droplets/aerosols and the ability of various types of face masks to block the transmission. Cotton masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks all have a protective effect concerning the transmission of infective droplets/aerosols of SARS-CoV-2 and that the protective efficiency was higher when a virus spreader wore masks. Importantly, medical masks (surgical masks and even N95 masks) could not completely block the transmission of virus droplets/aerosols even when completely sealed. This data will help medical workers understand the proper use and performance of masks and determine whether they need additional equipment to protect themselves from infected patients. Airborne simulation experiments showed that cotton masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks protect the transmission of infective SARS-CoV-2 droplets/aerosols; however, medical masks (surgical masks and even N95 masks) could not completely block the transmission of virus droplets/aerosols even when sealed.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33087517/

Effectiveness of Face Masks in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 - PubMed

Effectiveness of Face Masks in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 - PubMed

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