Study summarizes effectiveness of dressing mask in protecting clinicians from COVID-19

A quick, evidence-based review summarizes the effectiveness of clothing masks in protecting health care clinicians from respiratory viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Nine studies were included in the study, and all but one were performed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same randomized trial of face masks published at the time of this review compared disease rates of influenza-like illness among groups of health care professionals who wore face masks, masks, or exercise. inconsistent mask in the hospital setting.

That study described widespread confidence intervals when comparing groups, but overall, they conclude that the use of a cloth mask associated with viral infections was significantly higher than the use of medical masks. -only.

The majority of studies were performed in laboratory settings and evaluated either face mask and airflow versus other types of mask or filtration capabilities of clothing material and exotic faces. All filtration studies tested aerosolized grains including noncoronavirus, bacteria, and model biological grains, and results were variable but suggested a level of participant filtration.

In particular, the available filtration studies did not specifically test for COVID-19 transmission or respiratory droplet transmission. All the laboratory studies conclude that cloth masks provided subcutaneous conditioning and were less effective in filtering viral granules compared to conventional or N95 medical masks.

The findings of this qualitative review are in line with the current guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which recommend the use of N95 inhalers for the care of patients with COVID-19.

The authors also recommend that, for healthcare professionals without access to medical masks, a cloth mask should be paired with the plastic face shield, with frequent changes to a cloth mask to reduce the risk of moisture retention. reduce.