Studies indicate that even though wearing a mask is not 100 percent effective, there is no harm in wearing a mask
Masking rules are being eased in Ontario, but experts are saying wearing a face mask is still a smart choice, even if others don’t.
This was outlined in an article in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), which talked about the concept of “one-way masking”. One-way refers to the fact that when you wear a mask, others do not.
CMAJ’s Lauren Vogel’s article reviews new information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States examining the effectiveness of face coverings to prevent the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. does.
Vogel’s article states, “Face masks work best to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 when everyone wears one. But experts say it’s still a good way to protect yourself from the mask.” Worth wearing even if no one else does.”
“While the public health message has emphasized the importance of wearing a mask to protect others, several studies have shown that the right mask protects the wearer as well,” the article continued.
It is timely as the masking requirements have been removed in most situations in Ontario and as of June 11, most places in Ontario will be mask-free.
In summarizing the effectiveness of wearing masks, the CDC report had three key findings:
1 – Face masks or respirators (N95/KN95s) effectively filter out virus-sized particles in laboratory settings. The real-world effectiveness of face coverings for preventing the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been widely studied.
2 – Frequent use of a face mask or respirator in an indoor public setting was associated with lower odds of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The use of a respirator with a higher filtration capacity was associated with the highest protection compared to the use of no mask.
3 – In addition to staying up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, constantly wearing a comfortable, well-fitting face mask or respirator in an indoor public setting protects against the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection; A respirator provides the best protection.
The CMAJ article said, “Recent data from the US showed that people who always wore face masks in indoor public settings were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than those who never wore a mask. “
“Improved quality masks provided greater protection. Wearing an N95 or KN95 respirator reduced the chance of infection by 83%, while wearing a surgical mask or cloth mask decreased it by 66% and 56%, respectively,” the article continued.
In short, as long as the virus is still out there, it is better to use a face mask without a mask.
The CDC also said that in most cases and for science-obsessed people, there is no harm in wearing a mask.
“The research supports that under most circumstances, wearing a mask does not cause any significant adverse effects on the health of the wearer,” the CDC study said. This included studies of healthy hospital workers, older adults, and adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reported minimal changes in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels when wearing a cloth or surgical mask during rest or moderate physical activity. Was.
Science magazines are careful to warn that no mask is a guarantee of protection against infection. Studies have indicated that a person wearing a mask can become infected even if he spends enough time with an infected person (00:15 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes).
