Should masks be used to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses?

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Clinical comment

Should masks be used to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses?

12 April 2023

Vanessa Jordan

Wednesday 12 April 2023, 12:35 AM

Low adherence to mask wearing hampered the ability to draw firm conclusions [Image: Alin Luna on Unsplash]

COVID-19 mask mandates were controversial at the time of introduction, and a recent review published by Cochrane, one of the leading authorities in evidence-based medicine, has brought this debate back to life

Key points, A recent Cochrane review was unable to address whether mask wearing helps to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses due to limitations in the primar, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Occupational Health

Infectious Disease

COVID-19

References

1. Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023;1(1):CD006207.

2. Chu DK, Akl EA, Duda S, et al. Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2020;395(10242):1973–87.

3. Soares-Weiser, K. Statement on ‘Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses’ review. Cochrane, 10 March 2023. cochrane.org

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