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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
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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
Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
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