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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
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
Pharmacist prescribers Linda Bryant and Leanne Te Karu discuss positive polypharmacy for heart failure. Current evidence shows the intensive implementation of four medications offers the greatest benefit to most patients with heart failure, with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalisations and all-cause mortality
