"Masks: risks vs benefits: depends on the type, fit, use, environment, re-use, the PURPOSE... this is me in the OR- surgeons wear surgical masks to protect the patient from exposure to large particles from the surgeon.
Clinical trials done in the OR showed no difference in wound infection rates with and without surgical masks- but we still wear them. There IS evidence that surgical masks can be effective at reducing emission of particles from patients with TB and influenza.
Studies on cloth masks are very limited: one randomized trial on cloth vs medical masks found that those wearing cloth masks were 13times more likely to get flu-like illness than those wearing surgical masks.
Since surgical masks / PPEs are needed by health care workers and first responders, simply covering our faces with scarves or bandanas may be better than nothing at trying to SLOW THE SPREAD of coronavirus to others, but it is unlikely to protect the general public... We don’t know that there will be a real benefit but we don’t know that there won’t be either. For an excellent scientific review on this pls read this... (link below)
Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data
Written by:
Dr. Brosseau is a national expert on respiratory protection and infectious diseases and professor (retired), University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Sietsema is also an expert on respiratory protection and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.(In depth review and studies of masks and respirators)
In response to the stream of misinformation and misunderstanding about the nature and role of masks and respirators as source control or personal protective equipment (PPE), we critically review the topic to inform ongoing COVID-19 decision-making that relies on science-based data and professional expertise.
These recommendations are based on a review of available literature and informed by professional expertise and consultation. We outline our review criteria, summarize the literature that best addresses these criteria, and describe some activities the public can do to help "flatten the curve" and to protect frontline workers and the general public.
"For readers who are disappointed in our recommendations to stop making cloth masks for themselves or healthcare workers, we recommend instead pitching in to locate N95 FFRs and other types of respirators for healthcare organizations."
Dr Jennifer Ashton on Instagram: “Masks: risks vs benefits: depends on the type, fit, use, environment, re-use, the PURPOSE... this is me in the OR- surgeons wear surgical…”
COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data
I found this company a year ago, GIR (Get It Right) on one of the weekly GMA Deals and Steals or View Your Deals and read last week the company is now making masks. My family did not have any. I was not sure about silicone but read, "soft material such as silicone is an amazing ingredient to make respirators." Lots of colors to choose from and having a box of 10 refills is a plus.
"When we realized there was a need for protective gear for everyone from healthcare workers to grocery store workers to you and me. We’ve reached 5000+ donations in a matter of 24 hours!"
A reloadable silicone mask fitted with a PM2.5 filter, Breathable face shield is made with medical-grade, FDA and LFGB approved silicone. Fitted with a filter, your mask will help fight the spread of COVID-19. Each kit comes packaged with five filters; you can purchase additional filters from us here, or use your own filter supply. Donating a portion of each sale to food banks in NY, LA, and Seattle (with more to come)
You can sanitize your mask in the dishwasher, microwave (15 seconds), oven (5 minutes at 300°), autoclave, or by hand washing vigorously with soap and hot water.
Reusable Face Mask