Apr 02, 2020 12:30:00

WHO does not recommend cloth masks, eventually explains whether masks should be worn based on research papers and researchers' opinions

As of April 1, 2020, the number of newly infected coronaviruses, which are still rampant in Japan, reached a

record high of 266 cases per day, and the total number of cases infected so far (cruise ship cases (Excluding) was 2495. The Japanese government is considering distributing two cloth masks to every household for new coronavirus countermeasures, but overseas media Inverse has scientific grounds and researchers on `` Is it really necessary to wear a mask? '' Commentary is based on the opinion of.

SHOULD WE WEAR MASKS? THE SCIENCE SHAPING A PIVOTAL DEBATE, EXPLAINED
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/should-i-wear-a-mask-coronavirus

Regarding the `` mask '' used by many people as a measure against the new coronavirus, the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, `` We are considering introducing a cloth mask to reduce the infection of the virus, May be encouraged to wear and go out. ' However, at the time of writing the article, the page `` How to protect yourself from new type coronavirus infection (COVID-19) '' published by CDC says, `` Wear a mask if you are sick, You don't need to wear a mask unless you care for a person. '

Also, the

World Health Organization (WHO) 's guidelines on mask use released for countermeasures against new types of coronavirus states that `` the use of cloth masks such as gauze and cotton is not recommended under any circumstances'' .

In addition, cloth mask is that it is likely to occur, such as influenza symptoms than medical non-woven fabric mask experimental results because there also, there is also the opinion that 'In the hospital never use.'

A randomized controlled trial in which cloth masks are more likely to cause flu symptoms than medical nonwoven masks. We never use in hospitals, cloth masks. https://t.co/hqkSBPM7KD

— Kentaro Iwata (@ georgebest1969) April 2, 2020

Just as the CDC is updating its recommendations on masks as a new form of coronavirus protection, many public health agencies are trying to update their recommendations on masks as well. `` Data on whether masks prevent the spread of new coronavirus infections is being actively reviewed, ' ' said Robert Redfield, director at CDC, in an interview with the NPR . 'We are considering changing the government's top level and mask recommendations,' said Anthony Forch of the Institute for Disease Research in an interview with POLITICO .

On the other hand, there is much debate about whether the public should wear a mask.

Major medical institutions, such as Massachusetts General Hospital,

require that everyone in the hospital wear a mask , even those who wear N95 masks used at the medical level such as clinicians as a measure against new coronavirus. That there is. According to Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist working at the University of California, San Francisco, `` discussions about masks can affect the lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ), '' even among ordinary people At places, people and times, he claims to wear a mask and prepare for the new coronavirus.

'If the morbidity of the disease is low, it doesn't matter whether you are wearing a mask. However, where the morbidity increases and many people pass by your side irregularly, Now, wearing a mask can be important. '

The new coronavirus is transmitted to others via coughs and sneezes of infected people. In addition, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that asymptomatic new coronavirus patients have the same viral load in the body as symptomatic patients. That said, Hong says that wearing a mask is important so that asymptomatic individuals can keep the virus from transmitting to others.

However, Inverse points out that research reports on the usefulness of masks have been 'not very consistent'.

The latest research paper analyzing 17 clinical trials conducted in 2012 did not find a definitive link between mask use and flu prevention. However, the paper states that 'combining masks with other hygiene weeks can be helpful.' However, a study published in 2011 that analyzed 67 trials of respiratory viruses found that wearing a mask was an effective way to slow the spread of the virus.

Hong pointed out that in rural areas where people can be separated by more than 6 feet (about 1.8 meters), social distances can be set so that there is no need to wear a mask. However, masks are effective in urban areas where many people come and go, so that the distance between people cannot be more than 6 feet. 'Everyone doesn't need to wear a mask, but it's important for the community to protect themselves. It's not just fancy masks, but homemade masks and bandanas are enough.' I say.

Oxford University epidemiologist Elaine Shuo Feng has three more criteria for who should wear a mask:

1: High-risk groups such as the elderly and people with underlying diseases
2: Persons with new coronavirus infection
3: People who may have been exposed to the new coronavirus infection

Feng is also worried that the growing demand for masks could lead to a shortage of N95 masks, and calls for the need for general mask guidelines. In addition, Hong pointed out that wearing a mask does not mean that social distance should be reduced, and that masks should be worn as needed while taking the recommended new countermeasures against coronavirus. You.

'Evidence suggests that masks do not have a significant effect on wearing masks, but masks are often used to reduce the spread of the disease,' said Chi-chiu Leung, chair of the Hong Kong Medical Association's Advisory Committee on Infectious Diseases. It's a very effective and cost-effective alternative to other means, which can save many patients with infectious diseases, '' said the mask, which is not a panacea for the new coronavirus. , But it ’s enough to help ease the epidemic across the community.

In previous research papers, the scientific rationale for wearing masks has been inconsistent and may disturb those who believe in masks. However, many researchers recommend wearing a mask, claiming that it could slow the spread of the new coronavirus, so that while the pandemic continues, 'wear outdoors. Wearing is worth considering, 'writes Inverse.

・ April 08, 2020 11:20 Update
WHO updated its “Guidelines on Mask Use” on April 6, 2020, stating that “the use of cloth masks, etc., known as non-medical masks in the community has not been fully evaluated. There is no evidence to recommend or deny the use of a non-medical mask. 'There is no evidence that non-medical masks can prevent infection. On the other hand, it has been suggested that people who are already infected have a certain effect when worn to prevent others from transmitting the virus.

In addition, although medical masks can be expected to have a certain effect in preventing new-type coronavirus infection, protecting the human body at an appropriate level requires the use of masks `` It is not enough to use masks alone, and other measures (such as hand washing) are adopted. Need to do that, 'WHO argues.

WHO is measuring the effectiveness of non-medical masks in cooperation with related organizations, and will update the guidelines as soon as new findings are published.