So, a double blog day today! I couldn’t resist reading the latest statement from a UKHSA expert group on “The role of respirators and surgical masks in mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings: an overview of evidence (2022)”, published yesterday, as soon as it hit my desk. “Equivocal” is a word that I try to avoid. It’s one of those ‘jargony’ and overly technical words that is best worded-around in my view. But for this, it’s about right. The evidence from well controlled clinical trials that respirators (FFP2/3 or N95s) offer superior protection to healthcare workers than surgical masks is equivocal (“open to more than one interpretation”). But does that matter? If we look to the physics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, there is a risk that the type of small, virus-laden particles emitted by patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 could circumvent the level of protection provided by surgical masks. And so, it now seems reasonable to recommend FFP2/3 or N95s for healthcare workers caring for patients with SARS-CoV-2 (and influenza for that matter). However, given the uncertainty of the evidence base, as highlighted by this review, I can understand why some have decided to continue with a policy of surgical masks when caring for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in most settings.
Continue readingsurgical mask
Face coverings, surgical masks, and face filtering piece (FFP) respirators: what’s the difference and how are they tested?
You’ll all have seen wide variety of masks and face coverings worn in a wide (and often alarming!) variety of ways. Leaving aside the (in)correct wearing of masks, it’s useful to see some comparative data on the relative respiratory protection offered by different mask materials. This study, published years ago (pre COVID!), does just that.
The case for face shields in preventing the spread of COVID-19
I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while. As UK government guidance has changed, face masks and face coverings will be very much the norm on public transport and in healthcare settings soon. So, now is a good time to consider whether face shields could play a role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Reflections on Infection Prevention and Control 