Now that we are all wearing "Masks" to some degree placing our health on doing so the question is, are the most prevalent Surgery Style vs the N95 masks effective at protecting the wearer or are more to prevent spread only?
An excerpt from this article
https://www.healthline.com/health/ho...sk#when-needed :
"A properly worn three-ply surgical mask
may help block transmission of large-particle microorganisms from droplets, sprays, splatters, and splashes.
The surgical mask’s three-ply layers work as follows:
- The outer layer repels water, blood, and other body fluids.
- The middle layer filters certain pathogens.
- The inner layer absorbs moisture and sweat from exhaled air.
However, the edges of surgical masks don’t form a tight seal around your nose or mouth. Therefore, they can’t filter out small airborne particles such as those transmitted by coughing or sneezing."
"Although a surgical mask helps trap larger respiratory droplets, itcan’t protect you from contracting the novel coronavirus, which is known as SARS-CoV-2. That’s because surgical masks:
- don’t filter out smaller airborne particles
- don’t fit snugly on your face, so airborne particles can leak in through the sides of the mask”
This article was written and reviewed by a Registered Nurse with advanced degree and a Physician:
"Medically reviewed by
Stacy Sampson, DO on April 6, 2020 New — Written by Leilani Fraley, RN, MSN"
RN: Registered Nurse
MSN: Masters of Science in Nursing
DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Another video interview of an RN challenging the recent CDC changes of mask protection needed comparing the Surgery Mask to the N95:
https://www.star-telegram.com/entert...241125596.html
According to the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...revention.html :
"The virus is thought to spread
mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms."
The need for a mask that filters the greatest amount of inhaled air trapping the microbe before it has a chance to enter the body is the minimum performance level of any mask worn to
prevent infection by the wearer.
The 3 ply surgery mask is similar in construction as the N-95 however what makes the SM ineffective is the loose fit along the sides. The n95 design fits tightly on the face assisted by the elastic bands which pull the edges of the stiff formed mask against the skin forming a much tighter seal.
Another interesting video related to how far the virus may spread indoors after an infected person coughs/sneezes who is not wearing a mask:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md6G2hqrhBE
The CDC guidance recommending N-95 masks for only HKWs and 1st responders is based on shortages not science.
You cannot tell someone they need a device to prevent contracting a deadly disease and not be able to give them one,,,,