Wearing a mask is one of the most recommended COVID-19 prevention measures by medical experts. The effectiveness of this measure has been proven through many different studies around the world.
As of 11 am on August 11, 2020, Vietnam has 847 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 15 deaths. Therefore, the competent health authorities quickly issued recommendations to prevent the disease from spreading. And one of those ways is to wear a mask.
Wearing a mask is a very effective method of preventing the risk of infection and the spread of disease, especially in localities where it is difficult to implement social distancing. Many government officials, scientists agree that masks bring a great benefit while its harm and cost is very low.
To prove this point, scientists have conducted many studies to test the preventive effects of wearing masks. And most of the results support the mandatory wearing of masks when going out. Masks not only help prevent virus-containing droplets from others, but also help raise public awareness in proactively preventing and protecting the health of themselves and their families.
However, this does not mean that just wearing a mask is enough, but also needs to be combined with other preventive measures such as washing hands with soap, standing 2m apart…
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to specifically determine the effectiveness and effect of masks, but most of the studies “go in the same direction” that in the current complicated epidemic situation, the Wearing a mask when going out is essential.
Some of the latest studies on the effects and effectiveness of wearing masks
Wearing a mask is a very effective method of preventing disease transmission, especially in localities where it is difficult to implement social distancing.
More and more studies recognize the effectiveness of wearing masks in preventing disease:
- A study published in The Lancet concluded that wearing a mask can provide certain protection. However, wearing a mask cannot completely replace other methods.
- A study in the International Journal of Nursing Studie showed that healthy people wearing masks when going to public places will limit the risk of infection. However, it is not known how much protection a mask can provide to the wearer and those in contact.
- A study from the non-profit research institute IZA found that the number of COVID-19 infections in a locality in Germany decreased by 2.3-13% in the 10-day period following the mandatory order. Wear a mask in public.
- A study in BMJ Global Health found that wearing a mask can reduce the risk of disease transmission in households in Beijing. Specifically, households using masks can reduce the risk of infection by up to 79%.
Although not perfect, studies still emphasize the importance of wearing a mask
Overall, most studies show that masks can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and respiratory diseases. Even just wearing a cloth mask has a great preventive effect. Surgical masks and respirators may be more effective, but more research will be needed to prove this.
In addition, wearing a mask can also help encourage positive behavior change. One researcher found that wearing a mask can cause people to stand further apart, which could prevent the spread of the virus.
Most studies also emphasize that the habit of wearing masks cannot completely replace other preventive measures. Therefore, besides this precaution, people should still wash their hands often with soap, keep a distance of 2m from others and avoid going to crowded places.
Masks can prevent droplets and create a physical barrier to keep the wearer from getting infected
In addition, scientists will still need to do more research on how to maximize the benefits of wearing a mask. Not only that, most studies have not provided convincing evidence of how masks work.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be spread through airborne droplets when coughing, sneezing, or talking. In some cases, the virus in these droplets can persist for a while before entering another host. Masks can prevent this and create a physical barrier to keep the wearer free of infection.
In particular, wearing a mask is also an effective and low-cost preventive measure. The price of masks is quite “soft” and if you don’t have the conditions, you can still make your own masks at home by cutting a shirt or t-shirt. In addition, wearing a mask does not cause side effects, but there is a drawback that it feels a bit uncomfortable.
Currently, scientists are still studying the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to deal with it. While waiting for a preventive vaccine, we need to proactively protect ourselves today with a simple but extremely effective measure of wearing a mask. And don’t forget to take other precautions as recommended by the Ministry of Health to best protect yourself and your family.
For other updates to help you live with the disease easily, visit www.leep.app or download easyhealthylive.com here.
Reference source
The growing scientific evidence for masks to fight Covid-19, explained https://www.vox.com/ Access date: August 5, 2020
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
