Reference:
Experimental Design:
Researchers randomly assigned 246 volunteers to two groups. Some had already been infected with seasonal coronavirus (NOT the kind that results in COVID-19), the flu, or the common cold. In the first group, people were asked to breathe normally without a mask. Researchers then collected their breath samples and tested them for coronaviruses and influenza. The second group was told to do the same, but while wearing surgical masks.
Results:
Wearing a mask made a huge difference!
- When infected people breathed, viruses were found in 26-30% of their saliva droplets and 40-56% of their aerosols.
- The no-mask group had 10 people infected with seasonal coronavirus. Traces of the virus were found in 30-40% of their breath samples.
- The masked group had 11 people infected with seasonal coronavirus. Because they wore a mask, no virus was found in their breath samples.
What does this mean?
Wearing a surgical or cloth mask in public does not guarantee that you won’t catch COVID-19. But it’s still the best way to protect yourself and others.
In the next section, learn more about how to best wear a mask to maximize protection.
In the next section, learn more about how to best wear a mask to maximize protection.
Up Next: Why is mask fit important?
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