Giuseppe
Emeritus
Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review. (Epidemiol Infect., abstract, edited)
7. Epidemiol Infect. 2010 Jan 22:1-8. [Epub ahead of print]
Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review.
Cowling BJ, Zhou Y, Ip DK, Leung GM, Aiello AE. - School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
SUMMARY
Influenza viruses circulate around the world every year. From time to time new strains emerge and cause global pandemics. Many national and international health agencies recommended the use of face masks during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. We reviewed the English-language literature on this subject to inform public health preparedness. There is some evidence to support the wearing of masks or respirators during illness to protect others, and public health emphasis on mask wearing during illness may help to reduce influenza virus transmission. There are fewer data to support the use of masks or respirators to prevent becoming infected. Further studies in controlled settings and studies of natural infections in healthcare and community settings are required to better define the effectiveness of face masks and respirators in preventing influenza virus transmission.
PMID: 20092668 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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7. Epidemiol Infect. 2010 Jan 22:1-8. [Epub ahead of print]
Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review.
Cowling BJ, Zhou Y, Ip DK, Leung GM, Aiello AE. - School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
SUMMARY
Influenza viruses circulate around the world every year. From time to time new strains emerge and cause global pandemics. Many national and international health agencies recommended the use of face masks during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. We reviewed the English-language literature on this subject to inform public health preparedness. There is some evidence to support the wearing of masks or respirators during illness to protect others, and public health emphasis on mask wearing during illness may help to reduce influenza virus transmission. There are fewer data to support the use of masks or respirators to prevent becoming infected. Further studies in controlled settings and studies of natural infections in healthcare and community settings are required to better define the effectiveness of face masks and respirators in preventing influenza virus transmission.
PMID: 20092668 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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