The efficacy of medical masks and respirators against respiratory infection in healthcare workers

ConclusionThe results suggest that the classification of infections into droplet versus airborne transmission is an oversimplification. Most guidelines recommend masks for infections spread by droplets. N95 respirators, as “airborne precautions,” provide superior protection for droplet‐transmitted infections. To ensure the occupational health and safety of healthcare worker, the superiority of respirators in preventing respiratory infections should be reflected in infection control guidelines.

Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses - August 30, 2017 Category: Virology Authors: Chandini Raina MacIntyre, Abrar Ahmad Chughtai, Bayzidur Rahman, Yang Peng, Yi Zhang, Holly Seale, Xiaoli Wang, Quanyi Wang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research