Do Masks Save Lives?  Part I

No one denies, if you are far away from a person who has an airborne disease, you will not get it; and the closer you are to that person the greater the viral load to which you will be exposed.  Then your immune system takes over!  Some will get sick and some will not.   Nevertheless, Covid 19 has proven itself to be very virulent in the world, and one answer to help protect people from exposure is “Wear Masks”.  Using common sense, one would think masks would be key in protecting us from Covid 19.  But are they?

What does the Research Data Show?

My goal was to find solid outcome research to answer the question, “Do masks protect us from Covid 19?  Which masks are the most effective, and lastly do they save lives?   It turns out, the mask question was more complicated than I thought and reviewing over 30 studies made my head spin.  There is a plethera of recent articles written on masks, but few that were outcome based.   Most were observational studies stating hypotheses concluded from made up models,  but few actual Covid 19 outcome studies from wearing masks.   The next question was, “ Were the studies valid”?

Mask Research Study Variables

When you look at all the variables listed below influencing the answers, it can make you cringe.

1. Disease prevalence
2. Virulency
3. Is the spread of Covid via droplets (bigger size) or aerosol (smaller size)?
4. How far does coughing, sneezing, or yelling spread the disease?
5. How infectious are asymptomatic carriers? What percentage of the population are asymptomatic?
6. Are there any differences between influenza, H1N1, rhinovirus, coronavirus, Covid 19 and mask wearing for protection.
7. In the studies, how were the viruses verified to be present in the person and on the mask?
8. Over what period of time was the breath collection done in the studies?
9. What was the material used to make the mask?
10. How many layers of material were used to make the mask?
11. How does the mask fit? If it is not fitting tightly over the nose and mouth, the virus can escape!
12. Is it harmful for you to wear a mask without taking it off for long hours?
13. How many days can you wear the same mask?
14. If you take a mask on and off, does it change its efficacy?
15. Are masks with vents not protective of others?
16. Will a mask actually infect you with a higher viral load because the virus is contained ?
17. Do masks ultimately decrease our immune system? Is heard immunity better in the long run?
18. How long do you need to be exposed to the virus in order for you to get sick?
19. What are the outcomes of mask wearing in different population densities?
20. Is there a difference in research bias concerning mask wearing in the past versus during Covid 19?
21. How many people will die if exposed to Covid 19?
22. What percentage of people become positive when exposed while wearing a mask or not wearing a mask?
23. Do masks really “save lives”?
24. What if we just use hand sanitizer and wash our hands often and don’t use a mask?

 

Whew! That’s a lot to research!   Most people only want to know the answer to the question “Do Masks Save Lives” by decreasing the rate of transmission?  Saving lives is really an act done by the Healthcare professionals, not masks.  Masks are worn to decrease the rate of transmission and it is presumed this action will decrease deaths.  We actually don’t know this to be true.  Deaths are reduced by immediate treatment of symptoms outlined in my blog 7-22-20.  Moving forward we also don’t know if herd immunity will exist in all countries whether they have had a mask mandate or not.

Next week, research looking at all the variables listed above will be presented.  I know you are probably thinking, “Just tell me what to do!”, however, I feel it important for everyone to understand why there has been so much confusion in the  “science” of masks.

And as I continue to ponder this virus, I wonder, what would the pandemic look like if everyone was given vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, and silver gel to put on their hands and face every day for protection rather than a mask!?

Have an awesome day, and right now wear your mask to protect others if they are in close proximity to you.  But also take your vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, quercetin or EGCG, and put silver gel on your hands and face every day and be well!

Dr D

Sources

• • Worldometer/coronavirus.com