World Health Organization Advised to Swap Surgical Face Masks with Respirator-Level Masks Amid Calls for Better Protection Against Flu-Like Illnesses
The World Health Organization (WHO) is being urged to update its guidelines to recommend respirator-level masks instead of surgical face masks, citing inadequate protection against flu-like illnesses such as COVID-19. Experts argue that the widely used surgical masks are no longer sufficient and should be phased out in favor of more effective respirators.
The call for change comes as a group of seven clinicians and scientists, including University of Michigan School of Public Health professor Adam Finkel, wrote to WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urging the organization to adopt new guidelines that prioritize respirator-level masks. The letter argues that there is "no rational justification remaining" for using surgical masks in healthcare settings and that they provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
The proposal would require hospitals and clinics to switch from surgical face masks to respirators, such as FFP2/3 standards in the UK or N95 in the US, during medical interactions. Proponents argue that this change could significantly reduce infections among patients and healthcare workers, as well as rates of sickness, absence, and burnout.
Finkel, who was chief regulatory official at the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration between 1995 and 2000, likens surgical masks to "obsolete" technology compared to respirators. He notes that while surgical masks are better than nothing, they offer only about 40% protection against COVID-19 particles, whereas respirators can block up to 98%.
Critics of the group's arguments point out that there is currently a lack of randomized controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of physical measures in slowing the spread of respiratory viruses. However, Finkel and other authors argue that laboratory tests showing the efficacy of respirators provide sufficient evidence.
The WHO has been criticized for its initial response to COVID-19, with some arguing that it was slow to describe the virus as spreading via airborne particles. The letter also calls for the organization to revisit earlier statements and inform the public unequivocally that COVID-19 spreads through airborne respiratory particles.
As the pandemic continues, experts are urging a more effective approach to protecting healthcare workers and patients from flu-like illnesses. With the WHO's guidance on personal protective equipment for health workers under review, this call for change may yet have a significant impact on global public health efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is being urged to update its guidelines to recommend respirator-level masks instead of surgical face masks, citing inadequate protection against flu-like illnesses such as COVID-19. Experts argue that the widely used surgical masks are no longer sufficient and should be phased out in favor of more effective respirators.
The call for change comes as a group of seven clinicians and scientists, including University of Michigan School of Public Health professor Adam Finkel, wrote to WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urging the organization to adopt new guidelines that prioritize respirator-level masks. The letter argues that there is "no rational justification remaining" for using surgical masks in healthcare settings and that they provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
The proposal would require hospitals and clinics to switch from surgical face masks to respirators, such as FFP2/3 standards in the UK or N95 in the US, during medical interactions. Proponents argue that this change could significantly reduce infections among patients and healthcare workers, as well as rates of sickness, absence, and burnout.
Finkel, who was chief regulatory official at the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration between 1995 and 2000, likens surgical masks to "obsolete" technology compared to respirators. He notes that while surgical masks are better than nothing, they offer only about 40% protection against COVID-19 particles, whereas respirators can block up to 98%.
Critics of the group's arguments point out that there is currently a lack of randomized controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of physical measures in slowing the spread of respiratory viruses. However, Finkel and other authors argue that laboratory tests showing the efficacy of respirators provide sufficient evidence.
The WHO has been criticized for its initial response to COVID-19, with some arguing that it was slow to describe the virus as spreading via airborne particles. The letter also calls for the organization to revisit earlier statements and inform the public unequivocally that COVID-19 spreads through airborne respiratory particles.
As the pandemic continues, experts are urging a more effective approach to protecting healthcare workers and patients from flu-like illnesses. With the WHO's guidance on personal protective equipment for health workers under review, this call for change may yet have a significant impact on global public health efforts.
I think it's about time we upgraded our face mask game 
! Surgical masks just aren't cutting it anymore when it comes to protecting us from flu-like illnesses like COVID-19 
. With respirator-level masks, we could see a significant reduction in infections and sickness rates 
. Plus, it's not just about individual protection - hospitals and clinics would also benefit from having more effective gear 
.
. It's like comparing a flimsy umbrella to a sturdy one for rainy days 
️. We need to stay ahead of these viruses and take all necessary precautions 
. The WHO should definitely consider updating its guidelines 
. Our global public health efforts depend on it 
Just heard that surgical face masks aren't cutting it anymore 
. Apparently they only block like 40% of COVID-19 particles 
. It's about time, right? I mean, who wants to get sick when you can just wear a better mask 
. The WHO is being called out for not updating their guidelines sooner 
. It's only a matter of time before we see more cases and hospitalizations 
. I mean, 40% protection is pretty meh against COVID-19 particles 
. Plus, think about all the healthcare workers and patients who get sick because of these inadequate masks 
.
. Can we really say that respirators are the silver bullet here?
. I mean, correlation doesn't always equal causation, right? And what about all the other factors at play when it comes to spreading illnesses? Is it just a case of "more protection = less spread"? It feels like we're oversimplifying things 
.
. Can't we just focus on, I don't know, getting back to some semblance of normalcy? 
. If hospitals start using respirators, that'd be a game-changer for patient care and worker safety 
. This change could really make a difference in reducing those flu-like illnesses and keeping healthcare workers from burning out 
.
! these surgical masks just dont cut it anymore. with all the flu-like illnesses out there, especially covid-19, we need something that can block more than 40% of those tiny particles 
. they're like, way more effective at keeping us safe and healthy! 
. it's time to level up our PPE game! 
! I mean, 40% protection against COVID-19 particles? Are you kidding me? That's like wearing a pair of flip flops to protect your feet from stepping on hot coals 
. I'm all for innovation, but if Adam Finkel says surgical masks are obsolete tech, I believe him 
.
. I mean, we've been using those surgical masks for ages and they're basically obsolete compared to respirators 
. One thing's for sure, it's about time the WHO listened to experts like Adam Finkel 
!