WHO Advised to Swap Out Surgical Face Masks for Respirators Amid Growing Concern Over Inadequate Protection Against Flu-Like Illnesses
In a shocking move, a group of experts has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines and recommend the use of respirator-level masks in healthcare settings. The proposal comes as researchers and clinicians have grown increasingly concerned over the inadequate protection provided by surgical face masks against flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19.
According to the letter, which was authored by seven clinicians and scientists, including University of Michigan School of Public Health professor Adam Finkel, there is "no rational justification remaining" for prioritizing or using surgical masks in healthcare settings. The experts argue that these masks provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens and are little better than not wearing a mask at all.
Respirators, on the other hand, are designed to filter tiny particles and have been shown to be much more effective in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. Finkel likened surgical masks to "obsolete" technology, comparing them unfavorably to respirators. "Surgical masks are like typewriters," he said. "They were invented for a specific purpose but no longer meet that purpose."
The proposal has sparked controversy, with some experts arguing that there is limited evidence to support the use of respirators in all healthcare settings. However, Finkel and his co-authors point out that laboratory tests have shown respirators to be highly effective in stopping airborne particles.
The WHO has been criticized for being slow to acknowledge the airborne transmission of COVID-19, but the letter urges the organization to revisit its earlier statements and "unambiguously inform the public" about the risks associated with respiratory viruses.
With production of surgical masks expected to phase out over time, critics are warning that many countries may not have access to the necessary protective equipment. However, Finkel argues that the WHO's procurement infrastructure could help increase access to respirators in poorer countries.
The switch to respirator-level masks is seen as a crucial step in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses and protecting healthcare workers from infection. With COVID-19 still a major global health threat, the WHO's decision on this matter is expected to have far-reaching implications for public health policy.
In a shocking move, a group of experts has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines and recommend the use of respirator-level masks in healthcare settings. The proposal comes as researchers and clinicians have grown increasingly concerned over the inadequate protection provided by surgical face masks against flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19.
According to the letter, which was authored by seven clinicians and scientists, including University of Michigan School of Public Health professor Adam Finkel, there is "no rational justification remaining" for prioritizing or using surgical masks in healthcare settings. The experts argue that these masks provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens and are little better than not wearing a mask at all.
Respirators, on the other hand, are designed to filter tiny particles and have been shown to be much more effective in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. Finkel likened surgical masks to "obsolete" technology, comparing them unfavorably to respirators. "Surgical masks are like typewriters," he said. "They were invented for a specific purpose but no longer meet that purpose."
The proposal has sparked controversy, with some experts arguing that there is limited evidence to support the use of respirators in all healthcare settings. However, Finkel and his co-authors point out that laboratory tests have shown respirators to be highly effective in stopping airborne particles.
The WHO has been criticized for being slow to acknowledge the airborne transmission of COVID-19, but the letter urges the organization to revisit its earlier statements and "unambiguously inform the public" about the risks associated with respiratory viruses.
With production of surgical masks expected to phase out over time, critics are warning that many countries may not have access to the necessary protective equipment. However, Finkel argues that the WHO's procurement infrastructure could help increase access to respirators in poorer countries.
The switch to respirator-level masks is seen as a crucial step in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses and protecting healthcare workers from infection. With COVID-19 still a major global health threat, the WHO's decision on this matter is expected to have far-reaching implications for public health policy.
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I think this is a game changer for hospitals & healthcare workers. They've been using surgical masks for ages, but if they're not good enough anymore, we should be switching to respirators ASAP! 
Those tiny particles are no joke, and if we can increase our protection against them, that's gotta be a good thing, right? 
. like, we've had covid for years now and people are still getting infected left and right. can't they just switch it up already? 
. what's next, gonna start wearing space suits to work or something? 
and people are still debating about what kind of mask to use lol like isnt it clear by now respirators r the way to go?? 
Finkel is totally right though, WHO needs to step up their game and inform the public ASAP 
its crazy that some ppl are still saying theres limited evidence for respirators... like dont they watch the news or something? 
the fact that countries might not have access to respirators is super concerning tho 
Finkel's idea about WHO's procurement infrastructure helping with that is a good one tho 
. they're saying respirators are the way to go, but what about all the countries that can't even get their hands on respirators due to production phase-outs 
. And what about all the countries that can't afford respirators? We should be helping them out, not making things harder for ourselves.
Finkel's right, they're basically obsolete tech 
. It's crazy that some experts are still debating this though... shouldn't the WHO be leading the way on public health? 
. It's time to step up our PPE game! 
we hiked up to this crazy scenic view and I swear it was like a whole different world up there 
the trees were so green and lush, and the sun was shining down on us... anyway, back to this mask thingy... i dont think its that big of a deal if they switch to respirators or whatever, ppl are worried about the flu, but like what's the worst that can happen? 
like, we've been saying it for years that they're not cutting it against flu-like illnesses 
. and now some experts are like "hey let's just switch to respirators already" 
. it's about time we upgrade from typewriter masks (lol) 
. Respirators are the clear winner here, they're designed to filter out tiny particles and stuff, they should be the standard. Plus, its not like its gonna break the bank or anything 
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. We need to make sure healthcare workers have access to the right gear 
... poor countries might be left high and dry if production phases out 
. I mean, think about it - if respirators can filter out tiny particles like a pro 
. And yeah, I get that there might be some controversy around this switch, but come on, safety first, right? 
anyway, i guess if surgical masks can't cut it anymore then we gotta step up our game. the thing is, who's gonna make these new respirator masks affordable for everyone, esp in poorer countries? seems like a good idea on paper but we all know how that goes