WHO Advised to Swap Surgical Face Masks with Respirators Amid Global Criticisms Over Inadequate Protection Against Airborne Pathogens.
A group of medical experts has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines, recommending that surgical face masks be replaced by respirator-level masks in healthcare settings. The experts argue that surgical masks provide inadequate protection against flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19, and are no longer suitable for use in hospitals and clinics.
The group of seven clinicians and scientists, led by Prof Adam Finkel from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, claims that respirators designed to filter tiny particles would significantly reduce infections among patients and healthcare workers. The authors point out that surgical masks were never designed to prevent airborne pathogens but rather to prevent medical professionals from sneezing into patient wounds.
In contrast, respirator-level masks meet high filtration standards and fit closely around the face, filtering out airborne germs. Finkel likens respiratory masks to computer technology, stating that they are like typewriters to modern computers – obsolete.
While critics argue that there is a lack of randomized controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of physical measures in slowing the spread of respiratory viruses, the authors contend that laboratory tests showing respirators' ability to stop particles provide sufficient evidence. The group has received support from prominent figures, including researchers and public health advocates.
The WHO has faced criticism for its initial slow response to describing COVID-19 as airborne. Now, a revised update is being considered, which could have a significant impact on global guidelines for infection prevention in healthcare settings. However, there may be scenarios where respirators are not necessary, depending on community infection rates and ventilation or air filtration devices.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, updated guidance from the WHO could help prevent further spread of respiratory viruses among patients and healthcare workers.
A group of medical experts has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines, recommending that surgical face masks be replaced by respirator-level masks in healthcare settings. The experts argue that surgical masks provide inadequate protection against flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19, and are no longer suitable for use in hospitals and clinics.
The group of seven clinicians and scientists, led by Prof Adam Finkel from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, claims that respirators designed to filter tiny particles would significantly reduce infections among patients and healthcare workers. The authors point out that surgical masks were never designed to prevent airborne pathogens but rather to prevent medical professionals from sneezing into patient wounds.
In contrast, respirator-level masks meet high filtration standards and fit closely around the face, filtering out airborne germs. Finkel likens respiratory masks to computer technology, stating that they are like typewriters to modern computers – obsolete.
While critics argue that there is a lack of randomized controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of physical measures in slowing the spread of respiratory viruses, the authors contend that laboratory tests showing respirators' ability to stop particles provide sufficient evidence. The group has received support from prominent figures, including researchers and public health advocates.
The WHO has faced criticism for its initial slow response to describing COVID-19 as airborne. Now, a revised update is being considered, which could have a significant impact on global guidelines for infection prevention in healthcare settings. However, there may be scenarios where respirators are not necessary, depending on community infection rates and ventilation or air filtration devices.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, updated guidance from the WHO could help prevent further spread of respiratory viruses among patients and healthcare workers.
... Can't we just get it right for once? 
I mean, come on, WHO, update your guidelines already! It's not like they're asking for the moon here. Just swap out those flimsy surgical masks for some real respirators and you'll be good to go 
. I swear, I've lost count of how many times we've had to go through this process... "it's not safe", "it's not effective"... when are we gonna get a solid answer? 
The thing is, I'm all for science and evidence-based decisions, but can't we just have some clarity around here? 
Finkel's analogy about typewriters and computers made sense to me though 
. Time to step up the game and give us some real protection against those airborne pathogens 
. I mean, come on, who designed these surgical masks thinking they'd be enough protection against COVID-19? It's like using a flip phone to stay connected in the digital age 
- outdated and obsolete.
. I'm surprised it took a group of medical experts to point this out, considering how much we've learned about airborne pathogens since the pandemic started.
. And let's be real, who doesn't want to reduce the risk of getting sick? It's a no-brainer, especially in healthcare settings where patients are already vulnerable 
.
.
... seems obvious to me that if u r in a hospital, u need better protection than just some thin mask... respirators r way more effective 
. With how fast Covid-19 (and other viruses) are spreading around the world, it's crazy that we're still using masks that aren't doing enough to keep us safe. These respirator-level masks seem like a no-brainer for hospitals and clinics. I mean, if we can use more advanced tech in our computers, why not use better masks to protect ourselves from airborne pathogens? 
! It's about time they acknowledged that surgical masks aren't cutting it anymore 
. I mean, who thought those were good enough for hospitals? 
Respirators are a no-brainer, especially with all the lab tests showing they can filter out airborne germs 
. Of course, there might be some situations where respirators aren't necessary, but it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to patients and healthcare workers 
. I just hope this update happens soon so we can finally start seeing some real progress in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses 
). Those surgical masks just aren't cutting it anymore. I remember when they first came out, people thought they were a game-changer 
. Respirator-level masks are like the Tesla of masks - they're cutting-edge and will get us where we need to go 
. The lab tests are proof that they work, so why not? It's all about safety first 
, especially in hospitals where people are already vulnerable. Plus, it's not like we haven't had enough trial by fire with this pandemic 
.
. We need every tool in the toolbox to keep us safe and healthy 
. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll have masks that can detect airborne pathogens before they even reach our noses 
!
! I mean, who thought they were a viable option for preventing airborne pathogens? They're literally like wearing a thin layer of protection on your face, it's not even close to what our bodies need right now. And don't even get me started on how ridiculous it is that the WHO initially didn't consider COVID-19 to be an airborne virus 
. It's about time they stepped up their game and issued some real guidance for healthcare workers.
. With the WHO reevaluating its approach, it's likely we'll see a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers alike 
.
? I'm all for the WHO updating their guidelines, especially if it means keeping patients and healthcare workers safer 
. And they put me in that flimsy surgical mask thingy and I was like "is this really gonna protect us from all these germs?" 
. My mom always told me to be careful when sick 'cause she's a nurse 
... now I know why!
I mean, come on... have you guys seen these surgical masks they've been using in hospitals? 
Plus, if respirator masks are so effective, why didn't we switch to them sooner? Was there a reason to wait for all this criticism and backlash against surgical masks? 
. We need something better, and respirator-level masks fit the bill perfectly 
. I'm glad there are some smart people out there pushing for change 
. And now we're paying the price with all these cases of COVID-19 and other illnesses spreading around 
. it's crazy how our understanding of respiratory viruses has evolved since covid-19 started. i'm all for that revised update from the WHO - let's prioritize our health and safety