A trial in Norway found that wearing surgical face masks reduces the risk of respiratory symptoms, supporting their effectiveness.
- Wearing surgical face masks in public spaces reduces the risk of self-reported respiratory symptoms, based on a trial conducted among adults in Norway.
- The study found a moderate 3.2% reduction in symptoms, equivalent to 3,300 fewer infections per 100,000 people.
- Randomized controlled trial data from 4,575 adults in Norway showed wearing face masks led to fewer reported respiratory symptoms.
- Though there was no significant effect on COVID-19 infections, wearing face masks is considered a simple, low-cost, and generally well-tolerated intervention.
- Adverse effects reported included discomfort, difficulty breathing, fogging of glasses, and feeling socially awkward, but overall benefits in reducing respiratory symptoms were seen.
Source link
Public Health & Prevention, Pulmonary Medicine