Surgical masks are as effective as respirator-type masks in protecting healthcare workers from influenza and other respiratory viruses, according to a study published in JAMA.
Researchers conducted the study at medical settings at 137 outpatient sites at seven U.S. medical centers. They collected data during four flu seasons between 2011 and 2015 and compared the use of surgical masks and a commonly used respirator mask called an N95, which is more expensive than a surgical mask. They examined the incidence of flu and acute respiratory illnesses in the almost 2,400 healthcare workers.
The study shows 207 cases of flu infections occurred in the N95, compared to 193 among surgical mask groups. Also, there were 2,734 cases of influenza-like symptoms, respiratory illnesses and acute or laboratory-detected respiratory infections in the N95 groups, versus 3,039 such events in the surgical mask groups.
Researchers concluded that one type of mask is not superior to the other in providing protection against the flu and respiratory illnesses.
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