WHO Advised to Swap Surgical Face Masks with Respirators Amid Growing Concerns Over Protection Against Flu-Like Illnesses
A group of experts has urged World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to swap surgical face masks with respirator-level masks in healthcare settings, citing inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
The proposal, backed by 50 senior clinicians and researchers, as well as over 2,000 members of the public, argues that surgical masks are no longer sufficient for preventing transmission of flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19. According to Prof Adam Finkel, a signatory and expert at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, surgical masks were designed to prevent doctors and nurses from spreading germs, but "are obsolete" compared to respirators.
Respirators, such as FFP2/3 standards in the UK or N95 in the US, are designed to filter tiny particles and meet high filtration standards. The experts argue that these masks should be standard practice for medical interactions, resulting in fewer infections in patients and healthcare professionals, and reducing rates of sickness, absence, and burnout in the health workforce.
Critics of the proposal point to a lack of randomized controlled trials showing physical measures slow the spread of respiratory viruses, but the authors argue that laboratory tests demonstrating respirators' effectiveness are sufficient evidence.
The WHO has been criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its initial characterization of the virus. The letter also calls for the organization to revisit earlier statements and provide clear guidance on how the virus spreads via airborne respiratory particles.
As production of surgical masks is phased down, the WHO's procurement infrastructure could help increase access to respirators in poorer countries. The experts suggest that this change could have a significant impact on reducing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
While the proposal may be met with controversy, particularly given face mask debates during the pandemic, the authors argue that it is necessary to prioritize evidence-based policies and protect healthcare workers from infection.
A group of experts has urged World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to swap surgical face masks with respirator-level masks in healthcare settings, citing inadequate protection against airborne pathogens.
The proposal, backed by 50 senior clinicians and researchers, as well as over 2,000 members of the public, argues that surgical masks are no longer sufficient for preventing transmission of flu-like illnesses, including COVID-19. According to Prof Adam Finkel, a signatory and expert at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, surgical masks were designed to prevent doctors and nurses from spreading germs, but "are obsolete" compared to respirators.
Respirators, such as FFP2/3 standards in the UK or N95 in the US, are designed to filter tiny particles and meet high filtration standards. The experts argue that these masks should be standard practice for medical interactions, resulting in fewer infections in patients and healthcare professionals, and reducing rates of sickness, absence, and burnout in the health workforce.
Critics of the proposal point to a lack of randomized controlled trials showing physical measures slow the spread of respiratory viruses, but the authors argue that laboratory tests demonstrating respirators' effectiveness are sufficient evidence.
The WHO has been criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its initial characterization of the virus. The letter also calls for the organization to revisit earlier statements and provide clear guidance on how the virus spreads via airborne respiratory particles.
As production of surgical masks is phased down, the WHO's procurement infrastructure could help increase access to respirators in poorer countries. The experts suggest that this change could have a significant impact on reducing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
While the proposal may be met with controversy, particularly given face mask debates during the pandemic, the authors argue that it is necessary to prioritize evidence-based policies and protect healthcare workers from infection.
. I mean, back in my day, we used to wear those surgical masks all the time when we were at the hospital or dealing with patients who had flu-like illnesses. And you know what? They worked just fine for us! We didn't have all this fuss about respirators and N95s and whatnot.
. If these experts are sayin' that surgical masks aren't good enough anymore, then maybe we should listen to 'em. I mean, 50 senior clinicians and over 2,000 public members can't be wrong, right? 
. And what about the cost of production? It's a big deal, you know? 
But I guess if it means keepin' our healthcare workers safe and preventin' more illnesses from spreadin', then it's worth considerin'. 
. And maybe they'll even give us a heads up on when those masks are gonna be widely available 
. Fingers crossed! 
i feel like were moving to fast and not thinking this thru. what if theres still a lot of people who cant afford these fancy masks? 
shouldn't they just give us better gear from the start?
! So there's this huge debate goin on about whether we should switch from surgical masks to respirator-level masks in healthcare settings... like what's the big deal?! Apparently, these surgical masks aren't doin the trick against flu-like illnesses & COVID-19 anymore 
. The experts are sayin that respirators (think N95 or FFP2/3) would be way better at filterin out tiny particles & preventin infections... it's like night & day! 
And get this, production of surgical masks is actually bein phased down, so the WHO's procurement infrastructure could help get more respirators to low-income countries... that's a win in my book 
! The experts are hopin to reduce the spread of infectious diseases & protect healthcare workers from gettin sick... can't agree more 
. I mean, we've learned so much about how easily airborne pathogens can spread during the pandemic, and surgical masks just aren't cutting it anymore 
. My kid's school has been doing a great job of keeping everyone safe with their masks policy, but even that isn't foolproof 
. If we're going to protect our healthcare workers from getting sick, we need better gear. And if the WHO can make this happen, it could be a game-changer for global health 
.
i mean ur saying theres no randomized trials but lab tests dont lie fam! the WHO needs 2 step up their game & provide clear guidelines ASAP 
️ we need 2 protect our healthcare workers from getting sick & spreading it to patients 
. I've seen so many vids of hospitals with covid outbreaks and it's heartbreaking to see staff getting sick 
. These respirators might be more expensive to produce but trust me, the benefits would be worth it 
. Plus, it'd help reduce the number of sick days nurses have to take 
. We should all be supporting this change 
they were like a luxury item for us frontline workers 
. I'm all for the WHO revisiting their statements on how viruses spread and providing clearer guidance 
. We need to put science over skepticism here 
!
I'm keeping an eye on this one...
the WHO needs 2 step up their game especially w/ all the flu-like illnesses going around 
we need better protection for healthcare workers & patients alike 
this move could save so many lives & reduce burnout in the health workforce 
. It's just basic science, right? 
. And it's not like we're talking about some new vaccine or treatment here 
.
. I mean, FFP2/3 standards in the UK are like super strict when it comes to filtration, and N95s in the US are basically the gold standard for respiratory protection 
. It's not about being paranoid or anything, it's just about protecting ourselves and our healthcare workers from getting sick 
. What do you think, is this a step in the right direction? 
.
. i'd love to see the WHO provide clear guidelines on how airborne viruses work so we can better protect ourselves 
! And can you believe there's still so much debate about this? Like, come on, let's just get with it and make these respirators standard practice already 
. All these experts say they're not doing enough to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses and COVID-19. We've had this pandemic for years now and it's still a thing