The truth behind masks against Covid-19: what does science say today?

In 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic Covid-19 ravaged humanity, the question of the effectiveness of face masks has emerged as a crucial topic.

Now, after more than two years of studies and scientific advances, what does science have to say about the use of face masks as a preventative measure?

Significant protection or not so much?

In a recent 60 Minutes interview, the chief medical correspondent for CBS NewsDr. Jon LaPook, asked this question to renowned Virginia Tech professor Linsey Marr, who specializes in aerosol science.

At the time, she replied:

“Masks are extremely useful in reducing the risk of contracting Covid, as they reduce the amount of virus you inhale from the air around you.”

However, it is important to emphasize that no mask is 100% effective. To the masks N95, for example, get their name because they are at least 95% effective at trapping airborne particles when used correctly.

However, according to Marr, even a mask with an 80% effectiveness still provides significant protection.

Image: Getty Images/Reproduction

She explained that research has demonstrated the ability of high-quality masks to block particles the same size as those carrying the virus. coronavirus.

Masks work as filters, not sieves. Viral particles need to bypass the fiber layers, and in doing so they can collide with these fibers and become trapped.

Marr used a metaphor to illustrate this principle: it’s similar to running through a forest full of trees. Walking slowly makes it easier to navigate the environment.

However, as you increase your speed, you increase the risk of colliding with a tree.

“Masks, even cloth ones, make a difference,” Marr said.

Early in the pandemic, an emerging concern was the possibility that contaminated face masks could cause infection, as someone could touch a contaminated mask and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

However, subsequent research has disproved this fear. According to Marr’s explanation, the studies conducted by his team included aerosolizing the coronavirus by passing it through different types of masks and then examining the virus’s survival in them.

The study concluded that some viral particles remained on some cloth masks, but no viruses survived on N95 or surgical masks.

Additionally, Marr’s team performed an experiment in which they touched an artificial surface in the masks to observe how many virus particles were transferred to that surface.

The results demonstrated that no infectious virus was transferred. These studies are expected to calm concerns about masks being a source of infection.

Science continues to emphasize the crucial role of face masks in preventing the spread of the virus, highlighting their continued importance in the battle against Covid-19.