Masks Work. Distorting Science to Dispute the Evidence Doesn't

[Nevilledog]

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/masks-work-distorting-science-to-dispute-the-evidence-doesnt/

Masks work. Especially respirator-style N95 masks.

Amid an ongoing pandemic and outbreaks of influenza and RSV caused by airborne viruses, arguing over the virus-blocking power of masks remains one of the COVID era’s signature follies. Disconcertingly, despite decades of evidence of their efficacy, some of the disagreement comes from a few in the medical field itself, misusing science and endangering lives.

Most recently a Cochrane review, which systematically assesses multiple randomized controlled trials, provoked headlines after claiming a lack of evidence that masks prevent transmission of many respiratory viruses. Not for the public, health care workers, or anyone. “There is just no evidence that they make any difference,” the lead author said in a media interview. This brought an unusual chastisement from the Cochrane Library’s editor-in-chief, who stated it was “not an accurate representation of what the review found.”

That wasn’t the first time something like this has happened. Late last year, a randomized controlled trial claimed that N95 respirators were no better than medical (or surgical) masks for health care workers. Whereas scientists, engineers and occupational health and safety experts highlighted flaws (see its comments section) in the study, these two episodes point to a bigger fundamental question: whether these types of trials are suitable to test how well physical interventions like masks reduce viral transmission.

Medical assertions of exclusive “ownership” over the science of masks when they are used during a pandemic ignore the fact that they represent a well-understood engineered solution, with decades of widespread and successful use behind them. Demands to reject this evidence reflect a failure to recognize and respect interdisciplinary expertise that has undercut the global pandemic response.

*snip*

[flamingdem]

1. I continue to be horrified at covid denialism

We only have one body and one brain. Long covid is real. Masks work!

[Skittles]

2. no more evidence is needed that people are fucking stupid

they'll "take their chances" - as if it is only about them....sickening

[stopdiggin]

3. thanks. and the article

(and the summary given here) are actually far to gentle and forgiving.

What is actually going on here is that you have a handful of self styled 'iconoclast' 'going against the grain' 'fighting convention' champions (generally with hugely inflated egos) - coupled with a media that is all to eager to give the 'other side' a platform, in the furtherance of controversy, and profit.

Their direct counterparts are the handful of 'researchers and scientists' selling the 'controversy' in global warming data and interpretation. And the crime is that our modern information age' - allows them an audience.

[calimary]

4. Well, anybody who believes this has missed a big boatload of fun!

I swear, I’ve had more fun during the COVID plague by creative masks! I’ve still got a box full!
Masks with slogans on them - about safety and not forgetting to vote.
Masks with cat faces.
Masks with glitter, and sequins, and rhinestones! In lots of colors!
Masks for all seasons including Halloween and Christmas.
Masks in all sorts of fabrics and textures.
Masks that hook around your ears and hang down like cowboy-movie bank robbers wore.
Masks in several different paisley patterns and colors.
Masks celebrating Cousin It.
Masks celebrating the Beatles.
Rainbow masks.
Masks with Van Gogh painting prints, including “Starry Night”.
“Star Trek” masks. With captain-ranking pips.
And that’s just off the top of my head. I know I’m leaving out a few.

There’s no reason not to have fun with it! At the very least, I noticed I’d get smiles from people, and compliments from more than a few teenage girls. Four times in a single grocery store trip!

If you had to wear a mask, I couldn’t imagine not having some fun with it!