Do Surgical Masks Protect You Against COVID?
My hospital recently reintroduced a mandate that its healthcare providers wear paper surgical masks.
As a scientist, I question the efficacy of paper surgical masks in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, as my hospital reintroduced a mandate for healthcare providers to wear them.
Although many debate the effectiveness of paper masks, I am more interested in the evidence supporting wearing one rather than the politics surrounding masking.
Mixed Feelings
I remember wearing a paper surgical mask during a particularly busy shift at the hospital last winter.
As I moved from one patient’s room to another, I couldn’t help but notice the discomfort caused by the mask’s straps constantly tugging at my ears.
Despite the inconvenience, I also couldn’t ignore the sense of protection and responsibility that came with wearing it.
I work in cancer medicine, after all.
It’s a strange juxtaposition — the physical discomfort versus the mental reassurance.
