Masks for prevention of viral respiratory infections among health care workers and the public: PEER umbrella systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the effect of mask use on viral respiratory infection risk.

Data sources

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library.

Study selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in at least 1 published systematic review comparing the use of masks with a control group, either in community or health care settings, on the risk of viral respiratory infections.

Synthesis

In total, 11 systematic reviews were included and 18 RCTs of 26 444 participants were found, 12 in the community and 6 in health care workers. Included studies had limitations and were deemed at high risk of bias. Overall, the use of masks in the community did not reduce the risk of influenza, confirmed viral respiratory infection, influenzalike illness, or any clinical respiratory infe

SUBMITTER: Dugre N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7365162 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature