[ExI] the CDC's weird recommendation on masks

[Re Rose]

LOL Stuart - I haven't understood a single thing the CDC has done! I
personally would not go out at this point without a mask, IMHO of course
they help protect you, at the least by keeping you from touching your face
with a virus-y hand.

If anyone is interested, I made a video on how to treat a surgical mask to
have anti-viral properties, by spraying it with a salt solution. The 2017
paper I refer to is cited in the comments at YT. And YES wear swimmers
goggles too!  https://youtu.be/pf8Iahxhd7Y

Even the salt-infused mask is limited if it is not form-fitted to your
face. I made a wire form (I used 16 ga craft wire) that I attached two
rubber-band loops to, to hold in place both over and around my head. I put
a tissue around the wire so it looks less dorky, the wire form is worn
outside the mask, serving to close the gaps. You can also tape the mask to
your face but be warned - that itches! YMMV.

--Regina

Message: 4
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:48:35 -0700
From: Stuart LaForge <avant at sollegro.com>
To: ExI Chat <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org>
Subject: [ExI] the CDC's weird recommendation on masks
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I don't understand this recommendation from the CDC for the public to
NOT wear masks for COVID-19 prophylaxis. Is it based on any evidence
or data? Or is it just because the supply shortage for healthcare
workers? Maybe N-95 respirators are overkill for the general public
that is not regularly face to face with infected patients or entering
rooms with several patients. But why shouldn't somebody at risk not
wear a surgical mask on the subway or bus?

Yes, the virus is small enough to go through the pores of a surgical
mask but it will certainly stop many of the larger aerosol droplets.
 From the average cough or sneeze from three to six feet away. In fact
according to this review of the literature, simple disposable surgical
masks ARE effective in protecting the wearer according to 6 out of 7
studies. This is stronger than the evidence for the efficacy of hand
washing which was also protective but in only 4 out 7 studies.

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub4/full

"These data suggest that wearing a surgical mask or a N95 mask is the
measure with the most consistent and comprehensive supportive
evidence. Seven out of eight studies included masks as a measure in
their study and six out of seven of these studies found masks to be
statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Handwashing was
also included in seven of the studies with four studies showing
handwashing to be statistically significant in multivariable analysis.
All other measures were shown to be statistically significant in
multivariable analysis on only one or two occasions."

What is going on here? Does the CDC just think everybody is too stupid
to properly use a face mask properly? I have in the past been coughed
on in public to my great annoyance so it certainly is a realistic
risk. My professional opinion as a microbiologist is that at risk
people should absolutely wear a mask in crowded conditions and safety
glasses or goggles as well. And if you can't buy any because they are
sold out or too expensive due to price gouging, then you should make
your own:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZGU2vWHKC8

In my opinion ANY barrier to the aerosol from sick people is better
than no barrier. Any insights from the other list members with biomed
experience?

Stuart LaForge



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