A quick note on masks and CDC guidance...
Masks
A post or two ago I mentioned a meta-analysis about masks and forgot to include a hyperlink to the study. I know many of you are looking for it, so here it is. In short, the authors pooled 72 studies to assess how different public health mitigation measures (like masks, socially distancing, handwashing, etc.) impacted COVID19 infection. They found that some public health measures don’t really work. But, mask wearing reduced COVID19 infection by 53%. (For the record, this isn’t the only publication that shows masks work. For example, here are three studies that show they work well in schools.)
Mask effectiveness is certainly dependent on the type of mask, though. This is why a layered approach (vaccine, mask, ventilation, testing) is crucial, especially in light of Omicron. The Wall Street Journal published a great graphic earlier this week comparing the protection of different types of masks:
For those of you looking for masks, I’m a big fan of Aaron Collins who calls himself the “Mask Nerd”. He is mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science. Since the beginning of the pandemic he has been testing, documenting, and reviewing the best masks he could find (in his free time). He has a YouTube channel and an incredible database. I will say, though, the adult database is overwhelming. The kids database is much better. His video on masks for kids under 12 was fantastic, too.
CDC guidance
The CDC guidance for isolation is beyond confusing. And I’m incredibly disappointed in their lack (or complete disregard) of scientific communication. I was going to put together a flow chart about what the guidance actually says. But, I found that the Maine CDC put together a fantastic one already:
Here is what you need to do if you’re in close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID19:
Here is what you need to do if you test positive for COVID19:
I hope these evidence-based tools are helpful for making decisions in this ever evolving and confusing landscape we are forced to navigate.
Love, YLE
“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD— an epidemiologist, biostatistician, professor, researcher, wife, and mom of two little girls. During the day she has a research lab and teaches graduate-level courses, but at night she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, please subscribe here:
Some time ago you gave us a doc with the results of testing a large number of masks. Is that still available? If so, would you share the link again? Thank you.
This is a belated question on this topic about masks, plus a personal comment.
First, my question: I'm fully vaccinated and boosted, and I've already had COVID, following a super-spreader event during the Christmas holiday period. So, do I really need to continue wearing a mask now, especially considering that here in Texas we do not have a state mandate requiring masks in public venues? (At least half of the other shoppers at my local HEB and Sam's Club do not wear masks anymore.) Please give me one good reason why I should bother to continue wearing a mask in public anymore since I no longer worry about being an "asymptomatic spreader" myself, knowing that I have natural immunity now, in addition to being fully vaxxed and boosted.
Next my comment: At the ages of 85 (husband) and 83 (myself), we both come thru our COVID illnesses easily by taking mega-dose Vit D for a few days, based on recommendation from an alternative clinic in Houston that believes in the efficacy of Vit D to prevent or ameliorate COVID. (PMID: 8541492) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8541492/
My husband was tested by PCR nasal swab at our local BS&W Clinic, so I didn't bother to waste a test kit on myself because we were both sick at the same time. He took a total of 120,000 IUs of Vit D over a period of six days and slept it off after 3 days with no noticeable fever. My fever spiked at almost 101, but no other symptoms, and I slept it off in just two days, with a total dose of 70,000 IUs of Vit D. (My booster vaccine caused me more bothersome symptoms [nausea and vomiting, plus 100* temperature] than actual COVID did!)