Mask Up!

Individuals exposed to someone infected by SARS-CoV-2 should be quarantined to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our loved ones safe.  However, being quarantined is a lot like being in jail.  How can we avoid drawing this card?

We have learned a lot about the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the last ten months.  Those exposed to individuals infected by the virus are at risk of becoming infected themselves.  According to the CDC, an exposure is an encounter of less than 6 feet apart and more than 15 minutes long when one or both individuals are not wearing face masks.  By this definition, wearing a mask and keeping your distance from those not wearing masks prevents exposure to SARS-CoV-2.  

Does that mean that you will never get SARS-CoV-2 if you wear a mask?  No, wearing a mask cannot prevent all SARS-CoV-2 infections, but it will dramatically reduce your risk of infection and your risk of being dragged into quarantine jail.

How do we know that masks work?  The CDC has published evidence for the effectiveness of masks.  To this list, I add two observations from my own experience.

In the hospitals where I work, all physicians, staff, patients, and visitors are required to wear masks.  Although some individuals have become infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, contact tracing demonstrates that individuals were infected outside of work.  I have not observed “hot-spots” of infection in clinical areas where these precautions are practiced.  This, despite treatment of hundreds of patients with COVID-19 at these hospitals.

The second point is the absence of flu in Texas this December.  By this time of the year, flu season is generally in full swing.  In mid-December, the laboratories where I work have usually detected many positive flu samples.  However, this year these same laboratories have yet to see their first positive flu test.  This is not for lack of testing for flu.  Since October, every rapid PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 has included a test for flu.  

Why is this observation relevant?  Flu is a respiratory illness transmitted in much the same way as SARS-CoV-2.  What prevents spread of coronavirus also prevents the spread of influenza virus.  With masking orders in place, the spread of flu has dramatically reduced. 

If masking has effectively stopped the spread of flu, why is COVID-19 surging?  Coronavirus is much more infectious than flu.  The point is that masking reduces all disease that spread by the airborne route.  Imagine what the surge would be like without masking?

In Texas, we love to wear our boots and hats.  This year, we’ve learned to love our masks, worn all the way up, covering the nose and mouth. Be safe during the coming holidays.  Mask up, y’all!