What Evidence Supports the Claims About the Effectiveness of Face Masks?
The effectiveness of face masks in preventing the spread of infectious diseases is widely accepted. In general, face masks can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases by trapping respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. This helps to reduce the risk of exposure to others in the immediate vicinity. However, the extent of protection provided by face masks is largely determined by their fit and type. Cloth masks, for example, are not as effective as surgical masks or respirators in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.