Masks vs. Ventilation

George K · 22 Aug 2021, 15:17

Haven't we seen all kinds of "effectiveness" studies when it comes to looking at what's transmitted through a mask?

The bottom line is not whether whatever size droplets get through, but whether the mask prevents actual transmission of disease.

And that gets pretty murky when you start comparing populations with and without "mandates."

LuFins Dad · 22 Aug 2021, 17:28

There are sooo many factors at play.

Let’s say that masks catch 1 of 10 virus particles, is it worth it? Is it helping?
When wearing a mask, I tend to breathe more shallowly. Is that having an effect? Am I less likely to pull in a virus because I am not pulling air as hard?
The mask also makes it a little more difficult to interact with other people. I tend to have quicker interactions with people. It also serves as a reminder and I tend to keep a little more distance from people. That definitely has an effect.

How much of a masks effectiveness comes from the actual physical barrier and how much does it come from influencing people’s behaviors? I think mostly the latter.

At the end of the day, it’s a small enough thing to do, and it’s not worth the screaming and histrionics from both sides of the debate.

Mik · wrote on 22 Aug 2021, 15:27

Totally agreed, Lufin.

Copper · wrote on 22 Aug 2021, 15:58

If there is a comprehensive list of mask pros and cons I haven't seen it.

The list will need a weight beside each item so we can calculate the exact score.

The most effective argument I have heard so far is 'shut up'.

Aqua Letifer · wrote on 22 Aug 2021, 17:28

@lufins-dad said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

At the end of the day, it’s a small enough thing to do,

Fully agreed.

and it’s not worth the screaming and histrionics from both sides of the debate.

You could write a 12-volume set of the number of things this should currently be applied to.

LuFins Dad · wrote on 22 Aug 2021, 17:37

Now the big question is regarding students. We've got two problems... The antimask crowd is pointing at the numbers from the original COVID strain and proclaiming children shouldn't wear masks, ignoring the fact that Delta is a completely different beast and is more highly transmissible in children. The other side is exaggerating the transmission levels in children without having any actual numbers to back it up. They are also ignoring the fact that there ARE some severe negatives to mask usage for younger children, especially in a school setting and let's face it, good luck in controlling proper mask usage with first and second graders...

89th · wrote on 22 Aug 2021, 17:40

For students, including my 3 year old starting preschool in two weeks, I feel like it’s pretty dumb to think a mask in the classroom will prevent a spread when students and the teacher I’m fine to the same room all day. So I think wearing a mask on the bus and in the hallway, sure, but not in the actual classroom.

89th · 22 Aug 2021, 18:17

Regarding overall mask efficacy, at the end of the day if someone is sick and sneezing near me would I want them or not want them to wear a mask? Of course wearing a mask… even if it helps just a little bit. The same thought applies for our small part in helping get beyond the pandemic.

LuFins Dad · 8 89th 22 Aug 2021, 17:42

@89th said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

Regarding overall mask efficacy, at the end of the day if someone is sick and sneezing near me would I want them or not want them to wear a mask? Of course wearing a mask… even if it helps just a little bit. The same thought applies for our small part in helping get beyond the pandemic.

The spread isn't coming from people with those types of symptoms. The spread is primarily coming from the presymptomatic and the asymptomatic. If somebody is symptomatic and going out and about, they need to have their asses kicked.

Jolly · 22 Aug 2021, 19:42

The kids at the local school think it's cool to trade masks.

Dude, I'll let you have my Mickey Mouse for your Power Ranger!

Copper · J Jolly 22 Aug 2021, 18:59

@jolly kids destined for the Villages.

mark · wrote on 23 Aug 2021, 01:40

I don't always wear a mask. But when I do, it's an N95.

We were in Florida for the past two weeks. It's a freaking hot spot so we wore masks anytime we went into a store.

George K · 7 Sept 2021, 14:46

Doctor Phibes · 7 Sept 2021, 15:27

@george-k

Yeah, but did he research it online?

I'd love to see her response to that comeback. It would be too much to hope that she'd just STFU for ever.

89th · 7 Sept 2021, 15:29

@doctor-phibes said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

@george-k

Yeah, but did he research it online?

I'd love to see her response to that comeback. It would be too much to hope that she'd just STFU for ever.

I looked it up, I think the twitter convo was back in November last year and the author deleted her tweets, so I guess she kind of STFU'd?

Jolly · 7 Sept 2021, 16:22

@doctor-phibes said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

@george-k

Yeah, but did he research it online?

I'd love to see her response to that comeback. It would be too much to hope that she'd just STFU for ever.

And I'm a nuclear physicist.

Trust, but verify.

Doctor Phibes · 9 Jul 2021, 15:30

@89th said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

I looked it up, I think the twitter convo was back in November last year and the author deleted her tweets, so I guess she kind of STFU'd?

No, she just stopped the convo. Her Twitter feed is a long, unending outpouring of anti-vaccination diarrhea.

Copper · wrote on 7 Sept 2021, 16:09

She probably has autism

Doctor Phibes · 9 Jul 2021, 16:23

@jolly said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

@doctor-phibes said in Masks vs. Ventilation:

@george-k

Yeah, but did he research it online?

I'd love to see her response to that comeback. It would be too much to hope that she'd just STFU for ever.

And I'm a nuclear physicist.

Trust, but verify.

Well, according to his LinkedIn page, he's a consultant anaesthetist. Kate Beliot doesn't seem to have a LinkedIn page.

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Masks vs. Ventilation