A Clinical Review of the Efficacy of Masks in Preventing Spread of SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has sparked debate over the effectiveness of masks in reducing viral transmission. This clinical review aims to evaluate the efficacy of cloth masks, medical masks, and N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 transmission. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed for articles published between January 2020 and August 2024. Out of 27 screened articles, 5 met the inclusion criteria, focusing on mask efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Results: Of the 5 studies included, three were systemic reviews, one was a metanalysis and one was a systemic review and meta-analysis. The largest meta-analysis included 78 RCTs and was inconclusive on mask efficacy. However, one systemic review of 35 studies suggested that masks could reduce viral transmission by up to 80% in healthcare settings. Discussion: The included studies showed mixed results regarding mask efficacy, with some suggesting no significant difference between mask types in preventing respiratory illness. The conflicting evidence highlights the need for more high-quality RCTs and research specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2. Future research should prioritize studies that assess mask effectiveness in diverse settings to guide public health strategies.