scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2: how safe is it to fly and what can be done to enhance protection?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D Harries ◽  
Leonardo Martinez ◽  
Jeremiah M Chakaya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
The Face

Abstract With lockdown restrictions over coronavirus disease 2019 being relaxed, airlines are returning to the skies. Published evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 transmission on aircraft is limited, but in-flight transmission of respiratory infections such as tuberculosis, influenza and SARS has been well described. Risk factors include proximity to index patients and sitting in aisle seats. Personal protection on aircraft could be enhanced by always wearing a well-fitting face mask and face shield or sunglasses, wiping surfaces and hands with alcohol-based sanitizers, not touching the face, not queuing for washrooms, changing seats if nearby passengers are coughing and choosing a window rather than an aisle seat.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FACE MASK SELECTION AND DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS: RESULTS FROM PILOT STUDY AMONGST MALAYSIAN UMRAH PILGRIMS

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Asyraf Azman ◽  
Shahrul Anuwar Mohamed Yusof ◽  
Imran Abdullah ◽  
Irfan Mohamad ◽  
Javeed Shaikh Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Mask Design ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention Methods

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims during which time over two million people from different parts of the world are gathered within a small area, leading to very high risks of acute respiratory infections (ARI) for the pilgrims. Therefore, preventive measures and controls should be implemented, including the implementation of non-pharmaceutical prevention methods such as the use of appropriate face masks, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, social distancing, and quarantine. A pilot study was conducted in 2013 to identify the types of face masks used by Malaysian Umrah pilgrims as well as to identify the problems pertaining to the face masks being used and to understand the factors influencing the selection of face masks by Malaysian pilgrims. Observations and survey methods were used in the pilot study. Data was collected from thirty respondents through a survey. This paper presents the results of the pilot study. Based on the knowledge of factors influencing face mask usage and selection from the pilot study, new face mask design(s) will be proposed for the Malaysian pilgrims. It is anticipated that the use of new face mask design(s) can reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections in Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.  

scholarly journals Face masks to prevent transmission of respiratory diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials*

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna M. Ollila ◽  
Markku Partinen ◽  
Jukka Koskela ◽  
Riikka Savolainen ◽  
Anna Rotkirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Face ◽  
Intent To Treat

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of face mask intervention in respiratory infections across different exposure settings and age groups.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of face masks on respiratory infections published by November 18th 2020. Our reporting follows the PRISMA guidelines.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesRandomized controlled trials investigating the effect of face masks in respiratory infections and influenza-like illness across different exposure settings and age groups. Two reviewers independently performed the search, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. A random effects meta-analysis with risk ratio, risk difference, and number needed to treat were performed. Findings in exposure settings, age groups, and role of non-compliance were examined using a subgroup analysis.ResultsTotal of 17 studies were included, with N = 11, 601 individuals in intervention and N = 10, 286 in the control group with follow-up duration from 4 days to 19 months). 14 trials included adults (and children) and 3 included children only. 12 studies suffered from non-compliance in the treatment arm and 11 in the control arm. All studies were intent-to-treat analyses, and, thus, non-compliance can bias individual intent-to-treat estimates towards zero. Four out of seventeen studies supported use of face masks. A meta-analysis of all 17 studies found no association between face mask intervention and respiratory infections (RR = 0.9046 [0.777 - 1.053], p = 0.196, p fixed effect = 0.0006). However, a meta-analysis using odds ratios adjusted for age, sex, and vaccination (when available) suggests protective effect of the face mask intervention (17 studies, OR = 0.850 [0.736 - 0.982], p=0.027). A subgroup meta-analysis among adults with (unadjusted) risk ratios found a decrease in respiratory infections (14 studies, RR = 0.859 [0.750 - 0.983], p = 0.026, and 4 studies with a combined face masks and hand hygiene intervention RR = 0.782 [0.696 - 0.879], p < 0.0001). Finally, the face mask use is also supported by a meta-regression adjusting the effect estimates for non-compliance in the controls (17 studies RR = 0.87 [0.780 - 0.980], p = 0.017).ConclusionOur findings support the use of face masks to prevent respiratory infections.

scholarly journals Estimating the Effect and Cost-Effectiveness of Facemasks in Reducing the Spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty K Nannyonga ◽  
Rhoda K Wanyenze ◽  
Pontiano Kaleebu ◽  
John M Ssenkusu ◽  
Tom Lutalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Effective Protection ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Provision Of Care ◽  
Effective Analysis

AbstractEvidence that face masks provide effective protection against respiratory infections in the community is scarce. However, face masks are widely used by health workers as part of droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infections. It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that consistent widespread use of face masks in the community could prevent further spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study we examine public face mask wearing in Uganda where a proportion wears masks to protect against acquiring, and the other to prevent from transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to determine what percentage of the population would have to wear face masks to reduce susceptibility to and infectivity of SARS-COV-2 in Uganda, keeping the basic reproduction number below unity and/or flattening the curve. We used an SEIAQRD model for the analysis. Results show that implementation of facemasks has a relatively large impact on the size of the coronavirus epidemic in Uganda. We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks. A cost-effective analysis shows that utilizing funds to provide 1 public mask to the population has a per capita compounded cost of USD 1.34. If provision of face masks is done simultaneously with supportive care, the per capita compounded cost is USD 1.965, while for the case of only treatment and no provision of face masks costs each Ugandan USD 4.0579. We conclude that since it is hard to achieve a 100% adherence to face masks, government might consider provision of face masks in conjunction with provision of care.

scholarly journals The Effects of the Face Mask on the Skin Underneath: A Prospective Survey During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272096616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leelawadee Techasatian ◽  
Sirirus Lebsing ◽  
Rattapon Uppala ◽  
Wilairat Thaowandee ◽  
Jitjira Chaiyarit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Skin Reaction ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Skin Reactions ◽  
Prospective Survey ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
The Face

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the prevalence and possible risk factors to prevent the face mask related adverse skin reactions during the ongoing COVID-19 after a recommendation of face mask wearing for public use in Thailand. Results: The prevalence of face mask related adverse skin reactions was 454 cases (54.5%), of which acne was the most frequent (399; 39.9%), followed by rashes on the face (154; 18.4%), and itch symptoms (130; 15.6%). Wearing a surgical mask showed a higher risk of adverse skin reaction compared to a cloth mask, OR (95% CI) = 1.54 (1.16-2.06). A duration of face mask wearing of more than 4 hours/day and the reuse of face masks increased the risk of adverse skin reactions compared to changing the mask every day, adjusted OR(95% CI) = 1.96 (1.29-2.98), and 1.5 (1.11-2.02). Conclusion: Suggestions were made for wearing a cloth mask in non-health care workers (HCW) to decrease the risk of face mask related adverse skin reactions. This suggestion could potentially help in decreasing the demand of surgical masks which should be reserved for the HCW population during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A review on role of Pratimarsha Nasya with Anutaila in the prevention of covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwini R. Parkanthe ◽  
Brijesh Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Promising Result ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
The Family ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 is a novel coronavirus belonging to the family coronaviridae and is now known to be responsible for the outbreak of a series of recent acute atypical respiratory infections originating in Wuhan, China. The disease caused by this virus, termed coronavirus disease 19 or simply Covid-19, has rapidly spread throughout the world at an alarming pace and has been declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020. In Ayurveda pandemic is explained in Charak Samhita viman sthana under Janpadodhwansiya adhyaya. Till date no medicine or therapy has demonstrated promising result in Covid-19. So, we can prevent and defend this disease by boosting own immunity. Which can be achieved by adopting ayurvedic measures such as following proper Dincharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta, Achar Rasayan Panchkarma etc. These practices lay emphasis on prevention of disease and promotion of health, one of such preventive measure is Pratimarsha nasya. Pratimarsha Nasya with Anutaila explained in Dincharya. Most of ingredients of Anutaila possess Anti-inflammatory, Anti-pyretic, Anti-viral properties ultimately these functions of Anutaila will lead to enhancement of respiratory immunity and will help in prevention of covid-19 a respiratory disease.

scholarly journals VACCINES FOR COVID-19: PERSPECTIVES, PROSPECTS, AND CHALLENGES BASED ON CANDIDATE SARS, MERS, AND ANIMAL CORONAVIRUS VACCINES

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J. Saif
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Analysis ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Upper Respiratory Infections ◽  
Host Origin ◽  
Upper Respiratory

Several coronaviruses (CoV) are widespread in humans and cause only mild upper respiratory infections and colds; however, pandemic outbreaks of more severe coronavirus infections in humans have become more prevalent. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (betaCoV Lineage B) caused the first pandemic of the 21st century in 2002–2003, with its epicentre in China. The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (betaCoV Lineage C) emerged almost a decade later and infections continue in the Middle East. Now, only 7 years after MERS, the COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 (betaCoV Lineage B) has emerged, again in China, as an even more devastating pandemic. Its occurrence was not unexpected, because like SARS, for which the host origin was bats, scientists had previously identified SARS-like CoV in these animals in China. Based on sequence analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, it is more closely related to SARS (80%) and to one bat RaTG13 SARS-like CoV (96%) than to MERS CoV (54%).

AN INTERESTING STUDY OF RHINO-ORBITAL MUCORMYCOSIS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-29
Author(s):  
Kokila G. Kamath ◽  
Vishal S Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Interesting Study ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Family ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 is a novel coronavirus, belonging to the family coronaviridae and is now known to be responsible for the outbreak of a series of recent acute atypical respiratory infections originating in Wuhan, China, termed as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and has been declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 infections may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections. We report the study of 4 cases, who in our hospital, developed Rhino-orbital mucormycosis, who were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, with or without associated co-morbidities, involving all age groups. Extensive use of steroids may lead to development or exacerbation of a pre-existing fungal disease in patients with COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risk Factors, Autoantibodies, and the Effect of Antirheumatic Therapies

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117954412110287
Author(s):  
Mir Sohail Fazeli ◽  
Vadim Khaychuk ◽  
Keith Wittstock ◽  
Boris Breznen ◽  
Grace Crocket ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective: To scope the current published evidence on cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) focusing on the role of autoantibodies and the effect of antirheumatic agents. Methods: Two reviews were conducted in parallel: A targeted literature review (TLR) describing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA patients; and a systematic literature review (SLR) identifying and characterizing the association between autoantibody status and CVD risk in RA. A narrative synthesis of the evidence was carried out. Results: A total of 69 publications (49 in the TLR and 20 in the SLR) were included in the qualitative evidence synthesis. The most prevalent topic related to CVD risks in RA was inflammation as a shared mechanism behind both RA morbidity and atherosclerotic processes. Published evidence indicated that most of RA patients already had significant CV pathologies at the time of diagnosis, suggesting subclinical CVD may be developing before patients become symptomatic. Four types of autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, anti-phospholipid autoantibodies, anti-lipoprotein autoantibodies) showed increased risk of specific cardiovascular events, such as higher risk of cardiovascular death in rheumatoid factor positive patients and higher risk of thrombosis in anti-phospholipid autoantibody positive patients. Conclusion: Autoantibodies appear to increase CVD risk; however, the magnitude of the increase and the types of CVD outcomes affected are still unclear. Prospective studies with larger populations are required to further understand and quantify the association, including the causal pathway, between specific risk factors and CVD outcomes in RA patients.

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