The articles make me wonder why surgical masks are even used in surgeries. Do you know? Also, the studies referred to are all related to influenza. Do you think it makes any difference that the hamster study was specific to COVID-19?
“The articles make me wonder why surgical masks are even used in surgeries. Do you know? Also, the studies referred to are all related to influenza. Do you think it makes any difference that the hamster study was specific to COVID-19?”
Masks are worn primary in the OR to prevent contamination from the mouth and airways from landing in an open wound. The human mouth is teeming with bacteria, which is usually harmless in the month and throat of heathy people, but could kill a sick person when introduced into the bloodstream. Bacteria—sepsis.
As for influenza, it’s the best model they have right now. It’s a virus (several strains), and very widely studied. “Close enough” works, in this case.
And thanks for the kind words. We can all be kids throwing sand sometimes. Me included.