05/14/2020
The other day I made a post about not shopping at Costco until they lift the mask requirement.
I really didn't know that post would spark such controversy, especially from people I haven't talked to in over a decade. I got called a dishonest, anti-mask extremist. ๐ Who knew that could be a thing?! What a time to be alive!!
It didn't matter how many articles I shared or that I'm in healthcare and this person isn't. I was told to use my "doctor brain". (I've had several good laughs about that one. ๐)
I really don't love posting controversial topics on FB, and I rarely used to. But, I feel a strong sense lately, that as a doctor, I should be sharing my professional stance on things for those that value what I have to say.
Now, look, if you want to wear a mask, if it just makes you feel better, that's ok! Please, do so. It is your right. I have several patients that prefer to wear one, and I will support their right or anyone else's to do so. I have even talked to them about proper fit and sterile techniques to help them wear it properly.
However, please don't confuse how you feel with what the data says. Do not shame others for not wearing a mask! It is also their right to choose.
We also have to take back our abilities to critically think.
If it truly is about health and safety, why can you wear literally anything over your face, (bandana, ski mask, I've even seen papertowels with rubber bands as ear loops) and still be let a store that requires masks?
It's not about safety, it's about fear and compliance.
Even if a mask blocked viral particles, which most do not, and the ones that do, block very few, we would still have to weight out the benefits vs risks of mask wearing.
Does wearing the mask for extended periods of time increase opportunity for bacterial growth?
Have you ever experienced a moldy bath towel? What do you think is happening to that mask with your damp breath?
Does wearing a mask everyday cause the integrity of the mask to break down?
Does wearing a mask while exercising create increased risk of injury due to less oxygen flow?
Do people understand proper dawning and doffing techniques?
Do people understand how to keep a sterile field?
If people are symptomatic, is it beneficial for them to trap microbes in a mask and keep rebreathing what their body is trying to expell by coughing and sneezing?
Do masks increase panic and stress, which in turn lowers immune function?
I could go on, but instead I'll let you read what Patricia Neuenschwander, M.S.N., R.N., C.P.N.P.-P.C., an emergency room nurse with over two decades of experience, has to say.
"...As you can see, none of these seven studies supports that wearing a mask is effective or safe in preventing transmission. They only support that transmission is person to person and this is the case for numerous viruses...
..As a nurse for over 25 years and holding a Masterโs Degree in Science, I cannot in good conscience allow my grandchild to be subjected to an intervention that may cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm without being provided significant evidence that the benefits of such intervention outweigh the risks.
Should we be encouraging healthy people to wear masks? The answer is unequivocally no."
Healthy people wearing masks. These days you see them everywhere. But this ER nurse with over two decades of experience says the science doesn't support it
