PubHawk
June 2016 PMID 27044522

Uptake and effectiveness of facemask against respiratory infections at mass gatherings: a systematic review.

Osamah Barasheed, Mohammad Alfelali, Sami Mushta, Hamid Bokhary, Jassir Alshehri, Ammar A Attar, Robert Booy, Harunor Rashid

Download social card

Mentions

10
Peak: 2 in Jul 2022
across 3 sources since Dec 2020

Extended reach

3,488
potential audience

Total likes

27

Video views

345

Mentions per month

Dec 2020 – Feb 2023

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
  • News3 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects cautious optimism about facemask effectiveness, with posts like @BMauschen highlighting mixed study results on symptom-specific efficacy, and @EsaBocaReloaded and @MinSaludGuate recognizing potential benefits but stressing that efficacy against specific infections remains unproven. The use of nuanced language illustrates a thoughtful engagement with the research findings, balancing skepticism and recognition of possible advantages.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge that facemasks offer some protection against respiratory infections, though some emphasize the variability and limitations in effectiveness.

InterestNeutral interest

The social discussions show moderate interest, especially regarding the potential benefits, but some posts also highlight uncertainties, indicating a balanced curiosity.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several posts reference specific findings or cite sources, demonstrating a thoughtful engagement with the research, while others simply acknowledge the benefits or limitations.

ImpactModerate impact

The responses suggest that the publication influences perceptions around facemask use, emphasizing its potential protective role but also noting that evidence is not entirely conclusive.

Abstract in brief

  • A systematic review of 25 studies involving over 12,700 participants from 55 countries found that facemask uptake at mass gatherings varies widely, with an average usage rate of about 50%.
  • The review suggests that wearing facemasks offers significant protection against respiratory infections, with a pooled relative risk of 0.89, indicating about an 11% reduction in risk, although results vary across studies.
  • Despite its potential benefits, only a modest proportion of general attendees use facemasks, though health care workers tend to wear them more; the effectiveness of facemasks against specific respiratory infections at mass gatherings still needs more definitive evidence.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
johnjljacobs
@johnjljacobs · X

Systematic review effectiveness of #facemask revealed significant protectiveness against respiratory infections (relative risk [RR]=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94, p<0.01). https://t.co/WwW1vmshBI

Dec 2, 2020 · 2 likes · 1,934 followers View post →
William F.
@wefcwrite1987 · X

@MinSaludGuate “El uso de mascarillas parece ser beneficioso contra ciertas infecciones respiratorias en las reuniones masivas, pero su eficacia contra infecciones específicas sigue sin demostrarse.” Fuente: https://t.co/jCrg3KLgLp

Jul 8, 2022 · 1 like · 167 followers View post →
Dan
@RodneyCorbine · X

@BMauschen "Finally, facemask effectiveness also differed depending on the study endpoints. For example, studies that examined effectiveness of facemask against a single respiratory symptom either ruled out or did not fully support its effectiveness." https://t.co/3yOZKs4c0B

Feb 6, 2023 · 846 followers View post →
William F.
@wefcwrite1987 · X

@EsaBocaReloaded “El uso de mascarillas parece ser beneficioso contra ciertas infecciones respiratorias en las reuniones masivas, pero su eficacia contra infecciones específicas sigue sin demostrarse.” Fuente: https://t.co/jCrg3KLgLp

Jul 10, 2022 · 167 followers View post →

All mentions

Dan
@RodneyCorbine · X

@BMauschen "Finally, facemask effectiveness also differed depending on the study endpoints. For example, studies that examined effectiveness of facemask against a single respiratory symptom either ruled out or did not fully support its effectiveness." https://t.co/3yOZKs4c0B

Feb 6, 2023 · 846 followers View post →
William F.
@wefcwrite1987 · X

@EsaBocaReloaded “El uso de mascarillas parece ser beneficioso contra ciertas infecciones respiratorias en las reuniones masivas, pero su eficacia contra infecciones específicas sigue sin demostrarse.” Fuente: https://t.co/jCrg3KLgLp

Jul 10, 2022 · 167 followers View post →
William F.
@wefcwrite1987 · X

@MinSaludGuate “El uso de mascarillas parece ser beneficioso contra ciertas infecciones respiratorias en las reuniones masivas, pero su eficacia contra infecciones específicas sigue sin demostrarse.” Fuente: https://t.co/jCrg3KLgLp

Jul 8, 2022 · 1 like · 167 followers View post →
johnjljacobs
@johnjljacobs · X

Systematic review effectiveness of #facemask revealed significant protectiveness against respiratory infections (relative risk [RR]=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94, p<0.01). https://t.co/WwW1vmshBI

Dec 2, 2020 · 2 likes · 1,934 followers View post →
Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 2021 | PDF | Nursing | Health ...
News

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2016.03.023. A. Provide education and skills ... 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.04.014. September 16-19, 2017; Phoenix, AZ. 110. Lee T ...

Dec 11, 2025 View →
WHO Masks Guidelines | PDF | Transmission (Medicine) | Hygiene
News

Int J Infect Dis. 2016 Jun;47:105-11. doi: with medical masks in healthcare workers. BMJ 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.03.023. Open 2015;5:e006577. doi:10.1136 ...

Dec 11, 2025 View →
Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, 9th.1 | PDF | Intravenous ...
News

2016;44(11):1335-1345. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2016.03.023. ASSESSMENT 71 ... doi:10.1016/j. ijid.2017.10.014 20.5 Transmission-Based Precautions are ...

Dec 11, 2025 View →