Hand hygiene is a widely used intervention and has been shown to effectively reduce the transmission of gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections (26). However, in our systematic review, updating the findings of Wong et al. (8), we did not find evidence of a major effect of hand hygiene on laboratory-confirmed influenza virus transmission (Figure 1). Nevertheless, hand hygiene might be included in influenza pandemic plans as part of general hygiene and infection prevention.
(In other words, it does stop other diseases so it's still recommended)
Regarding face masks:
Disposable medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are loose-fitting devices that were designed to be worn by medical personnel to protect accidental contamination of patient wounds, and to protect the wearer against splashes or sprays of bodily fluids (36). There is limited evidence for their effectiveness in preventing influenza virus transmission either when worn by the infected person for source control or when worn by uninfected persons to reduce exposure. Our systematic review found no significant effect of face masks on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza.
(N95 style masks were not included as they are generally not available to the general public)
Regarding surface cleaning:
Although we found no evidence that surface and object cleaning could reduce influenza transmission, this measure does have an established impact on prevention of other infectious diseases (42). It should be feasible to implement this measure in most settings, subject to the availability of water and cleaning products. Although irritation caused by cleaning products is limited, safety remains a concern because some cleaning products can be toxic or cause allergies (40).
(Like hand cleaning, general beneficial even if not helpful specifically for influenza)
Regarding respiratory etiquette:
A laboratory-based study reported that common respiratory etiquette, including covering the mouth by hands, tissue, or sleeve/arm, was fairly ineffective in blocking the release and dispersion of droplets into the surrounding environment on the basis of measurement of emitted droplets with a laser diffraction system.
(It's basically too wide and broad to be thoroughly tested)
Please use the above information in any arguments with friends/relatives who insist there is sound scientific basis for what we are being ordered to do. Good hygiene in general is important, but far too many of the things we are being forced to follow are nothing more than security theater.
Regarding hand sanitation:
(In other words, it does stop other diseases so it's still recommended)
Regarding face masks:
(N95 style masks were not included as they are generally not available to the general public)
Regarding surface cleaning:
(Like hand cleaning, general beneficial even if not helpful specifically for influenza)
Regarding respiratory etiquette:
(It's basically too wide and broad to be thoroughly tested)
Please use the above information in any arguments with friends/relatives who insist there is sound scientific basis for what we are being ordered to do. Good hygiene in general is important, but far too many of the things we are being forced to follow are nothing more than security theater.
Thanks for the link. This was very informative.
Reminds me of all the TSA shit after 9/11 and how easy it is to get a gun through security. It doesn't really help.