8/24—Evidence summary for face mask use by healthy people in the community
There is limited, low certainty evidence based on four observational studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic that face masks may reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Studies from previous pandemic settings and for other respiratory viruses also provide low certainty evidence that the wearing of face masks in community settings reduces the risk of transmission of respiratory pathogens (Ireland Health Information and Quality Authority, 2020).
Evidence summary for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols
Results from seven of the eight epidemiological case series included suggest aerosols may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with enclosed environments, poor ventilation, and low temperatures noted as possible contributing factors. The results of the 16 air sampling studies highlight that it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in air.
Nutrients in prevention, treatment, and management of viral infections; special focus on Coronavirus
This review indicated that some nutrients including dietary protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and selenium have important effects on the immune syste. High doses of vitamins and minerals do not yet have a proven protective effect in prevention of infectious diseases in healthy people. However, supplementation according to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is recommended for most of healthy people who do not have sufficient intake of nutrient rich sources.
An Integrated Strategy for the Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Observational Study
This prospective observational study was conducted between February 21 and April 16, 2020, in the Padua University Hospital (north-east Italy). 7,595 patients were evaluated in the Advanced Triage area: 5.2% resulted positive and 72.4% was symptomatic. The healthcare workers team was composed of 60 members. A total of 361 nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on healthcare workers. All the swabs resulted negative. Conclusion: An integrated [strategy] consisting of dedicated areas for infected patients, strict measures for PPE use and mass surveillance, is successful to prevent infection among healthcare workers.
Transmission dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 within families with children in Greece: a study of 23 clusters
There were 109 household members (66 adults and 43 children). The median attack rate per cluster was 60% (range: 33.4%‐100%). An adult member with COVID‐19 was the first case in 21 (91.3%) clusters. There was no evidence of child‐to‐adult or child‐to‐child transmission. Children were more likely to have an asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection compared to adults (40% versus 10.5%, p‐value=0.021). In contrast, adults were more likely to develop a severe clinical course compared to children (8.8% versus 0%, p‐value=0.021).
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