Conflicting mask information

[LosANNAgeles]

Masks Protect Against Colds, Flu

A new study finds surgical masks are your best protection against a cold or the flu.

www.livescience.com

14 coronavirus myths busted by science

There's plenty of nonsense about the coronavirus online. Here are some of the biggest COVID-19 myths out there and the science to explain why they aren't true.

www.livescience.com

 

[SHaines]

Masks Protect Against Colds, Flu

A new study finds surgical masks are your best protection against a cold or the flu.

www.livescience.com

This article is from 2009. Bear in mind that over time (11 years in this case) things can change. Where surgical masks may have helped reduce some transmission of some very specific illnesses, they are not providing users with absolute protection against coronavirus.

The specific discussion here is about the standard surgical masks used by doctors in normal situations and is not about the substantially more effective, specialized N95 respirators that are highly sought after for medical professionals right now.