How Do Face Masks Control the Spread of Disease?

Face masks have long been used for various reasons in health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become a critical form of personal protection for many people—from doctors to ordinary people out for a walk. But can face masks really protect against the spread of infectious respiratory diseases, like SARS and COVID-19?

Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus

Face masks protect from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses

Face masks make a difference - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

When and how to use masks

Frontiers Effect of Face Masks on Interpersonal Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic

New Airflow Videos Show Why Masks With Exhalation Valves Do Not Slow the Spread of COVID-19

How masks protect against COVID-19: Understanding the science - Boston Children's Answers

Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis - The Lancet

Masking up matters: High-quality studies confirm face masks significantly curb COVID-19 spread

A technical review of face mask wearing in preventing respiratory COVID-19 transmission - ScienceDirect

Prevention and control of infectious diseases, Early Care and Education Portal