- Joined
- Jan 24, 2000
- Messages
- 17,040
- Solutions
- 1
- Reaction score
- 14,136
- Points
- 7,651
- Location
- Birmingham, UK
It's worrying that websites carrying misinformation get so many views. I'm trying to create a balance.
I'm posting three threads here with relevant titles in an effort to get them in to Google so that people find them, come here and read the facts. Each thread contains information about one of three claims against the use of face masks (during a pandemic) covered in a BBC news article.
The BBC doesn't necessarily deserve our trust without research, but advice from experts (in this case they quote the WHO and Professor Keith Neal of Nottingham University), I think we should give weight to.
Claim: Masks harm the immune system
Verdict: No evidence to support this claim
A graphic shared thousands of times on social media includes several misleading claims, including one about the immune system.
It's called "What happens when you wear a face mask" and has been marked as containing false information on Instagram.
Among the claims, it says that masks could "suppress" the body's immune system, leaving it open to infection.
But it's not explained exactly how or why masks are said to do this.
"Masks may stop germs getting into your mouth or nose so your immune system doesn't have to kick in, but this doesn't mean it is being suppressed," says Professor Keith Neal.
It's worth pointing out that there are some situations in which face masks might not be advised:
I'm posting three threads here with relevant titles in an effort to get them in to Google so that people find them, come here and read the facts. Each thread contains information about one of three claims against the use of face masks (during a pandemic) covered in a BBC news article.
Coronavirus: 'Deadly masks' claims debunked
The BBC's anti-disinformation team has been investigating misleading health claims about wearing face coverings.
www.bbc.co.uk
The BBC doesn't necessarily deserve our trust without research, but advice from experts (in this case they quote the WHO and Professor Keith Neal of Nottingham University), I think we should give weight to.
Claim: Masks harm the immune system
Verdict: No evidence to support this claim
A graphic shared thousands of times on social media includes several misleading claims, including one about the immune system.
It's called "What happens when you wear a face mask" and has been marked as containing false information on Instagram.
Among the claims, it says that masks could "suppress" the body's immune system, leaving it open to infection.
But it's not explained exactly how or why masks are said to do this.
"Masks may stop germs getting into your mouth or nose so your immune system doesn't have to kick in, but this doesn't mean it is being suppressed," says Professor Keith Neal.
It's worth pointing out that there are some situations in which face masks might not be advised:
- children under two whose lungs haven't fully developed
- people with respiratory conditions who may struggle to breathe
- people should not wear masks when exercising