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Sponsor: Chiba University
Conditions: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), Influenza, COVID - 19
Interventions: Surgical masks
Countries: Japan
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of surgical masks in preventing acute respiratory tract infections. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Does wearing a mask prevent you from getting acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza and COVID-19 Researchers will compare a surgical mask to no intervention to see if wearing a mask works to prevent acute respiratory infection. Participants will: * Wear or not wear a surgical mask every day * Answer a questionnaire every 2 weeks on symptoms, testing status, and behaviors This trial does not assess if wearing a mask prevents transmission of pathogens when you are already sick. Also, the trial does not assess whether universal masking (where everyone wears masks) works.
Sex: ALL
Age: 20 Years to 49 Years
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Inclusion Criteria: * Those who originally do not wear a mask during the influenza season * Those aged 20 years or older and under 50 years at the time of providing informed consent * If assigned to the mask group, those who can agree to wear a mask when going outdoors for 3 to 4 months during the influenza season (excluding times such as when eating) * In the case of the non-mask group, those who can agree, in principle, not to wear a mask for 3 to 4 months during the influenza season * Those who can agree to undergo testing for both influenza and COVID-19 on the day of onset or the following day if symptoms suggestive of influenza, COVID-19, or a common cold (such as fever or respiratory symptoms) develop, and to visit a medical institution at their own expense for medical fees * Those who usually go out 3 or more days a week * Those who have obtained the agreement of cohabiting family members regarding participation * Those who, after receiving a thorough explanation regarding participation in this study and with full understanding, have provided written informed consent based on their own free will Exclusion Criteria: * Those who originally wear a mask during the influenza season and intend to continue doing so in the future * Those who are engaged in healthcare, food manufacturing, etc., and wear a mask during regular work * Those who are pregnant * Those with underlying medical conditions such as chronic liver disease, cancer, or cardiovascular disease * Those who have previously experienced allergic symptoms when wearing commercially available non-woven masks * Those who are planning long-term overseas travel exceeding one week during the influenza season, including the New Year holidays‡ * Others who did not provide consent
- Chiba, Japan