In a stupid argument on Youtube about masks and some guy posted a CDC article that is confusing

[Maraya1969]

First off here is the one I just found: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain. CDC’s recommendations for masks will be updated as new scientific evidence becomes available.

But he talked about this one. I need to explanation for this.


https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article

Abstract
There were 3 influenza pandemics in the 20th century, and there has been 1 so far in the 21st century. Local, national, and international health authorities regularly update their plans for mitigating the next influenza pandemic in light of the latest available evidence on the effectiveness of various control measures in reducing transmission. Here, we review the evidence base on the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical personal protective measures and environmental hygiene measures in nonhealthcare settings and discuss their potential inclusion in pandemic plans. Although mechanistic studies support the potential effect of hand hygiene or face masks, evidence from 14 randomized controlled trials of these measures did not support a substantial effect on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza. We similarly found limited evidence on the effectiveness of improved hygiene and environmental cleaning. We identified several major knowledge gaps requiring further research, most fundamentally an improved characterization of the modes of person-to-person transmission.
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They seem to contradict one another???????

[snowybirdie]

1. Don't overthink

Use common sense in these days of trumpian confusion. When out of your home, wear a mask. Social distance. Wash hands frequently. All you need to know.

[uppityperson]

2. May abstract about influenza vs Aug recommendation with coronavirus

Different viruses and different times. More has been learned about coronavirus in the last few months and influenza is a different virus than coronavirus.

Also, from the May abstract

We did not find evidence that surgical-type face masks are effective in reducing laboratory-confirmed influenza transmission, either when worn by infected persons (source control) or by persons in the general community to reduce their susceptibility (Figure 2). However, as with hand hygiene, face masks might be able to reduce the transmission of other infections and therefore have value in an influenza pandemic when healthcare resources are stretched.

[Yonnie3]

3. The second publication is about influenza

It is not about the Coronavirus.

One cannot say with certainty this applies to the present pandemic.

[Applan]

4. COVID-19 vs Flu

The first article specifically covers COVID-19, the second influenza.

[snowybirdie]

5. Don't overthink

Use common sense in these days of trumpian confusion. When out of your home, wear a mask. Social distance. Wash hands frequently. All you need to know.