Efektivitas Penggunaan Masker dalam Mencegah Penyebaran Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Atas di Lingkungan Sekolah

This study explores the effectiveness of mask usage in preventing the spread of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) in school environments. The aim of this research is to evaluate how effective mask usage can be in reducing the incidence of URTIs among students and school staff. The method used is a qualitative literature review, analyzing various previous studies that discuss the impact of mask usage in educational contexts. Data were collected from academic journals, health reports, and related publications covering a range of recent years. The results of the study indicate that mask usage significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens causing URTIs in school settings, especially when combined with other hygiene practices such as handwashing and proper cough etiquette. The conclusion of this research confirms that masks are an effective tool in minimizing the spread of URTIs, and their implementation in schools can be a crucial step in maintaining the health of students and staff. This study recommends the widespread adoption of mask-wearing policies in schools, particularly during flu season or in situations of respiratory disease outbreaks.