A group of renowned researchers is raising the alarm after a new study  determined that so-called "Long Covid" is actually caused by prolonged mask-wearing. The new study, conducted by a German research team led by surgeon Kai Kisielinski, found that mask-wearing was  associated with a 62 percent increase in various illnesses. When combined, masking induced what the authors called Mask-induced Exhaustion Syndrome (MIES). The German researchers published a meta-analysis of 2,168 studies on adverse medical mask effects, the largest of its kind.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The findings across a diverse array of studies and surveys reveal a statistically significant decline in oxygen intake, an increase in shortness of breath, and an array of discomforting symptoms. The study set out to determine the "physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing fase masks."  However, the researchers discovered that not only is masking responsible for various symptoms, it is actually the cause of widely reported cases of "long Covid."  "Long Covid" is "returning or ongoing symptoms that people experience more than four weeks after getting COVID-19," according to Mayo Clinic. "In some people, post COVID-19 syndrome lasts months or years or causes disability."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            According to Kisielinski's study, nearly 40% of main long-COVID-19 symptoms overlap with mask-related MIES complaints and symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, confusion, anxiety, depression, tachycardia, dizziness, and headaches. The study found that several of the symptoms attributed to long-Covid are predominantly mask-related. Further, the study found that CDC-recommended medical-grade N-95s are even worse. Previous studies have already shown they do not offer better protection against respiratory viruses than surgical masks. However, they definitely cause more side effects.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In line with recent findings by Kisienlinski et al. and Sukul et al., the present results clearly show that N95 masks lead to significantly more pronounced and unfavorable biochemical, physiological, and psychological effects than surgical masks. Altogether, the results in blood oxygenation, discomfort, heart rate, CO2, exertion, humidity, blood pressure, VE, temperature, dyspnea, itching, etc. can be attributed to the larger (almost doubled) dead space and higher breathing resistance of the N95 mask. Compared to the surgical mask upon the short term effects, N95 masks could impose elevated health risks under extended use. Interestingly, recent data from a large multi-country RCT study show no significant differences between the two mask types in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates. Nevertheless, there was long enforcement of N95 masks in e.g., Austria and Germany.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Those with acute or long-term illnesses affecting their hearts and respiratory systems are the ones most pressured into wearing N-95s. But this study shows that they would face the most risk from these particular symptoms.  Last year, a preprint Italian study found that even short-term surgical mask usage was associated with an increased inhaled CO2 level greater than 5000ppm in 90% of 10- to 18 year- olds in the sample. The findings from Kisielinski's team come shortly after Slauy News reported on a separate recent study on masks. Researchers concluded in a new study that "no evidence could be presented" to prove that masks protect vulnerable people from catching Covid. A report on the study was published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) this week. The study investigated whether high-quality medical-grade N95, KN95, and FFP2 face masks helped protect vulnerable people in the community from the virus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             "The review did not identify any studies for inclusion, and could provide no evidence to answer the research question, "the researchers concluded.  "No studies matching the inclusion criteria were found, so no evidence could be presented."  This latest study is not the first to determine that masks are ineffective against Covid either. The researchers analyzed several dozen rigerous studies focusing on "physical interventions" against Covid and influenza before reaching the conclusion.  Meanwhile, New Zealand has just extended its mask mandates, while the rest of the world moves on from the pandemic. The nations radical new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has decided to extend current Covid restrictions for at least another two months.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Article by FRANK BERGMAN