Mechanical ventilators have played an important role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Early in the pandemic, a major concern was making sure that hospitals had enough ventilators to assist the sudden influx in patients. As the pandemic has progressed, many people mistakenly believe that these machines are the same as a simple oxygen mask — but this is far from true.
References
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is a ventilator?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Who needs a ventilator.
MedlinePlus. (2021). Mechanical ventilator - infants.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAPMera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.
