Covid and Masks

As we are deep into the Covid (Wuhan) Virus circus, the topic of masks and shortages of masks has come up quite often.  Once again, appearance outweighs actual function.  Wearing a mask makes it look like you are actually doing something to stop spreading the virus.  It is only a false hope.

To explain, we have to start with the reason medical personnel wear masks.  Masks were initially worn to keep the DOCTOR from drooling or vomiting in patients during surgery!  In other words to protect the patient, not the doctor.  This is a very important point.  Masks do not prevent the spread of disease to the wearer, but protect those around the wearer.

Virii are very tiny microscopic particles.  And if airborne, will easily pass right through even a N95 mask.  Luckily, airborne virii are very rare.  To be airborne, a virus much "hitch a ride" on some kind of a liquid medium.  Mucus, saliva, water vapor, etc...  While attached to the liquid, they are easily captured by the mask.  So, unless someone directly sneezes at you, wearing a mask is of absolutely no benefit to someone who is not sick.

However, if you are sick, then please, wear a mask!

The mask becomes a passive form of "covering your mouth when you cough."  If you are sick, when you cough, breathe or sneeze; the virus will be expelled from your body (part of the initial immune response by the way) on the liquids of the expulsion.  Wearing a mask captures those hitch-hiking virii and protects those around you.

When I hear politicians and even worse, medical professionals demand wearing masks to prevent "catching" the virus, I just cringe.  How far have we let basic logic and science lapse in our educational system?  Again, make it look like we are doing something!

Virii can and do survive on various surfaces.  So, gloves, hand washing and avoiding touching your face are very effective ways to keep from catching a virus.  Masks are not.

If you are healthy, you do not need a mask.  If you are infected, then yes, please wear a mask or stay home.