Should I wear surgical masks ?

[mai-rin]

So, as it's winter everyone seems to be getting coughs and colds.I'm not overly paranoid about germs, I just don't wish to catch anything as I have school and cadets to attend (and i'd rather attend them feeling well rather than a bit of crap).I've heard and seen people wearing surgical masks when around large pools of people in either confined spaces or outside.Is it a good idea to invest in some for when school starts back ? I sometimes use the bus to get home from school and i'd rather not catch people's germs.Also if I do catch anything it'll mean I won't be coughing and sneezing over everyone.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Surgical-Masks-Earloop-Marked-European/dp/B005430K8U

[CosmicNoodle]

"I'm not overly paranoid about germs", if your considering that, yes, yes you are overly paranoid.

No, don't waste your money on a surgical mask, it's pointless, most bacteria is transferred through touch, not the air, the best thing you can do is use hand sanitiser regularly.

[thetransylvanianguy]

Well,you I wouldn't advise wearing them for a quite weird reason:you would be seen as strange. But 6 GBP+delivery fees is not too expensive for 100 masks. The cheapest option would be putting your hands close to your mouth and nose when you hear someone coughing or sneezing,heh.

[mai-rin]

There's a few girls at my school who wear them for the same reasons.Girls schools seem to be a breading ground for germs as the majority are all huggy and shite.For the price it doesnt seem too bad, i'll have a think about it.And me looking weird is normal anyway, I wear wigs so people stare at me at school constantly.

Cosmic noodle: What I meant by that was usually I don't really care about germs- I'm a rmc so i'm used to rolling in mud and sleeping on the ground and stuff.My problem is I have mocks and important things happening and i'm trying to take precautions.I was asking purely from a medical standpoint if they are effective at all.

[eli_w]

Humans have lived long, fruitful lives into their elderly years for thousands of years before people started wearing surgical masks because of superstitions of germ influence. I really wouldn't worry about it too much

There's so many other ways you can get sick beyond just nose and mouth

My opinion at least.. If you want to spend the money for the security, go for it

[Jim1]

[QUOTE=
No, don't waste your money on a surgical mask, it's pointless, most bacteria is transferred through touch, not the air, the best thing you can do is use hand sanitiser regularly.[/QUOTE]

Although I've read that hand sanitizer is effective against bacteria, but not against
viruses, and that frequent hand washing is more likely to protect you from viruses
that cause most of the respiratory diseases.

[James Dean]

As of late this is a very popular trend and custom. It's up to you, I would say go for it as people are more accepting of it especially from foreign communities and backgrounds.

It's better to be safe than sorry and it is fairly easy to catch cold and disease. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

[CosmicNoodle]

There's a few girls at my school who wear them for the same reasons.Girls schools seem to be a breading ground for germs as the majority are all huggy and shite.For the price it doesnt seem too bad, i'll have a think about it.And me looking weird is normal anyway, I wear wigs so people stare at me at school constantly.

Cosmic noodle: What I meant by that was usually I don't really care about germs- I'm a rmc so i'm used to rolling in mud and sleeping on the ground and stuff.My problem is I have mocks and important things happening and i'm trying to take precautions.I was asking purely from a medical standpoint if they are effective at all.
Next time just quote me.

Like I said, they are mostly pointless, unless you regularly have people coughing directly into your mouth you'll be fine, most bacteria and infections will be picked up from surfaces you touch, the door handle, the wall, the desk (seriously, desks are discussing), that pen you browwowed, the best thing you can do, is just wash your hands regularly.

[Silicate Wielder]

"I'm not overly paranoid about germs", if your considering that, yes, yes you are overly paranoid.

No, don't waste your money on a surgical mask, it's pointless, most bacteria is transferred through touch, not the air, the best thing you can do is use hand sanitiser regularly.

Plus your school's nurses office will probably give you one if you feel you need it.

[queenofcontrariety]

Honestly this doesn't seem necessary. It's things like this which cause widespread panic about illness. What are you afraid of or trying to avoid? A common cold? Take some vitamin C and ecinachea and boost your immune system. Wash your hands, don't come in contact with the bodily fluids of other people (and no saliva does not pass on most serious ailments). I've literally never seen people do this and I find the whole practice a little extreme. The human body has evolved to combat stuff through survival of the fittest and such so don't worry too much. I mean if you're fine looking ridiculous that's fine, go for it, but unless you have a weakened immune system it really isn't necessary

[SethfromMI]

honestly no. I mean, if you are going to the trouble to wear a mask, you are paranoid. and tbh, if you are going to get something, you are probably going to get it with or without the mask

[riverboy]

I think a surgical mask won't work and you can't get them wet. Do you see MD's wearing them in public.

[Uranus]

"I'm not overly paranoid about germs", if your considering that, yes, yes you are overly paranoid.

No, don't waste your money on a surgical mask, it's pointless, most bacteria is transferred through touch, not the air, the best thing you can do is use hand sanitiser regularly.

I agree with Joe. It's just a waste of time and money. Even if it costs like $1.99 for a pack.

[ImCoolBeans]

I think it's pretty excessive to wear surgical mask out in public over fear of getting sick. I see people do it in the store I work in once in a while and I always think "wow they are paranoid." Like Seth said, I don't think medical doctors wear them out and about. I don't think it's really going to save you.

[cami]

Not necessary in this case, imo

[marrisa]

I don't think you need to wear a surgical mask.Sorry, but it sounds like you are very paranoid to even consider something like that.