When the Ebola thing came up I did a deep dig into viral vectors. Here is what I learned.
Viruses dont free float in the air. They are suspended in moisture particles or and those droplets can piggyback on dust. Basically aerolized spit and snot. Those do not pass a N95 mask. Mind you, eye protection is also required and gloves are helpful. The other thing a mask and goggles prevent is inadvertent eye mouth and nose touching. People do it on average 3 to 4 times an hour.
When trying to avoid cold/flu you are also suppose to avoid ears.
This is why I do the hydrogen peroxide in the ears when I get sick/been around sick people. Didn’t do it with the coughing asians until I got sick.
There is quite a bit out there that says it makes no difference. I do it anyway. I don’t know what virus goes through the ears if any...