I coat the inside of my nostrils with Neosporin (antibiotic ointment (zinc and antibiotic). Good protection and cheap.
Smart idea...and it does not burn, right?
May be I should coat the mask with it as well.
What should I avoid while using Neosporin?
Do not take by mouth. Neosporin is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3744/neosporin-neo-bac-polym-topical/details
https://www.healthline.com/health/neosporin-in-nose#takeaway
Hmmm.. I use Neosporin for every cut, scratch, blister, everything like that. Do you use it daily in your nostrils or just before you will be around a crowd?
Neosporin is for bacterial infections. What makes you think it will control a virus? Maybe the ointment base may create a barrier, but so would Vaseline.
Be careful with zinc directly applied inside the nose. Some years ago my son and I both lost part of our sense of smell when we used Zicam swabs in the nose. They helped fight viruses but were found to damage the olfactory system. The swabs were withdrawn from the market, but for many people, the damage was done. I continue to take zinc, but in the form of pills or lozenges.
Good idea!