Serious question. Why do masks only work one way? How can it prevent the wearer’s germs from infecting others but provide no protection from others’ germs to the wearer?
It’s the same mask, made of the same material on both sides but has a different effect in one direction vs the other?
*******************************************************************************
With respect to surgical masks. There is a designated side that is supposed to be next to your face, and IIRC, it’s usually the colored side that is supposed to be on the outside. I’m not into manufacturing specs. but I assume that there’s a difference of some sort-the directions state that the correct side should be facing outward.
Drawbacks to the surgical masks-they do not fit tightly, they do not protect the wearer from air borne particles. If you touch the mask you have likely contaminated it and will need to replace it.
My notes from various articles:
“Surgical masks are worn to protect patients from infectious droplets should the health care provider sneeze or cough. Someone who is suspected of being sick or is actually sick with COVID-19 should also wear a surgical mask to protect anyone around them from their sneeze or cough.
As far as protection for the user, surgical masks can protect the nose and mouth against splashes of bodily fluids, as a surgeon might encounter during a surgery. But don’t wear a surgical mask or a do-it-yourself mask if you think it’s going to protect you from COVID-19 that’s suspended in the air, say in a closed, poorly ventilated space. Aerosolized COVID-19 is so tiny that it can get in through gaps between the mask and face and breathed in through the material of the mask.”
You don’t need a mask with really good social distancing (staying at least six feet away from others) when you are outdoors.
“Even in a well-ventilated, large room where businesses are doing a good job of keeping the density of people small and you are there for as short a time as possible, there’s not a big need for a mask.”
But if those who are sneezing or coughing are not wearing masks and if social distancing doesn’t seem to be slowing the spread of COVID-19 fast enough, Americans and others will likely need to follow in Austria’s footsteps with mandatory masks inside buildings and go further to include any public transportation, taxis and ride sharing services.”
Hope that helps.
Thank you very much for this reply!