Face masks

[Kendhni]

I was just reading this story and it reflects much of what our CMO said last year when this all kicked off
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56475807

The question however is, that given masks seem to have played a role in reducing the number of infections we would normally expect over winter, should the government continue to issue guidelines about mask wearing every winter beyond covid? I have heard it being suggested but not seen any answer. Personally, this has been the first winter in my life (as far as I remember) that I have not had a cold and hence a chest infection.

[Ranchi]

I must admit that until last year I had always assumed that when news footage from eastern cities showing large numbers of the population wearing masks that it was due to poor air quality. Due to lockdown I haven’t been out and about and able to talk to some of our friends from the Far East. Hopefully when tennis clubs open up later this month we’ll be able to get together again for a chat.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Personally, this has been the first winter in my life (as far as I remember) that I have not had a cold and hence a chest infection.

That's a good point. We've not had colds either. My only question, because I genuinely don't know, is how much of that is due to masks specifically and how much due to other lockdown and distancing measures.

I recall seeing in the last couple of weeks scientists worrying that because we haven't been exposed to the usual winter bugs so much our immunity might have dipped and we may see more than usual cases of those bugs later this year.

[towny44]

Personally, this has been the first winter in my life (as far as I remember) that I have not had a cold and hence a chest infection.

That's a good point. We've not had colds either. My only question, because I genuinely don't know, is how much of that is due to masks specifically and how much due to other lockdown and distancing measures.

I recall seeing in the last couple of weeks scientists worrying that because we haven't been exposed to the usual winter bugs so much our immunity might have dipped and we may see more than usual cases of those bugs later this year.

Doubtless that will also be the govts fault.

[Kendhni]

Personally, this has been the first winter in my life (as far as I remember) that I have not had a cold and hence a chest infection.

That's a good point. We've not had colds either. My only question, because I genuinely don't know, is how much of that is due to masks specifically and how much due to other lockdown and distancing measures.

Probably a mixture of masks, social distancing, and increased hygiene/hand washing.

I recall seeing in the last couple of weeks scientists worrying that because we haven't been exposed to the usual winter bugs so much our immunity might have dipped and we may see more than usual cases of those bugs later this year.

I have heard that theory as well. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

[Manoverboard]

I would suggest that our ( Mobietta and I ) lack of colds is because we haven't been in the shops and supermarkets with the usual number of sneezing kids ... just saying.

[towny44]

I would suggest that our ( Mobietta and I ) lack of colds is because we haven't been in the shops and supermarkets with the usual number of sneezing kids ... just saying.

That's what social distancing does for your physical health, but we all end up mad.

[Ray B]

I would suggest that our ( Mobietta and I ) lack of colds is because we haven't been in the shops and supermarkets with the usual number of sneezing kids ... just saying.

Kids in normal times after return to school were the biggest spreaders imo.