In a store last night, I saw a man wearing a face mask. Not many of those around anymore, but still too many. This man was probably a little north of 70 years old, judging by his silver hair and older look.
The mask he was wearing was not a regular one, but a very thick, cloth. Seemed like he would suffocate in it.
I don't know why, but I just said to him in a friendly way, "You know, that mask doesn't really do anything for you."
He said, "Well ... I have had pneumonia twice in the past two years."
I said, "Maybe wearing that mask has caused you respiratory problems."
He said, "Yeah, I wonder about that."
I told him about why doctors wear masks in operating rooms, and how they have studied this subject for over 50 years, long before Covid.
He said, "I'm listening."
I told him that no study has ever proven that masks are effective at preventing the transmission of any illness, and some studies have shown they are harmful to wear. In fact, some surgeons now recommend not wearing them, or wearing them as little as possible.
He said, "My friend sounds just like you. Maybe you guys are right."
I told him he should check out Dr. Shawn Baker on Youtube, who talks about the studies. He said he would.
During the conversation, he also mentioned how hard it is to know who to believe, because there is so much conflicting information.
I was surprised at how open and willing he was to consider what I had to say.
Some of these people have just been traumatized so much, that they don't know what to do.
Gives me a little empathy for some of them ... SOME of them.
I mean.. Masks have a purpose. When I was ripping up a hardwood floor that had water damage and black mold, I wore an N95 mask. Because I didn't want to breathe in the spores.
Wearing an N95 mask to filter viruses? That's like trying to stop dust from getting into your house by installing chain link fence in your door frames instead of a door. That nasty girl from school that all the football players would shag but never admit to sleeping with? We're talking bigger gaping holes than that.
Now, you're doing surgery and you don't want potentially infectious bodily fluids splashing into you mouth, nose, and eyes? Wear a surgical mask and goggles, or a face shield.
Masks totally have their place. Protection from coronavirus is not one of them.
Right tool for the job and all that.
Best tool to protect against covid 19? Get/Stay healthy, eat right, good sleep, keep your environment clean (not 'sterile') and stop licking door knobs, sucking face with randos, sharing drinks, etc.
No more door knob licking?! No way, that's where I draw the line.
Every man should be allowed ONE vice. I won't judge. Lick away!