Why Surgical Masks Are So Important In Parts Of Asia
Surgical masks are usually worn in several parts of Asia out of consideration for others when one has a communicable disease, as well as when one wishes to avoid catching anything oneself! But in the case of the common cold, it’s unlikely that these masks could be of much help.
That is due to the fact surgical masks normally can not filter out the viruses; the fabric is frequently just not fine enough to catch the germs, which are simply too small. But a lot more importantly, the one thing to understand about the common cold is that, out of some two hundred or so rhinoviruses there are, only a few of them that are directly responsible for the symptoms which afflict sufferers.
That is right – most common cold viruses don’t actually cause the sore throats, running noses, or headaches that so bedevil the infected. Most rhinoviruses don’t attack our cells. Water eyes? Itchy throat? Congested sinuses? Nothing to do with them, in all likelihood.
The overwhelming majority of the time, it’s our own bodies that produce such symptoms. Yes, our own bodies – our own immune systems, to be exact. All those symptoms come, most of the time, as a result of the immune system reacting to the virus.
The virus itself, in most cases, does nothing. Does not attempt to infect cells, doesn’t destroy them or cause any problems. But like an overzealous police department hell-bent on locking up every harmless vagrant and panhandler, our immunity system runs amok producing chemical reactions to the foregin intruder, reactions which are the direct cause of our stuffed noses, scratchy throats, and even aching ears.
Thus, having a strong and robust immune system gives rise to extremely intense reactions! Far from a sign of weakness, all that sneezing, coughing, and hurt most likely means a healthy immune system!
It ought to be observed that flu viruses do attack us, even though most rhinoviruses don’t. But the symptoms are the same, and it is a dilemma when strong immunity helps with flu viruses but hurts when it comes to most cold viruses! In any case, it’ll be all right to leave the surgical masks for surgeons.