In traveling to Japan nearly a half century ago I saw where people wore masks to prevent spreading disease when they were fighting a cold or the flu, it's nothing new. The difference with coronavirus is, many carry it and are infectious without having any sign they have it. That suggests that we all should wear masks if we're going out in public.
I previously wore a mask after stem cells for leukemia, I purchase washable masks that had replaceable filters. Those masks are still available on Amazon, I've ordered more for all the family. Unfortunately, they may be a month from being delivered, but I suspect we won't be free to go out prior to then anyway. Such masks may not be as great as what they need in the hospital, but they're far better than a scarf, etc.
I believe that when blood testing is more commonly preformed many of us who never suspected we had coronavirus will be found to have had it. If that's the case, hopefully it will give us some immunity to getting it again. It could be a year or more before the scientists can honestly estimate how many were really infected, and of course if the number infected is much higher than estimated, the percentage who died will come down. What's important is that even if the death percentage was no greater than the normal flu, this flu appears to be far more infectious, and thats the greatest threat.
I don't doubt that in a month or two sufficient disposable masks will be available for all who want to use them. When I got my washable mask I showed it to my Dr. at City of Hope and he thought it was probably better than the disposable masks available to all patients there. I believe they're an alternative we all should look at.
Gary
