I've taken to wearing a mask in the last year, I always get sick after a long haul flight...
I was under the impression that unless it’s a full on respirator, a mask would do nothing to stop the wearer catching things but rather stopped them spreading things?
Respirator with own independent air supply as aero air is recirculated air with a bit drawn in from the engines. But as you say it is to stop spreading disease as that is why doctors (medical staff) in operating theaters wear them.
I was under the impression that unless it’s a full on respirator, a mask would do nothing to stop the wearer catching things but rather stopped them spreading things?