The CDC already issued an
interim guidance about this.
Quote:
|
Adults can shed influenza virus 1 day before symptoms appear and up to approximately 5 to 7 days after onset of illness; thus, the selective use of masks (e.g., in proximity to a known symptomatic person) may not effectively limit transmission in the community. Young children, immunocompromised persons of any age, and critically ill patients with influenza can shed influenza viruses in the respiratory tract for prolonged periods. Moreover, because no single intervention can provide complete protection against influenza virus transmission, emphasis should be placed on multiple strategies including pharmaceutical (e.g., vaccines and antiviral medications) and non-pharmaceutical interventions. The latter group include: 1) community measures (e.g., social distancing and school closures); 2) environmental measures (e.g., routine surface cleaning); and 3) personal protective measures such as encouraging symptomatic persons to:
|
Of course, they note that the flu can spread before you have symptoms. But this year, we have had the unique situation of people wearing masks all the time in public, symptoms or no. I think it is a solid logical inference that it did indeed cut down on flu season this year.
I would strongly consider wearing a mask in future years during flu season if the research bears out. I know this is something that already happens in Japan and I would be interested in their research as well.