Masks are not for keeping healthy people safe from pathogens. They are for keeping sick people from spreading virus laden droplets when they cough/sneeze.
A mask that's capable of keeping a virus out is a a) much more expensive than a typical surgical mask, b) easy to wear improperly, negating its usefulness, and c) only good for a limited time before needing to be thrown out.
And inhalation isn't the only way to get infected -- any mucous membrane (including the eyes) is a possible infection route. The only real protection is a full hazmat suit with a full face shield. And you need to know how to take it off without infecting yourself.
The best way to protect yourself from the illness is to stay away from other infected people, not wear some home made protective gear that you're probably not going to replace often enough or handle and dispose of properly after you take it off.
> Masks are not for keeping healthy people safe from pathogens
All the doctors and nurses having to wear masks will be so relieved to hear this.
But seriously the advice of not wearing N95 masks when you are healthy is not because they are ineffective, but because they are trying to discourage hoarding. Even current CDC recommendations for healthcare workers suggest N95 masks for only patient intake and direct care, with all others wearing surgical masks to help protect the supply of N95s.
This discussion wasn't targeted at healthcare workers, and I never said N95 masks weren't effective (when worn properly). N95's are the type of mask I'm referring to in the second half of my comment. Worn properly, they are an essential piece of PPE.
The difference is, healthcare workers are trained in the use of N95 masks, undergo annual fit testing, etc.
A mask that's capable of keeping a virus out is a a) much more expensive than a typical surgical mask, b) easy to wear improperly, negating its usefulness, and c) only good for a limited time before needing to be thrown out.