Alva Review-Courier -

The flu season was mild this year. Could it be related to widespread mask-wearing, social distancing, reduced social contact, or a higher-than-normal flu vaccination rate? The answer is all of the above.

While some will always refuse a mask, experts say masks are a minimally invasive, safe, cheap and effective way to reduce respiratory transmission of virus and bacteria. According to Time Magazine, when masks were mandated in the U.S., rates of Covid cases and deaths were reduced in 20 days. Masks represent what is known as “source control.”

We are faced with the dilemma of whether to maintain mask protocol now that vaccinations and herd immunity are backing-down the pandemic. Here’s the catch: we wear masks and follow the social guidelines to protect others, but in doing so, are we compromising our own immune system? Research is not conclusive, but permanent masking could lead to reduced resistance to many pathogens.

States are softening or eliminating mask mandates but it is reasonable to assume that some will feel safer if their server, clerk, or agent is wearing one when in close proximity. It is unfortunate that many people in this country politicized the mask and the other guidelines as they searched for conspiracy theories to rationalize non-vaccination as well.

Masks have reduced my conversation skills as I strain to listen without the use of lip reading. A friend said of masks, “I think it improves some people’s looks.” Could masks become a fashion statement? Stranger things have happened.