Face masks are often limited in our culture to a handful of uses. Workers in hazardous conditions, those working with particulate matter, and the stereotypical image of a suited up CDC worker fighting infectious diseases are very nearly it. Masks are used regularly by doctors and dentists, for both patient and physician benefit. Some people choose to wear masks during cold and flu season, In recent years, the number of people wearing masks is increasing, and pharmacies are dealing with high volume of surgical mask sales. According to many drugstores, people use it to prevent inhaling cold and flu virus as well as other viruses.

1. To prevent contamination from your fingers

By wearing mask, you hinder your unconscious dirty finger from touching your nose or mouth.

2. To prevent the spread of infection.

Wearing surgical masks helps prevent you from infecting others or spreading the infection to the public. This is a common practice in Japan and also in other Asian countries like in some parts of China and Korea, for people who are sick.

3. Because of allergies.

Wearing mask because of an allergy is not as common as wearing it because of illness. Nevertheless, it helps prevent some kinds of allergies, like pollen allergy. One notable example is during hay fever season in Japan where wearing masks are commonplace.