> I think the important thing is - the strongest benefit of masks are always for other people Not getting COVID in the first place seems like a huge benefit, a

> I think the important thing is - the strongest benefit of masks are always for other people Not getting COVID in the first place seems like a huge benefit, and if you find yourself surrounded by people who no longer mask (most countries in 2024), then wearing an N95 respirator for your own protection is more personally beneficial compared to, say, being up to date on vaccination (since COVID vaccines don't prevent transmission, and repeated infections increase chances of acquiring long COVID). I've consistently worn an N95 in all public spaces and have not contracted COVID (to my knowledge). Meanwhile, most of the people I know (some vaccinated, some not) are either often sick due to weakened immune systems and/or have gained one or more severe health issues since the pandemic began.