Ogden Daily Standard | 1918-12-05 | Page 4 | Masks Should be Worn

I MASKS SHOULD BE WORN. In Salt Lake many of the medical Jj profession are opposing the use of masks, claiming that the masks are l germ catchers and tend to increase, Instead of decrease, the epidemic now I raging, jfj Until the doctors present proof of their contention, tho lay man will I! doubt the wisdom of their position, as I! the medical authorities of the United j States favor masking. Only last week we read of 5000 American soldiers ar- I riving in France, and, although there a were influenza cases aboard, the dls- I ease was confined to 28 men. All the I soldiers were required to wear masks. I They were closely associated, yet the I disease -was held In check. Those opposed to masking have said I that the influenza germ is so small j that it will pass through unglazed por- J celain. Our opinion is the doctors do I not know very much about the germ, I for so far it has not been isolated. I There is a theory that the germs are thrown out In globules of moisture, either by coughing or sneezing, that II while thus encased, tho germs are pro- tected and remain active, but on striking strik-ing a mask, tho globules are broken and the bacilli, exposed to air and sunshine, sun-shine, instantly are rendered harmless. harm-less. If this theory is correct, the masks arc of inestimable value. The masks also prevent those carrying carry-ing tho disease expelling the germs in the presence of others. So there is a double protection afforded by the masks. Now the lungs, and the lining of the throat, must have fresh, pure air, and, if the masks in great part shut off that supply of oxygen, they reduce the resisting re-sisting power. But those who are masked can find ample opportunity to breathe deoply the, fresh air, and fill their lungs to a greater degree than when they were unmindful of their breathing. Out in the open, with no one in contact, the masks may be removed. re-moved. Our opinion is the masks should be worn.