Which face mask to use to prevent getting the Flu or sick ?

[oldcarguy]

Hi

I know in Japan wearing a face mask is a normal thing if you are sick

But what type of face mask do you get and how long do they last ?

Does having a charcoal filter in them help ?

 

Looking on google there are so many people trying to sell you face masks and wild claims to go with them !

 

I know it is not going to be 100% , but does anyone have real numbers on how good they are to stop someone from spreading a cold or flu ,

and also how much they help not catching a cold or flu

 

and as an added question , how good are the on filtering city pollution from Buses , trucks and cars ?

[Oxx]

The Japanese wear face masks when they are sick so they don't spread droplets when they sneeze or cough.  No fancy technology - just a piece of cloth.

 

This kind of face mask will do nothing to filter pollution.

[oldcarguy]

I see that 3M and others sell N95  face masks for Industrial use  ,  So they are going to be better than the cotton cloth face masks ,

 

But do anything to stop Germs ,   ? 

they are good for dust and grit so you would think it would stop germs too