Wearing Masks During Cold, Flu & Allergy Season

One positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is that there were fewer cases of seasonal respiratory infections over the past year, including the common flu.1,2 A plausible reason for this decline, besides social distancing, is the widespread use of masks. While mandates may be shifting around COVID-19, there are still plenty of good reasons to continue wearing a mask for cold and flu season, or even to protect yourself from allergy symptoms.  

Masking Up to Prevent Cold & Flu

According to Dr. Tina Tan, a professor of pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, when it comes to influenza, a rhinovirus, or any of the other respiratory illnesses that are constantly going around, wearing a mask can be the best defense against becoming infected. She tells NPR, “once these viruses touch your mucous membranes, whether it's your eyes, your nose or your mouth, you do have a chance of contracting it.”3 Wearing a mask helps to prevent infectious particles and virus-laden droplets from entering your body.  The usage of masks is already extremely common in Asia, typically worn by an infected person to protect the people around them. However, studies show that masks work best when everyone wears them.4 So, whether you’re trying to protect others or yourself, those are two perfectly good reasons to mask up. And with masks appearing at Paris Fashion Week last year, it may even be the fashionable thing to do.5 In addition to wearing a mask, there are plenty of other things you can do to prevent getting sick. This includes staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, eating well, loading up on vitamins, and washing your hands frequently. Should you become infected despite these efforts, try Brillia Health’s products to make the recovery process more comfortable (and shorter in duration). Free of harsh chemicals and harmful side effects, Brillia Health’s Cold-Flu Recovery and Cough Control are non-prescription homeopathic formulations that use targeted antibodies to ease symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, and body aches. Unlike other over-the-counter cold and flu products that simply mask symptoms, Brillia Health’s products work with your body to shorten the duration of your illness and provide relief without making you drowsy, dizzy, or affecting your appetite. 

Wearing a Mask if You Have Allergies

In addition to protecting against infections, masks may also ease allergy symptoms in some users. This is because masks are also good at filtering out pollen and other allergens floating in the air. This is especially true on days with high pollen counts or during triggering activities, such as gardening. While masks may prevent such symptoms as congestion, sneezing, and running nose, it’s important to note that they do not protect your eyes from becoming itchy or watery. 
1
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2
Hacking? Rumbling? How to recognize the different types of coughs.
3
And, honestly, I feel so much better... Morgan's Review
For overall relief from allergy symptoms, Brillia Health’s Cold-Flu Recovery can help ease nasal congestion, sneezing or runny nose. Cough Control is ideal if you’re experiencing a persistent wet or dry cough or chest tightness. These products both contain Lapine Histamine immune globulin, an antibody that targets histamines, reduces their ability to cause inflammation, and effectively relieves allergy symptoms. Brillia Health’s products are attractive alternatives to other over-the-counter allergy medications, which are teeming with chemicals that produce harmful side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. There are zero harmful side effects associated with Brillia Health’s products, which can be taken alone or in combination with other medications without contraindications.  

Key Takeaways

In summary, here are some key takeaways to stay healthy and protect yourself against colds, flus, and allergy symptoms this year:
  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others from catching a cold or flu
  • Use masks to protect against allergy symptoms, especially during days of high pollen counts or during triggering activities like gardening
  • Practice healthy habits like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, eating well, loading up on vitamins, and washing your hands frequently
  • Try Brillia Health’s products Cold-Flu Recovery and Cough Control to shorten the duration of your illness and reduce symptoms
Now that you know why you should continue wearing a mask, explore other ways to support your immunity throughout the year at the Brillia Health blog
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Erica Garza is an author and essayist from Los Angeles. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and a certificate in Narrative Therapy. Her writing has appeared in TIME, Health, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and VICE.
References: 1https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/Supplement_1/S110/6257582, 2https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6937a6.htm, 3https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/06/16/1006651146/prevent-common-cold-flu-at-home, 4https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-science-sars-cov2.html, 5https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51672753

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