Originally Posted by
fumje
For that to really work I think you need to put it on the sneezing passengers.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Depends on the mask. I ordered, and carry with me, the 3M N100 hazmat masks in my backpack for just such an occasion. They filter 100% of the incoming air (if worn properly), unlike the surgical style masks that filter some of the outgoing air, but none of the incoming air.
I think the issue is airborne droplets that the sick person may cough out. A mask such as you reference above will prevent you from breathing it in, but not from it getting in your eyes, which can also lead to infection. Putting the mask on the sick person addresses this, unlike any mask you might wear unless it also provides eye protection.