Originally Posted by
Steve M
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.
I guess I could pack a pair of swimming goggles too and I'll look like an extra from Star Wars, but what I find most useful is positioning the airvents to create an air wall around me and push any malfeasance away, or back to its source.