It seems like masks would help prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses, but so would locking yourself in your room permanently or just covering your whole body with garbage bags and breathing through a six-foot snorkel. You have to balance the safety measure against the risk, and unless you're over 75 or in failing health (or caring for someone who is), the risk of covid is comparable to the risk of getting the flu. And no one did this stuff during flu season. Then again, if a mask would lower your risk of catching the flu a little, then maybe you'd want to wear a mask.