I’m not the type of person who worries about germs all the time or who washes their hands 50 times a day. Sure, I’ll wash my hands with soap and water after using the restroom or right before eating, but aside from that, I believe that a little dirt never hurts. In truth, your immune system might get stronger by being exposed to a range of microorganisms. I do take precautions when I know I’ll be in settings where I might be exposed to more germs than necessary but, of course, this only works to a limited extent. For instance, whenever I travel by plane or use any type of public transit, I always make sure to have a few disposable healthmask on hand.

There are two varieties of disposable face masks that are most common. The first type are the paper or fabric ones that are very thin that surgeons wear. Your mouth and nose are separated from the outside air by this mask, which serves as a fairly simple barrier. Michael Jackson, a popular musician, was frequently pictured wearing this anytime he went outside. You are protected from breathing in toxins as well as from inhaling them, although this protection is obviously limited. For instance, these disposable face masks would not be suitable at a building site or any other location where there is a high likelihood of airborne debris.

Then there are disposable face masks that are designed for more serious applications on construction sites or when the user knows they will be in close proximity to germs that are more virulent than those that cause the ordinary cold. These disposable face masks are moulded into a shape that firmly covers your mouth and nose and is made of a combination of materials. They are designed to filter more than 99% of the airborne impurities and occasionally come with a breathing valve.

The N95 disposable face masks may be the most well-known variety as they were expressly advised to use during the recent swine flu pandemic by medical professionals. When I fly, I bring a mask similar to this. I don’t always wear it, but you better believe I will if someone in my row of the plane starts coughing and hacking for an extended amount of time. I don’t give a damn about what people might think or the odd stares I’m likely to get. I place a lot more value on my health than the opinions of others.

Anyway, disposable face masks are incredibly inexpensive, so there’s no excuse not to get a packet of them and take one or two about when you fly or will be interacting closely with a lot of strangers for a while. Because nothing is guaranteed, it is always preferable to be safe than sorry. Being practical here isn’t being alarmist. Although I don’t usually worry about germs, as I indicated, there are situations when measures are required.