Medical staff, of which I once was a part, have safely and successfully worn masks to keep from catching respiratory diseases from isolation patients, for over 100 years. In the 90’s, we were introduced to N95 type masks, after one of our hospital nurses contracted TB from an undiagnosed patient. (If I recall, she hadn’t worn any mask, due to the patient was not in isolation and his TB had not yet been diagnosed). That is the only case of which I am aware of staff contracting any disease from a patient. Of course, we wore a fresh mask every time we entered the isolation rooms, (regular OR TB), and that is key. Except for TB, we wore the familiar blue, regular paper masks. Masks such as these were once very cheap; now, of course, they are unaffordable for us civilians to use a new one every time we go into a different shop, etc. Even at my doctor’s office, I wonder how often the staff is told to change their masks. If I could get a hold of the exact paper from which they are made, I’d gladly make enough to use one and done. Anyone have any idea from paper they are made?
Just found this site, that says masks normally worn by medical professionals are polypropylene.
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/07/01/880621610/a-users-guide-to-masks-what-s-best-at-protecting-others-and-yourself