Whether you agree or disagree with wearing a mask, there is one thing aside from protecting us from COVID-19 is it also helps fight off the common cold.

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Wearing a Mask Can Also Fight Off the Common Cold and Flu

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Artem Tryhub/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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Before the pandemic came along, there were many countries where people wore masks during their cold and flu season and they were on to something.

I have been wearing masks these past few cold and flu seasons and I have not caught a common cold since before the pandemic.

Wearing a mask each fall and winter will definitely be a habit I continue because from what I have experienced it works.

Mask Mandates Subside

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Prostock-Studio/Getty Images/iStockphoto
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It is certainly freeing to take off the mask and not wear one altogether that is for sure. Mask mandates are continuing to drop everywhere, home, public, workplace, and schools.

Yes, it may be freeing not wearing a mask but doctors are now seeing an increase in having cold and influenza symptoms much longer than in the past two years. When citizens were wearing masks regular and constantly disinfecting areas of high contact, this took a huge bite out of flu season.

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Thanumporn Thongkongkaew/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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Now that the rules have been relaxed, and people's cleaning habits have slowly gone back to their own ways, colds are on the rise and hanging around longer.

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wildpixel/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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What Doctors Have To Say About Masks and Colds

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Ridofranz/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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Now that COVID-19 cases have stabilized it is natural for people to lighten up on the handwashing and wearing masks.

According to WOOD, Dr. Liam Sullivan of Spectrum Health said, " When we haven't had these common cold viruses for a couple of years, our immunity is going to be down lower than it would be. Hence, the reason people might experience symptoms a little bit longer than what we typically expect them."

Should I Wear a Mask or Not?

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If you are 50 years of age or older and have health problems then yes the experts say you should wear a mask. At any age, if you have problems with your immune system you should wear a mask.

If you are healthy it is your call, but if you want to try and dodge these final cold viruses that are circulating because of all of these temperature and seasonal changes, you may want to stick with the mask until spring kicks.

Don't get rid of those masks because you will probably need them next cold season or if another COVID-19 variant starts circulating again.

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