Should You Buy Surgical Masks to Avoid the Coronavirus and Flu?

Should You Buy Surgical Masks to Avoid the Coronavirus and Flu? U.S. pharmacies have been selling out of protective face masks. But, paper surgical masks aren't actually designed to protect the people wearing them. Robert Amler, M.D., New York Medical College's School of Health Sciences Dean Basic surgical masks can block some larger particles, and may serve as a reminder not to touch your face. Translation: Don't feel obligated to start wearing one as a protective measure, unless your doctor tells you it's in your best interest to do so.