Recent research revealed that wearing a face mask can offer protection against respiratory infections like influenza and the common cold. Research team led by Raina MacIntyre, professor and head of UNSW School of Public Health and Community Medicine studied data collected from more than 280 adults in 143 families in Sydney during the winter seasons of 2006 and 2007. The study subjects were randomly asked to wear mask during exposure to a sick child in family.

Research team found that adult mask wearers at home were four times more protected against respiratory viruses, including the common cold than non-wearers.

Prof. Raina MacIntyre said that there is no effective treatment for the 90 or so common cold viruses that make families sick each winter, but masks could provide simple and effective protection.

He added: "This study starts to close that evidence gap. Our work indicates masks may provide substantial protection so long as they are worn consistently and properly."