Dear Editor,
Over 45 years ago when I was involved in my medical education, I took a course in microbiology. I remember the professor mentioning that there was some evidence that bacteria could combine with certain viruses. Just a couple of years later I began wearing a surgical mask when performing surgery. Of course, this mask was designed to reduce the number of bacteria that came from me to the patient and vice versa.
Historically, it is apparent that these masks must reduce the spread of viral caused diseases in some cases. Of course, people have been told that masks that block bacteria do not necessarily block viruses. Recent studies have found that there are certain instances where viruses combined with bacteria can actually increase the efficiency of the virus and its effect on the organism that it attaches to. I believe that studies will show that even masks that are not specifically designed to filter viruses are effective in decreasing the spread of viral caused diseases.
A few years later, Tony, a friend of mine who was an attorney who then attended medical school and became a physician, gave me some advice about experts. His advice is especially applicable today. Tony told me the only thing worse than a self-proclaimed expert is a politically appointed expert.
Dr. W. David Herbert
Senior attorney the
state bar of Montana
Billings, MT
