Study: Wearing flu mask may help you during flu season

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Passengers flying through a busy Sky Harbor are doing what they can to stay healthy, and for some, that doesn't include wearing a mask.

"I'm not wearing the mask, but we did get the flu shot," one traveler said. "We're washing hands and not shaking hands."

Airports and airplanes are two of the more public places you might see people wearing a mask to keep from catching the flu during what has been an especially busy season.

"I've had a doctor recommend it in his office," one traveler said. "I don't know about outside of his office, but I've had him recommend it inside his office."

A new report from the Center for Disease Control indicates the flu virus might be spread not only by coughing and sneezing, but also simply by breathing.

The study found clear evidence that influenza patients breathe the virus through their mouths and noses in tiny particles that can stay suspended in the air for minutes or hours.

Doctors say anyone considered high risk could benefit from wearing a mask. Healthy adults might benefit as well, even though the ones we spoke to say they're going to risk it and skip the mask.

"I think it looks silly, but what if it keeps you healthy, I'm sure there are other ways, I guess the flu shot," another traveler said.