[kubb]

Not only that, but the mechanism of respiratory transmission is so widely known, that the use of masks to reduce it is an idea soundly backed by an accepted theoretical framework.

When Covid started I stopped getting sick in the winter. Before the pandemic I had gotten sick at least twice per year with some virus: sore throat, fatigue, sneezing, all that. It started again when the measures were relaxed. Of course this doesn't qualify as evidence for mask effectiveness, but I wonder if anyone had the same experience as me?

[wozniacki]

Solely addressing the mask use part of your reply, I've found that it greatly helped reduce the number of times I fell ill ( even mildly ) from things you list like colds, coughs, sore throats & fatigue.

I can't believe that there are no substantial studies that have studied the ability of consumer grade surgical masks ( and/or N95s) in preventing common illnesses, very reliably when used regularly.

Why aren't these things conclusively studied, beyond any degree of doubt?

[kubb]

Most likely because it's hard to orgainze a controlled, large-scale trial, and there are many variables that influence real-world outcomes, and the measurement of the mask variable is not accurate based solely on historical real-world data.

[depressedpanda]

Yes.

I used to get really bad colds 3-5 times a year, for as long back as I can remember (afaik, I never got Covid, though). Now, it's been longer than a year since I last got sick.

However, I only wore a mask when forced to, as mask usage was generally only recommended and almost never mandatory during the pandemic.

Rather than masks, I think the most likely reason is that people who get sick nowadays are much more likely to stay at home, and probably also that everyone washes their hands more often.

[Thiez]

Many had the same experience, including those who went without masks. I imagine social distancing + people self-quaranteening for all of those symptoms you mention can explain most of it.

[VK538FY]

I experienced very little illness, winter or otherwise, during the coronacrisis. I had two fevers that lasted on average 4 days. I had a case of mild bronchitis that lasted 3 or 4 weeks. On average, I tend to have more cold/flu/rinopharyngitis in normal winters and often a bit of bronchitis. I'm a light smoker. I wore a fake mask poorly when I was forced to. I took a number of parapharmaceutical prophylatics like zinc, vitamins C and D and quercetine. Regular intense sport but less overall physical activity. Diet with tons of animal fat and a fair amount of cooked vegetables. Drank surely too much alcohol. No vaccines or medical procedures except regular dental care. I worked from home 60% of the time but literally jumped on every opportunity to socialize with like minded people. If I had to bet real money: the rather favourable outcome was due mostly to home office and the reduced stress.