FGling Q: Where are the masks?

[String]

I just saw a reference to the masks people wear when they're sick here in another thread, and it made me realize I haven't seen anyone wearing one in a while, but there are still plenty of sick people around. This is my first spring in Tokyo, so I'm wondering:

Do they only wear them in cold weather? Is it more fun to spread disease in the spring? Are they still around but I'm just getting used to them so I don't see them anymore?

I need your FG wisdom to clue me in.

[Taro Toporific]

I just saw a reference to the masks people wear when they're sick here in another thread, and it made me realize I haven't seen anyone wearing one in a while, but there are still plenty of sick people around.

Japanese only wear them when sneezing or coughing. Right now in the rainy season, the pollen isn't so bad so they are wearing not masks. Severe colds and flu are not bad either right now so there are fewer masks. You just lived through the SAR plague so you saw more masks than normal last winter.

When the pollen gets bad by mid-summer, you'll see plenty of masks and freakoziod googles.

Also, masks are worn to fake being a hard-core, eager-beaver employee at work as well as those whimps looking for sympathy.

Finally: NEVER TRUST AN FG WEARING A MASK.

[kamome]

When the pollen gets bad by mid-summer, you'll see plenty of masks and freakoziod googles.

Yep, the pollen comes from Sugi (Cedar) trees that have taken over the hinterlands, causing the infamous kafunsho (hay fever). It's not for "sick" people as much as for those afflicted by the pollen-induced allergy. The masks are intended to filter out the cedar pollen. Lucky for me, I'm not susceptible to the pollen. If you want to know all about the Sugi problem in Japan, Alex Kerr's book, Dogs and Demons covers it in detail.

[String]

UPDATE:

I actually asked a Japanese person about this as the masks came up in conversation, and was informed that doctors often tell their patients in winter time to wear a mask if they have a cold, flu, etc. I asked why not in summer, and was told that it's because the dry air in winter makes it easier for viruses to be passed on. *shrug*

(Do we have an emoticon to express a shrug? I didn't notice one. )

[samuraiwig]

I've had 2 responses from Japanese friends when asking about the raison d'etre of the masks...

1. It prevents sick people from infecting others
2. It keeps moisture in

Apparently J doctors tell people it's good to keep all the gunky cold gook yo-yoing up and down their throats. Bit different to the 'better out than in' philosophy back home

Then again maybe there are just a lot of frustrated doctor/nurse fantasists here...

[dimwit]

Let us not forget that it hides the hideous nose wart/mole/bump thingy that so many Japanese love to deplay