(NPR) Should Masking Last Beyond The Pandemic? Flu And Colds Are Down, Spurring A Debate

Should Masking Last Beyond The Pandemic? Flu And Colds Are Down, Spurring A Debate



class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions"
data-crop-type="wide"
style="
--source-width: 2291;
--source-height: 1288;
"
>

Should Masking Last Beyond The Pandemic? Flu And Colds Are Down, Spurring A Debate






Students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance as they return to in-person learning at St. Anthony Catholic High Schoo in California on March 24, 2021. Masks and physical distancing are proving to have some major public health benefits, keeping people from getting all kinds of illnesses, not just COVID-19. But it's unclear whether the strict protocols will be worth the drawbacks in the long run.



Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images


hide caption





toggle caption




Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images











Should Masking Last Beyond The Pandemic? Flu And Colds Are Down, Spurring A Debate





WPLN News



Hospitalizations are down 62% for childhood respiratory illnesses, a study shows. Masking and physical distancing are keeping a variety of viruses in check, but will these behaviors last?