germ free

Why do Chinese people wear surgical masks in public?
There, I said it.
I see this more and more in Temple City.
This woman walked out of her home while I was taking pictures on the other side of the street on Sunday.
Isn't it because they are trying not to spread germs? I assume that when they are sick or have a cold, they want to protect other people from the germs. Or is it the other way around, as in, preventing the influx of germs?
I don't think either manifestation works, frankly. I think a surgical mask won't do anything. Oh, I guess if one sneezes, the droplets are not going into the air. OK.
I used to think the mask was worn as a protection against breathing in the infamous Southern California smog. But knowing how smoggy many Chinese cities are, I don't think so. This air is great compared to those places.
Funny, I am a little of germ freak myself. I always use a paper towel or tissue to re-open a public bathroom door as I leave. And I try not to run my hands down banisters at a shopping mall or another public place. Don't get me started about hospitals and doctor's offices. They are virtual petri dishes for germs!
But I digress.
This woman, this image, there's something Future Shock about it, them. It's bad enough we hide behind computers and "friend" each other using computer software. Or talk via computer software with images instead of in person. Um, er, wait a minute ....