Medical masks were initially designed to protect doctors and surgeons in the operating room. First used in the early 20th century, surgeons wore cloth masks to prevent bacteria from being transmitted to open wounds. With advancements in medical science, these masks gradually improved and became one of the most important personal protective equipment during global pandemics like the Spanish flu and COVID-19.

Medical masks have evolved from simple cloth barriers to essential protective gear in the face of global health crises. 🎭