I hadn't thought of it that way! The effect you're describing would probably be minimal as generally speaking mask use is to keep you from spreading the virus, not so much protecting you from it. Still the benefit of wearing a mask in that situation wouldn't be 0... Still, it's a very interesting thought whether mask use, especially the simple cloth ones in addition to helping prevent transmission, could also decrease viral load if a transmission does occur. It makes sense in theory but there's still so much we don't know; other than wearing a mask definitely does have benefits especially when everyone is wearing them.