COVID 4 times

Regarding masks, the N95 or KN95 masks block 95% of particles that are one micron and larger. Surgical masks are about half as effective (below link) and regular cloth masks, much less so. The covid virus is ~0.1 micron in size, but is carried in the air in moisture (droplets) that are larger than a micron. So, a close-fitting N95 mask works by blocking most of the viral and other particles (dust, asbestos, etc). This is important for two main reasons (1) some covid may get through the mask, but it is the difference between getting run over by a truck or a tricycle (lower viral load), and (2) you are less likely to touch your nose and mouth while wearing a mask, which lowers your risk for bacterial or viral infections. I caught covid last March and was likely positive when I flew home; my roomate (also positive) and I were the only two people on the plane wearing masks. Some other folk on our trip were likely positive and were not masked. My PhD, by the way, was partly on fluid and gas flow through permeable media (filters). https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-wearing-n95-masks#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20N95%20and%20KN95,CoV%2D2%20by%2083%25.

I hope I don’t regret attending a funeral unmasked yesterday. I took one (N95) with me, but didn’t put it on. I justified it due to the very high cathedral ceiling in the church. That does impact it right? More space keeps the air from being as concentrated. ??? Idk. I have been sick today with an earache and sore throat! I called telehealth and got some instructions. Hopefully, it’ll resolve soon.

@kayabbott, @celia16, and all...And all this information helps us how? Wearing masks for normal folks helps us how? We've been told officially by government officials the masks don't do that much regarding our infections with COVID-19 at this point. Doctors generally agree the masks don't do much for most folks. But, are helpful for immunocompromised patients, etc.

Young people, children, and healthy people don't need to wear masks, do they, unless in the presence of a positive COVID-infected person? Generally, it's my understanding, that masks were very important to a lot of folks during the pandemic for psychological reasons more than anything...it gave everyone something they could physically do that made them feel like they were making a difference. We don't know if it made much difference at all in slowing the infection rate.

Masks were a negative for small and young children slowing personal development talking, and interacting with other humans. Masks harmed schoolchildren as well documented. The plastic barriers did nothing to stop the spread as the droplets went over/under/around the plastic. Lots of folks made money on these gimmicks.

I'm not being negative. I am more looking at these things logically, rather than emotionally or wishfully, or whatever. I didn't get Covid until July 2023, and December 2023. I have multiple autoimmune diseases, I had the Moderna vaccine at Mayo the first day it was available and the 2nd one when available. I've had no vaccines since and don't plan to due to my immune system. Currently, naturally, I'm full of Covid antibodies. When they diminish, my immune system doesn't need to be hit again with anything that may cause it to be compromised.

My life is very isolated. I order most of my groceries and other goods for delivery. I come into contact with a few other people. So, I will not wear masks unless at the hospital or medical office that requires one...so far, none do. When I had COVID-19 and did go out to the doctor to get infusions for COVID-19 or whatever, I wore my KN95 mask as a courtesy to others. Not for my protection.

As you see, I'm not an alarmist, nor am I one to blindly follow others without legitimate, proven facts that lead me. I think we made a bunch of mistakes during the pandemic and we should learn from them. Hopefully, we are and we have. Hopefully, we will do much better next time and save lives, keep folks healthier, and follow good medical advice.

I'm not asking for a debate or long discussion on any of this. We've had too many of those already. I'm simply stating my thoughts and what I think, with my handy brain, makes sense to me. That's all. Felt the need to say we are all able to do well with facts and make decisions for ourselves and our families. Hopefully, we'll do better next time, and I'm sure there will be a next time, sadly.

Blessings all, Elizabeth

Whether you wear a mask or not is your choice. Science is incremental; we learn from our successes, failures, and the information they provide. People tend to focus on errors or "alternate facts", rather than successes or rational (shutdown was mostly because it was a pandemic and not enough PPE for overwhealmed hospitals). N95, KN95, and P100 masks work mostly by decreasing the viral load. I caught covid last March after sitting next to an infected person in a van for an hour, so a high viral load (huge instead of small bits of virus). Would I and others have caught it if we were wearing close-fitting masks? Who knows. My long covid was gone after 8 months. I wear a mask when there is a risk of infection (sick people and close quarters [including planes]), not outside or where there is good ventilation.

I have gotten Covid 4 times and have multiple sx that have lingered to this day. Maybe it is a genetic thing or something in our
immune system that is susceptible to the virus. I wear mask everywhere still. My husband work in the food industry, they do not wear mask at his work and neither does he. I feel Like I am fighting a losing battle.

I have been caring for my parents and about 2 weeks ago, my mom got sick (severe cough) then my dad got the same thing. I took my dad to his primary on Monday and he tested positive for covid. So, I’ve tested negative twice this week. How is it possible that I haven’t gotten it yet? I’m pretty sure I’ve had it twice. Perhaps, that’s why. Is it likely I would get it now?