@becsbuddy You know, I never really stopped masking after my COVID infection in 2022, because I ended up with parosmia as a result. My ENT suggested I continue masking, as there was no guarantee that another infection would do further damage to my olfactory system, and I didn’t want to lose my sense of smell forever.

I continue to mask when I shop or go to the doctor. I don’t eat inside restaurants; I live in Florida, so I’m able to eat outdoors year-round.
I am BIG on hand washing (former teacher, lol), and keep up with vaccinations, though I wasn’t able to take this year’s covid and flu vax until this month.

I’m big on healthy food and exercise. It’s the being indoors with others that gives me much pause. I don’t mind masking at all, especially if it continues to protect others who are immunocompromised.

But I won’t lie: I feel like this has also affected my quality of life. I miss not having to worry so much.

I am definitely going to look up my absolute leukocyte count! Thank you so much for that info! I’m not even sure what that is or what it indicates 😂, but I am so curious now. I’m guessing it has to do with white blood cells.

It’s the uncertainty of everything that is causing me anxiety. But keeping my eye on that would be a good way to feel some sense of control, and perhaps even relief.

@becsbuddy I forgot to reply to this part…it’s my daughter who is in college, and aside from the usual stress in submitting papers when Microsoft Word crashes, she is doing great, thank you! 😂