@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.