Good morning, @dragonflylynda. I just had to check in to see how you’re doing! I see you finally started taking your medication after much trepidation. The first step towards getting your high platelet level under control. That’s a good thing! ☺️

You’re now taking a medication which may impact your immune system. With a weakened immune system it may not be able to respond and defend you as quickly or as efficiently when you’re exposed to air borne viruses, bacteria or fungal infections, which can enter through your nose, mouth and eyes. Your best bet is to cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Also avoid touching your face or eyes without out washing your hands first. And…keep your vaccinations up to date.

Let me help you with your masking decision…which is what you should do as a preschool teacher to avoid all the delightful diseases you can pick up from the little germ bombs! I know there have been conspirator theories the past few years since covid about mask wearing and the ‘dangers’ that lurk from spending hours with your face covered. Please, don’t buy into that! The right masks DO work and can help prevent so many airborne communicable diseases…without endangering the wearer! Good grief, I worked in the dental field for over 30 years, wearing a mask 8 hours a day, along with my coworkers. Doctors, dentists, nurses, surgeons, etc., all wear masks daily and their brain cells are intact. There are documented studies which show the efficacy of masks and there is no proof of any harmful side effects of wearing them. Being immune compromised myself I still wear masks out in enclosed public places, crowed stores, elevators, around children, etc. It has kept me safe for 6 years since my bone marrow transplant. I was lax one time this last summer in a high exposure event and got Covid, which I’d avoided to that point.

The ideal masks at this time are N-95 or KN-95 masks. Most are comfortable, some are colorful so you can coordinate with your clothing. There is no shame or embarrassment in wearing a mask. Since you’re in a preschool setting you can use this as a teaching opportunity to the kids about your mask. You can even draw a smiley face on the front if necessary. But considering the level of germs working around pre-schoolers, masking up will help keep you safe.
Do you have any N-95 masks?