COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself?

@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in Europe, then New York and other parts of the USA. I've been thinking about and praying for people where you are Gina. So sad to hear about it all -- it's truly frightening, and truly sad.
It's awful to think that in many places this has only been the 'First Wave' of this virus. It could come back again later in a 2nd Wave, or 3rd, etc. Who knows if Australia and New Zealand will still be doing okay then.

For me it's almost like I was living in New York too because I can't leave the house at all. I've been in lock-down for months now because I have 2 immune deficiency diseases -- neutropenia and low globulins, I live alone, and nobody can come into my living space. I'm retired and don't work now. It get deliveries to the doorstep and wash everything down, and I have telephone and Zoom or Skype medical appointments. So I'm getting very 'stir crazy' (laugh). Thank God for this forum site.
I sypathisize so much with all of you in the US and Europe. Annie x

@rits I feel like I could have written what you just wrote! I don’t know what’s worse - the anxiety if I don’t wear one or not being able to breathe if I do. This is all very interesting. I really thought I was the only person who couldn’t breathe with a mask! My son had brought us some excellent N95 masks. The one time I wore one I almost had a panic attack because I couldn’t breathe! I have a cloth one with a filter that is better. I don’t have any suggestions for you, but at least we aren’t alone. irene5

@macjane I can't breath when wearing a mask. Anyone else having this difficulty or suggestions.

@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in Europe, then New York and other parts of the USA. I've been thinking about and praying for people where you are Gina. So sad to hear about it all -- it's truly frightening, and truly sad.
It's awful to think that in many places this has only been the 'First Wave' of this virus. It could come back again later in a 2nd Wave, or 3rd, etc. Who knows if Australia and New Zealand will still be doing okay then.

For me it's almost like I was living in New York too because I can't leave the house at all. I've been in lock-down for months now because I have 2 immune deficiency diseases -- neutropenia and low globulins, I live alone, and nobody can come into my living space. I'm retired and don't work now. It get deliveries to the doorstep and wash everything down, and I have telephone and Zoom or Skype medical appointments. So I'm getting very 'stir crazy' (laugh). Thank God for this forum site.
I sypathisize so much with all of you in the US and Europe. Annie x

I cannot breathe in the N95 masks either. My lungs aren't strong enough to pull the oxygen through the mask. I just stay home.

@anniepie I’m glad you are able to get your deliveries. I was having such a hard time getting a delivery in my area, I finally gave up and went to the market myself. With my gloves and Clorox wipes and mask, (which fogs up because of my glasses, lol). I worry about the time we start to re-open. I think people will stop being vigilant and it will cause another “wave” of illness.
I’m sorry you’re so isolated, but you seem to still be in good spirits. I will keep you and the rest of us in my prayers.
And for anyone else with the fogging glasses problem, I heard if you fold a tissue and put it under the nose piece it stops the fogging. It works! Although if it moves you start getting little piece of tissue in your mouth! You have to be VERY careful with the folding and placement. LOL 😂

@ginak Hi Gina. Yes I've watched how bad it got in Italy and other places in Europe, then New York and other parts of the USA. I've been thinking about and praying for people where you are Gina. So sad to hear about it all -- it's truly frightening, and truly sad.
It's awful to think that in many places this has only been the 'First Wave' of this virus. It could come back again later in a 2nd Wave, or 3rd, etc. Who knows if Australia and New Zealand will still be doing okay then.

For me it's almost like I was living in New York too because I can't leave the house at all. I've been in lock-down for months now because I have 2 immune deficiency diseases -- neutropenia and low globulins, I live alone, and nobody can come into my living space. I'm retired and don't work now. It get deliveries to the doorstep and wash everything down, and I have telephone and Zoom or Skype medical appointments. So I'm getting very 'stir crazy' (laugh). Thank God for this forum site.
I sypathisize so much with all of you in the US and Europe. Annie x

@ginak ...Thank you for that wonderful tip on fogged glasses!!! Are you here in the US? (somehow I am thinking NY??) I am buying groceries online through Walmart. I drive to their designated parking spots and they come out and load them into my cargo space- no interaction whatsoever. I still do wear my mask as when they load they will lean into my SUV. It takes sometimes several days to get an order placed but keeps me out of the stores. Kate

@flib Many people find it difficult to breathe in a mask, especially with any kind of diminished lung function. It is not your imagination as one man here tried to tell another - the fabric inhibits the movement of air - exactly as it is intended to do. I certainly prefer to be without one, but am able to just push through it. My masks are made of two layers of sturdy quilting cotton, pleated in front, with elastic around the head. They are approximately the same in permeability as the surgical masks (not N95 respirator mask.)
N95 masks are another matter - I truly do struggle to breathe through those, which severely limits my pleasure in working in the garden, where I wear it when digging in or scratching on the soil due to my lung issues. My daughter, an ER nurse, suggested wearing your mask as much as you can stand, even around the house, to build up your ability to breathe through it - that is what they counsel new employees who have trouble tolerating it.
I hope you find a solution that works for you, as I believe many of us will be wearing masks in public for a good while.
Sue