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

I wear a facemask in public and try to maintain distance between people. But frankly I don't believe we can protect ourselves completely. I think the key is to get exposure but just a little bit. I think viral load is the key thing. These facemasks are designed to lessen but not eliminate exposure. I think our immune system has a better chance with a little exposure but not a lot. I think we will gradually build up immunity. But that's just my opinion. I don't know if just a drop of virus is enough to kill.

Instacart is hiring! There was a huge email advertisement asking for applicants. I know each time I tried to use them I was told there were no delivery times available. Sounds like a great opportunity for those who like to shop......not me!

@ihatediabetes I agree that we cannot protect ourselves completely without completely being isolated, something I cannot quite manage. "I don't know if just a drop of virus is enough to kill." Not likely unless someone is severely immunocompromised - it seems current research is beginning to show total viral load is a factor in getting ill, that is the more exposure, the more likely illness will result. This is what they believe is causing illness in so many hospital workers and first responders - LOTS of exposure over a short amount of time. And each level of protection helps lower the amount of exposure - that's why distancing, facemasks, hand washing and good sanitation work for moderate exposure. And why additional protective equipment - respirators, gowns, face shields or goggles, hair covers, etc - are so important for those with prolonged exposure.
Gradually building up immunity is NOT likely - in general this is not how viruses work. You must actually be infected with a virus for the antibodies to form, and for those with risk factors, what we are trying to avoid at this time. More likely, as widespread immunity develops in the public, there will be fewer infected people around, so less virus being spread in general. Most places are far from reaching that condition, so we have to be cautious until a vaccine is widely available.
Sue

Hi Jeanie. Where in Iowa do you live? I live in the Quad Cities. I have my prescriptions delivered by Hy-Vee.

Hey Collen, I make a mistake when I made my post name. I put down "lilyoaws" when it should have been. "Lilypaws" is there a way I can change it? For some reason I'm not scared of the Covid-19. I guess because I have to stay home, I can't walk outside because of my back, which I'm waiting to have surgery. I did go out yesterday and picked up my daughter and went to get a couple of my pants altered. We also stopped at Dairy Queen and got a shake from the window. Of course, with masks on. Went to the grocery store with masks on and my daughter handle the groceries. How great that was to get out, even though I hurt from walking through the grocery store.

Hey Collen, I make a mistake when I made my post name. I put down "lilyoaws" when it should have been. "Lilypaws" is there a way I can change it? For some reason I'm not scared of the Covid-19. I guess because I have to stay home, I can't walk outside because of my back, which I'm waiting to have surgery. I did go out yesterday and picked up my daughter and went to get a couple of my pants altered. We also stopped at Dairy Queen and got a shake from the window. Of course, with masks on. Went to the grocery store with masks on and my daughter handle the groceries. How great that was to get out, even though I hurt from walking through the grocery store.

@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 😂

First of all all your e-mails come in my suspected spam and I accidently erased them sorry I miss so much. This is Jeanie (lilyoaws) My thoughts go out to you. I also have an immune disease, but not as bad as you do. I can't go to the grocery store, but going to pick up my daughter today. My thoughts and prayers are sent your way. Don't use zoom, just skype. My husband is a security manager at Wells Fargo. It's very dangerous and can take info from your computer. I am going stir crazy too. I'm waiting to hear from Mayo Clinic to have a low back fuse from t-10, L5, and S-1. It's a big surgery, but can't wait to get it over with. They are thinking about opening elective surgeries up. Bless your heart it must be so hard for you. I do puzzles on my computer. I am in pain from my back and have to do an injection with a very small needle into my stomach to increase my bone mass. Sorry I'm talking about myself. Take care of yourself and pray.

Hi Tina. "lilyoaws
I live in the Des Moines area. I can go pick up my prescriptions. I call ahead and they get them ready, then when I go pick them up there's a number posted that I call and they bring it out to my car. I could have Hyvee deliver, but I need to get out of the house. Can't do any exercise because of my back pain, so I've gained 10 lb's. But I got Gastro Perisis again and now have to eat small meals doing the day. It's where your stomach doesn't digest food. I feel better today, with less pain. Hope to lose weight now. Wish we lived closer.