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

@marjou- There are reasons why people aren't wearing masks. I have to catch myself with our neighbors because we've lived next to each other for 39 years and I'm really not used to wearing one with them. One reason, I think, might be that in communities that don't have a lot of COVID-19 around people are getting too laid back. Some people just don't understand, even after all this time, how deadly it is. Some people think that they are making a stand and others think that those wearing masks are doing the same. And some people just don't believe that it's that deadly because they don't see it in their community so they shrug it off. Some people think that masks stop oxygen flow; or can't see with their glasses on, or people just think that it's like the flu.

The way to stop this is to contact your local authorities, speak with your congress and senate people. Do you say anything to people who don't wear them?

Hi Kate! Sorry that I did not reply to you sooner. I had been in Florida for two weeks doing a house/pet sitting job on Amelia Island. The dogs I sat for wore me out! Too big and strong and in that sweltering humidity; it was difficult to walk them (hard to breathe). Then, I had to 'recover' from being down there after I got home. Having my daughter and new pet has def made this quarantining at home more enjoyable. My daughter has built 7 raised flower beds and a compost bin in a fenced off area that used to house my boat. She painted the raised flower boxes in bright, happy colors, and we plan to make that our hang-out place. We have planted veggies and flowers back there, and have two comfy chairs to sit and watch our garden grow, (or whither). Right now now fighting a losing battle with white fly invasion. What have you been up to?

I read if you sprinkle cinnamon power around the garden it will keep bugs and insects away.

@america. Any tips for aphids? My son can't grow anything because the aphids overtake the plants. He tried lady bugs but they just flew away. He doesn't want to spray insectides as he has a toddler and a dog.

My husband sprinkled the cinnamon on our hibiscus because the flowers were covered with aphids! We don’t know what happened but it’s all gone. I got it on Pinterest! It works! Go on Pinterest and you will find the most amazing stuff that’s good for plants!

Hello Jane. The 'lobby' type masks you speak of will not keep you from inhaling covid infected air. It can be breathed in through the sides of the mask, and the material does not block viruses. They are designed to block droplets from escaping your mouth during speaking, couching, or sneezing, so that you don't potentially spew the virus out into the air. A face fitting N95 type is best, the ones with the respirator built into the front. I do not go into a store without one.

@windwalker @macjane The N95 mask with an exhalation valve in the front will protect the wearer, but it doesn't protect others. In fact, if the wearer is infected, the front valve will concentrate the infected air and shoot it toward any person in front of the wearer. To guard against unknowingly infecting others, a second, cloth or lobby-type disposable mask should be worn over the N95 one to cover the valve.

Windwalker. Terri. I am concerned about masks as I will be keeping an in office apt with the orthopedist next week for an evaluation and X-ray of my shoulder, which has been excruciatingly painful since the beginning of July. The office requires that I sign in before the appt which means that I will have to go thru’ the waiting room where there will be several patients waiting to be seen by various specialists. I am not able to breathe well in an n95 mask and almost passed out in the super market back in March before the pandemic became so widespread. My heart also begins to race. Would you recommend that I wear a cloth mask and a face shield and gloves. Do you think that would be protection enough?? I do need to get some relief as my sleep has been badly affected by the pain in my shoulder. Thanks for your input.

Here is my experience - I am older, asthmatic & have bronchiectasis, so am considered high risk. I have been in and out of doctor, surgery & therapy offices since about 2 dozen times since June. High touch surfaces, including pens & clipboards/tablets for paperwork, are diligently disinfected between patients EVERYWHERE I have been. Temperatures are taken & patients quizzed about health and exposure before being seen, companions generally not allowed, and seats set far apart. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and staff and patients all seem to be using it often. Remember staff is serious about preventing infection for their own health, and for the ability to stay open and working. Also remember that the likelihood of infection is a combination of factors - the length of exposure and the quantity of live virus that makes it into your eyes and nose, where it is able to take hold. It does not infect through your skin.

If you cannot wear the N95 or KN95 mask, the cloth mask plus shield sounds like a good solution. I wear either a 3-layer cloth mask or N95 mask without valve, depending on whether I will be in close contact/there for some time, or shorter & less direct contact. I have not felt the need to wear a face shield.

"The jury is out" on the necessity for gloves - as time goes on, evidence of transmission by touching surfaces has not been strong. The reports that virus particles are found on surfaces is not definitive - there is no peer-reviewed study showing these are viable & able to infect you. If your face & eyes are covered so you cannot touch them with contaminated fingers, your risk would be negligible. Diligent hand cleaning is better, because it avoids inadvertently transferring contaminants from one surface to another as gloves can do.

(Note: This may not apply to other places like grocery stores and other high-traffic, high-touch places if you are at very high risk. Those places would be better avoided altogether.)

I hope this helps ease your mind.
Sue

Sueinmn. Thank you for your reply. It is very helpful.