1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Protection in Car

Posted by regen99 @regen99, Dec 10, 2023

Cars are small spaces; how safe is it to drive/ride in a car with others when you have MAC, or protection against Covid, etc. Even with masks, it seems unsafe, as you would have to air the car out, wipe down handles etc.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 10, 2023

@regen99 For me, it is the same precaution as any enclosed space. Unless it is someone in my daily "bubble" I wear a mask and wash my hands . We frequently disinfect all touch surfaces in our car and home. Keep sanitizer in car for use when running errands. Stay away from sick people.

What feels unsafe about masking in car?
Sue

REPLY
2 replies
regen99 | @regen99 | Dec 10, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@regen99 For me, it is the same precaution as any enclosed space. Unless it is someone..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@regen99 For me, it is the same precaution as any enclosed space. Unless it is someone in my daily "bubble" I wear a mask and wash my hands . We frequently disinfect all touch surfaces in our car and home. Keep sanitizer in car for use when running errands. Stay away from sick people.

What feels unsafe about masking in car?
Sue

Jump to this post

Thanks, Sue; pretty much what I thought, except I don't have a 'bubble'; I dont' mask when by myself in the car, but disinfect and open the windows after a parking attendant has been in my car. At age 85,
just about everything feels unsafe!
And a person doesn't have to be sick to
pass along a passle of germs. How long does it take for them to die off (the germs)?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 10, 2023
In reply to @regen99 "Thanks, Sue; pretty much what I thought, except I don't have a 'bubble'; I dont' mask..." + (show)
@regen99

Thanks, Sue; pretty much what I thought, except I don't have a 'bubble'; I dont' mask when by myself in the car, but disinfect and open the windows after a parking attendant has been in my car. At age 85,
just about everything feels unsafe!
And a person doesn't have to be sick to
pass along a passle of germs. How long does it take for them to die off (the germs)?

Jump to this post

But you must be pretty tough - you have managed 85 years and counting!
Germs...that varies, from seconds to days. The VERY BEST thing you can do is wash your hands.
Then go out and enjoy your life!
Sue

REPLY
roisin11 | @roisin11 | Dec 11, 2023

Hi regen99, I wear an N95mask, which I believe protects me anywhere and even with sick people when it's properly fitted. I also air out the car when a parking attendant has been in it. Five minutes with windows down driving is plenty. From what I have read, Covid-19 infection is all about the density of the virus in any given space, so a stiff breeze will air out a car really fast. But since it's too cold right now, I just wear my mask. I also have hand sanitizer in the car, but the mask is best. MAC is not contagious so no need to worry about infecting others. Wearing a mask is for your protection from other bacteria and viruses. I am a caregiver for my 93yo MIL, and my spouse is an MD. Neither of us have contracted Covid and MIL has (and her assisted living facility has it again right now). We believe wearing masks in public indoor spaces, dining at irregular hours at restaurants and generally being careful has been the thing. We get our booster shots too, just in case we slip with the masks and get exposed.
And yes, congrats on being so active at 85!

REPLY
2019mc | @2019mc | Dec 19, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@regen99 For me, it is the same precaution as any enclosed space. Unless it is someone..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@regen99 For me, it is the same precaution as any enclosed space. Unless it is someone in my daily "bubble" I wear a mask and wash my hands . We frequently disinfect all touch surfaces in our car and home. Keep sanitizer in car for use when running errands. Stay away from sick people.

What feels unsafe about masking in car?
Sue

Jump to this post

Is not mask supposed to protect others from the person using it? To protect yourself is the rest who must use it

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 19, 2023
In reply to @2019mc "Is not mask supposed to protect others from the person using it? To protect yourself is..." + (show)
@2019mc

Is not mask supposed to protect others from the person using it? To protect yourself is the rest who must use it

Jump to this post

Well, I was taught that the mask is a two-way device - it protects others from me, and me from them. If your nose and mouth are covered, you cannot inhale other people's germs.
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
regen99 | @regen99 | Dec 19, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Well, I was taught that the mask is a two-way device - it protects others from..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Well, I was taught that the mask is a two-way device - it protects others from me, and me from them. If your nose and mouth are covered, you cannot inhale other people's germs.
Sue

Jump to this post

Sue, I am not confident that other people's germs stay behind their masks....in winter cars are not well ventilated, and hands touch things. I prefer riding alone, actually. We lead complicated lives these days. I am older than most.

REPLY
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