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Masking
Most Americans are not masking in situations where they previously masked during the height of the COVID pandemic. I still do because I feel more comfortable, not only because of COVID, but also flu and RSV. Usually people are pretty accommodating, but occasionally someone questions why I am still masking. I say something like "Oh, I had cancer (prostate) and may still be immunosuppressed." This previous cancer is not the real reason for my masking, but it suffices. Also, I'm 74, which puts me at higher risk. Anyone else still follow early COVID protocols and get asked why? For purposes of full disclosure, I'm fully vaxxed and boostered, including the annual flu vaccine.
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We may be tired of covid, but it isn’t tired of us. I continue to wear a mask anytime I’m around others and try to remind myself to physically distance. Once someone complained that there was much space between myself and the next person in line. Simply replied. “I have immunity concerns.” He apologized. Actually, everyone has such concerns, or should have.
Yes, I had all five Modernas including the bivalent Omicron booster six months ago. According to Abbott lab testing, my antibody level is now the lowest it has been. So my hematologist advised it may be a good idea to get a second Omicron bivalent booster; even before CDC gives us the go ahead.
Congratulations for being careful. May we all stay as well as we can. Wishing you the best!
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3 ReactionsMasking is up to the individual and their health needs. You know your body and how to deal with its' problems. I don't mask unless it's required because it really bothers my breathing and fogs up my glasses. Also, some of the material in masks smell strong and unpleasant. I'm very supceptible to any strong or unique odor. It bothers my breathing terribly. The light blue ones they prefer at the hospital are much better smelling. I can handle those.
I'm surprised that people have the audacity to ask you why you are wearing a mask! That's very impolite and none of their business! Keep doing what works for your health!
PML
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2 ReactionsYes, we may be done with Covid, but it is not done with us. Like other respiratory viruses, it will be around for a long time to come. I don't know if anyone has read the Pulitzer-prize winning book, The Coming Plague, by Laurie Garrett (1994), but it sounds prophetic in light of the Covid pandemic.
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1 ReactionI have one functional lung. At first, being masked was pure torture. I'd panic and then hyperventilate and then come close to fainting. In my home state you had to be masked for outdoor exercise--my only solution was to walk in remote areas at off times of day and just mask when I passed another person. However, I found a solution! I went to a pulmonary therapist to work on controlling my breathing and get exercises
to do. It worked really well. Neither I nor my husband has ever been asked why we mask. But if I was, I might be a bit snippy and say something like "to protect you from my germs." Which no one can debate! Masking--or not--has hopefully taught me more tolerance of the fact that people have different needs. But I'm not perfect yet in this area.
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