Am I the only old lady who has decided maybe wearing a mask

[cyclonefence]

is a good idea, even after the covid-19 precautions are officially lifted? I don't mind wearing it--I wear gloves, too, and they don't bother me. I am sure staying home has been the main reason I've had *zero* colds this year, but I wonder if continuing to wear a mask, once this virus is less rampant, will have sort of the same results?

[In_The_Wind]

1. My guess: the answer to your question is Yes.

[TrunKated]

2. I'm a fairly young man...

And I always wear it when I'm going into businesses.

I may follow your lead.

I don't mind getting fewer colds, etc.

[Frustratedlady]

3. It only takes one exposure and wearing a mask to avoid one is worth it to me.

I think most of those who don't, refuse because they don't like to be told what to do. Grow up!

Hopefully, within a couple of weeks we will see a good example of what could happen when the positive cases start showing up in Tulsa. I noticed that even the children who attended were not wearing masks.

[Ohiogal]

4. Wearing a mask works!

https://www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/2020/06/two-hair-stylists-with-the-coronavirus-wore-masks-so-did-their-140-clients-of-those-tested-none-got-sick.html

[cayugafalls]

5. I am kind of an old dude and I don't know when they will be officially lifted.

Here in Texas they were "officially" lifted by Abbott and his Lt governor and we have begun to spike again.

Recent reporting and articles have stated that the virus may be around for at least another year before there is a real vaccine and or treatments, so, there is all that to think about.

I guess, I'll just use my judgement and wear a mask as long as I want to and to heck with all the naysayers.

This is about self-preservation.

[Polly Hennessey]

6. I have been thinking the same thing.

Probably a good idea when grocery shopping. I have always considered the grocery store a hotbed of germs. My hands feel icky, sticky, and dirty after a trip buying groceries. I bet that is where we pick up cold, flu, and gastrointestinal problems. 😯

[TuxedoKat]

16. I agree

I swear I get colds from grocery shopping carts. In winter whenever I grab a cart, often I think, I hope I don't catch a cold from this cart. It seems like a premonition, as I almost always catch a cold when that happens!

[Warpy]

7. Wearing a mask is more to protect others

but it does increase the time you have to get away from unmasked scofflaws.

I'm afraid gloves don't do much of anything, they are virus permeable.

[soothsayer]

8. I don't see how it doesn't work both ways

How could it not also protect me?

[dawg day]

9. I saw an explanation the other day that says wearing a mask does protect you--

But not as much as it protects others.

What it seems to be is that mutual use cuts the exposure by a great deal.

I do agree though-- I haven't had a cold since January (and I usually get 5 colds a year). But that could be more about constant handwashing!

[LizBeth]

14. Wow, five colds a year. Now that I do not have kids, I get one every two or three years.

[dawg day]

28. I've always been ridiculously susceptible to colds.

And often it goes into bronchitis.
But this year, so far, not bad.

Oddly, I have had the flu only once in my life.

[LizBeth]

29. Isn't that something. A handful of years ago I got bronchitis after a cold. And ended up with that

like two colds after. Not since though, so I hear you on that. I haven't had the flu either. Interesting. The whole front desk was taken down with something in Jan. Oregon so right in between the two states that were active that early, and earlier than what we thought. We all took it different. Didn't feel like a flu to me but a really weird cold without the running nose. Three or four days, I was better. So I wonder on that score.

[dawg day]

30. 3-4 days is short for the flu. So maybe it was just some minor virus.

Have you been tested for Covid?
I figure I haven't any reason at this point, beyond curiosity. But if my insurance company pays for it, I guess it's worth doing if there are enough tests.

[LizBeth]

31. Not tested for covid, I isolate and not out and about. I want to test for the antibodies, but now I

hear they go away after a time so why bother.

[Warpy]

13. An N-95 mask, fitted properly, will offer protection

Ordinary surgical masks and WHO compliant fabric masks are virus permeable, although there is some indication that they can stop enough to decrease viral load if you are infected. There is conjecture that viral load affects the severity of illness, but that is unproven at this time. That model has proven true in other viral illnesses, hence the conjecture.

What they will do is absorb the droplets an infected person exhales or coughs.

[LizBeth]

17. That is what I figure. Even just clothe over mouth will reduce intake.

[stopdiggin]

22. will reduce BOTH intake and exhaust (nt)

[Warpy]

25. Gauze masks or one layer of cloth won't do squat.

The guidlines for fabric masks are at https://www.businessinsider.com/who-fabric-masks-need-3-layers-to-curb-coronavirus-spread-2020-6?op=1

[stopdiggin]

21. countries that had large numbers wearing masks

N95 or not .. had much better results in preventing transmission. The results seem to be pretty clear that wearing masks (N95 or not) offer real benefit.

[mucifer]

50. technically, N95 plus a face shield. Your eyes can absorb the virus.

[cyclonefence]

19. I know! I know! Teacher--call on me!!

Covid19 is transmitted via droplets from your nose or mouth when you cough, sneeze, even talk. When the droplets leave your nose or mouth, they are relatively large--they haven't had time to disperse into the surrounding air. So if you expel droplets containing the virus, they are large enough to be caught by your mask, thus protecting other people from your virus-carrying mucus or whatever.

If you don't have on a mask, the droplets of moisture carrying the virus leave your nose or mouth and instantly begin to disperse into smaller drops the farther they travel from point of origin (your face holes), making them too small to be blocked by a regular mask.

N 95 masks are made of special materials and are fitted to seal off your nose and mouth so that even the tiniest droplets can't penetrate the special medical materials of the mask, or sneak in around the edges. That's why it's important they they be kept available for medical professionals.

[Progressive dog]

10. I'm an old man who will continue wearing a mask when out

until someone can explain to me how something that has slowed the virus spread is no longer necessary while the virus is still here. I was wearing a mask before NY required them.

[LisaM]

11. I will probably always carry one now.

I had to use a portapotty recently, and decided I will NEVER enter one without a mask again. It was so much better.

[LizBeth]

12. I have four really fun masks. I love my masks. I do not mind it at all. I am never wearing them

for long periods of time.

[stopdiggin]

15. The precautions being lifted DO NOT include wearing a mask

unless you are in an outdoor setting with clear opportunity for "distancing." Anyplace indoors or "social" the mask is still recommended (in some places required). ---- And I guess if you think you need to go to a restaurant .. you roll the dice. No crying afterwards.

If your question is regarding a time further down the road, when Covid has diminished as a concern .. I don't see any reason why you couldn't have this as a personal choice. It's worth noting that many cultures have more or less normalized the wearing of masks for all manner of reasons and rationale. And .. a smaller number do in this country as well. I don't think you have to explain your reasons to the general public. Just be prepared for some glances that you don't ordinarily get.

[RhodeIslandOne]

18. They wear masks is Japan all the time.

Watch most indoor sports from Tokyo. They are use to it.

[peacebuzzard]

26. +1. I was going to answer what you just stated.

Prior to this U.S. pandemic and social distancing reality, I used to travel often internationally by air. For over a decade, many foreign nationals have been using masks since other major viral outbreaks went global ten years ago: (SARS, H1N1, and so on...). I also think this will be a reality for me as a normal.

It is a sensible and effective habit.

[Turbineguy]

20. From 1975-2000, I made a number of trips to Japan.

It was very common to see people wearing masks in public. Apparently there was no stigma attached to it.

[yellowdogintexas]

39. Masks are routine in China. Something about air so thick you can cut it with a knife

Especially in Shanghai

[Raven]

23. Yes, yes, yes! I am 74 and usually get 2 respiratoy infections each year -

one in the fall and one in the late winter/early spring. I have not been sick at all in the last 10 months. I broke my pelvis last fall and was pretty much out of commission until just before the shut down. I've been staying pretty close to home and wearing a mask since February.

[dickthegrouch]

24. And until there's a vaccine there is no notion of safety

Until the vaccine has been shown to last longer than 3 months, there's no notion of safety.

I think you're making the best decision possible.
One I intend adhering to until long-term protection without it is proven.

[sarge43]

27. No, you're not.

I attend to keep wear it in public until my doctor gives the all clear or a confirmed vaccine is available. I won't take anyone else word for it.

Anyway, the only time I go out is to buy needful things or a necessary medical appointment. Otherwise, I'm content at home. I have a house on an acre of land with lots of green growing things, books, movies, the internet, a country road to walk when I need exercise, and, best of all, a loving husband hanging around and a good friend near by. Oh year, boxes of surgical gloves and masks. I'm good to go.

A mask should help keep colds at bay, especially if you have to be in a crowd.

[ailsagirl]

51. That sounds so idyllic!!

Good for you both!!

[sarge43]

54. It is nice.

Now you stay safe and keep that mask on.

[ailsagirl]

56. Will do

[Wounded Bear]

32. This old man is doing the same thing...

[Laffy Kat]

33. I do think it's a good lifestyle choice, especially with the flu season approaching.

Not too sure about the gloves, though. Instead, I'll continue to practice good hand-washing, like, forever. One of the things I have found with gloves: my hands sweat and when I take them off I'm sure more pathogens stick to them. Plus, the gloves themselves become fomites.

[ailsagirl]

35. Yes-- hand washing is something that I do all the time now-- not as much before.

It's now habitual.

[Laffy Kat]

36. Me too. I've worked in clinics for a long time and I was an EMT.

I was always good about it, but in retrospect, not good enough. I spend much more time now, go all the way up my wrists, and take longer drying than before. It's time-consuming but habitual at this point.

[ailsagirl]

37. .....

[ailsagirl]

34. I like the fact that when I get ready to go out, it takes a fraction of the time,,,

Doing without makeup saves a lot of time!

I gather we're going to be wearing those masks for a long, long time-- however long it takes scientists to come up with a vaccine. It could be years.

[yellowdogintexas]

38. I am thinking a lot fewer people will have flu this year

at least the ones who take precautions against COVID

[lagomorph777]

43. +1 Been thinking that for a while now.

[Dem2theMax]

40. I am wearing a mask and taking all precautions

until there is a proven, working vaccine.
And then I will still wear the mask and take precautions until I know that most of the world has had the vaccine. I live alone. This is easy for me to do.

[TEB]

41. You and my mother in law

we always wear mask

[lagomorph777]

42. I would say "no" you are not the only one who will probably wear a mask for a long time.

I have a close relative who has avoided the flu for many years by wearing a mask in public, and is thrilled that everybody around here is now required to wear one.

[cyclonefence]

45. That's my hope

and I know the official word is that a mask won't protect its wearer but those around her, but I don't see how it could hurt. Plus, all those non-mask wearing people are getting covid, and that can't be without significance.

[lagomorph777]

46. The official word is that it protects both the wearer and those nearby (both imperfectly).

If 60% of people wear masks that are 60% protective, COVID mostly fades away.

[marie999]

44. I wear a mask outside my house,

but then, I'm only 72.

[SouthernLiberal]

47. I'm old and I will be wearing a mask for quite a while

And a plastic shield, too if other people stop wearing masks before I am convinced it's safe

[warmfeet]

48. Wearing a mask is good for everyone.

I will continue to do it.

[Tumbulu]

49. I'm right with you! I have to wear a mask for dust anyway

Most of the time while working. I used to take them off when I went out in public. Now I don’t have to. And I feel much safer walking around with a mask on.

I think it will be my regular habit now. Maybe I won’t get all the colds that I used to get.

[Larissa]

52. The virus has not gone away

My primary goal, God willing, is not to get infected by the virus in the first place. What isn't well known are the after effects of being sick with Covid-19. They can linger for months: blood clots causing heart attacks and strokes, to say nothing of the deterioration of the lungs. The masks, gloves, self-quarantine are our *only* defenses against Covid-19. We've got no vaccine in the pipeline. Contrary to Trump's disinformation, a vaccine won't materialize anytime soon. Some states that are now experiencing hot zones of infection -- such as Texas, Florida and Arizona -- are at their limits on the health infrastructure end of this pandemic. I watched a horrifying video on the Rachel Maddow show tonight of health care providers on the front line in Arizona. They are running out of available beds and are having to fly patients to California. These health care professionals are living angels. They were upset at the likelihood that the folks being transported to other hospitals may not likely ever see their loved ones again.

You are smart to continue with the safety habits. Don't stop. At the rate we are going, we are going to see a lot more folks with masks. In my state, New Jersey, the masks have been mandatory. NJ is in the process of "opening up." I see it as the guinea pig test. States open up, then the infection rate spikes as the behavior becomes reckless. Then the authorities have to reign it in again against the risk of the health infrastructure becoming overloaded. (No more ICU beds, et al)


What they don't tell you about surviving COVID-19
https://www.sfgate.com/science/article/What-they-don-t-tell-you-about-surviving-15347792.php

Here's How Long We'll be Struggling with Covid-19
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/heres-how-long-well-be-struggling-with-covid-19-says-harvard-doctor/ar-BB15Pflm

[electric_blue68]

53. I will also be wearing a mask...

At 67 with (knock wood) no known conditions that would exacerbate covid19 - I'll be wearing a mask outside my apt till there's an effective vaccine.
I'm carrying a batch of those Kleenex packages bc above ?70°- 75°F the sweat is getting in my eyes. I'm going out 5% of my normal routine. Maybe a park/garden and social distanced get together with family, friends since we're just starting Phase 2 in nyc. Still it'll be a 90% - 85% reduction.

Yes, while it is for other people majorly, it does help with some reduction of viral load. Some new studies show it's the nasal passages that seem to be more sensitive to getting it, just saw ?3 days ago.

In my late teens through 29's I'd get 3-5 nasty sinus colds/infections a year. I started to eat 80% vegetarian and that reduced it 2-3yr. And lots of Vit C. Occasional vegan meals too. Found homeopathic remedy I'd take at first symptoms, either stopped it it reduced severity (like usually having one nostril open most if the night). Along with upping my C intake at that time.

I haven't had homeopathic stuff for a while (must replace) still I'm very lucky now to have one of these every ?9 months - 1+ yr. I also added steaming with eucolyptus cough drops. I use a lot of herbs and spices in general, I know that helps fend them off, too.

I haven't had the flu since I was 16. Never had the shot. I will get one this fall!. And the pnuemonia one. Extra protection so hopefully my body will not have to deal with that extra, while staying away from covid19.

Good Luck everybody!

[Aussie105]

55. I've got plenty of masks

And just ordered a Biden style black one.
Just as a subtle signal to show which side I'm on.