There is some logic, but I read a report that that the mask would cut down the risk of you infecting someone else, but not necessarily mean that they couldn't still give it to you.
That´s right doghouse, but if the chance is less for both wearers because the masks prevent the breathing out of the virus as well as the inspiration of it then the chance that one contracts it is in any event less that if no one wears masks at all. Of course you are right that the mask is not 100% effective; however, better than no precaution at all. Lowering the percentage is about all we can go for at this stage.
I HATE WEARING THE MASK but I wear it around other people because I have been coughing since December. Hopefully someday I will stop? I have been on three different antibiotics, two rounds of prednisone and and inhaler since March. so I have/had covid? probably. pink eye, burst eardrum 2x snot and phlem clear as glass, an xray that shows no pneumonia, coughing since Dec, I sound like a broken deflating accordion with a nest of chirping birds at nighttime, a pounding heart which at the time I thought was anxiety issues..... all symptoms of covid.... but, no tests for those of us who aren't about dead. and MANY MANY neighbors and customers who say the exact same thing. with the exact same symptoms.
I wear a mask any time I leave the house, which isn't very often but still. And no, it doesn't PREVENT anything. But it mitigates contagion, and for me personally, it helps me remember to not touch my face.
Carolyn I am so sorry you are still sick! This is a long time! I hope you are able to get enough rest...I know this has got to be your busy season so test is in short supply. But still. Your health is important. I wish there were more testing available. It would be nice to know if you've had covid. I think the tests are still in short supply in all the States. Our daughter may have had covid. Either that or a really bad case of the flu. She doesn't know because she couldn't get tested. She'd like to know if she has the antibodies to covid. I am immuno-compromised, so it would be nice to know. Actually, we'd still have to be careful as it isn't known yet if antibodies make you immune. Anyway, I wish you well and hope you can get some rest. Any chance this persistent cough has gone from a covid cough to an irritated passage way cough that is continuing because it's all so irritated?
CM, thank you. it just goes on and on and on. these symptoms are so all over the board and new ones popping up so often you cant put your finger on any one or set of them at a time. you just keep hearing of all the different ones now associated with it. once again if you aren't dying and need life support you don't get a test.. the phlegm.... oh the phlegm. it is not a dry irritated cough. it is sticky or wet and it flubbles around down by your belly button as you try to breathe deep... in and out the feel if the phlegm is there. then you start coughing (which is as clear as glass) so hard you sneeze and wet your pants. this is not normal.
Join the crew Carolyn ! Its not only you,, its everyone with any seasonal allergies ! Even if you do not know you have them ! You get used to wet pants after a while in NE Texas !! Everyone has them !!
mart... this is not seasonal allergies. trust me. It started with an immediate sinus infection and keeps on coming and going. the taste in your mouth is like a mouth full of pennies. I don't have seasonal allergies. only an allergy to formaldehyde. seasonl allergies do not sound like a deflating accordion in your chest when you are laying down along with squeaking high pitched noises too at the end of each breath. the noises wake Kevin up (and me too). I started taking zyzal which did nothing for the crud. nothing. as I sit here and inhale it feels like my lungs are on fire. I am taking prednisone keflex and the inhaler now and it is better... as soon as I finished the rx the last time it gradually came back again.
I am wondering if it is time to see a pulmonologist. Assuming it would be safe in your area. I don't know how the covid numbers are for you locally. My impression is that Ohio has been doing pretty well.
unfortunately.. covid is interfering with everyones care. even if you don't have it you can't get in to actually see a doctor. people here are dying because all they have been doing were virtual visits. the family I used to babysit for the farther died mostly because I think he gave up. he had a rare lymphoma diagnosis with a good outcome prognosis but his family was never allowed in to see him so he virtually was in solitary confinement for 6 weeks while getting treatment... and another man in the community had a CT scan with a positive brain issue that needed to be taken care of but the neurologist wasn't doing any inpatient visits and he too died from the brain issue. no doctors will see you here. even my last appointment (even though I had seen him regularly since I got sick -socially and medically) was virtual. they would have done my xray virtually if they could have..
Oh dear Carolyn. This virus has been so awful in so many ways. We won't know the true effect for quite some time. Some epidemiologists are comparing death rates for a given area for a given month and comparing them to historical averages to get a better sense of the true toll of this illness. It takes into account the patients such as you have described who have not received adequate medical care for a variety of reasons. But, on a brighter note I am truly happy that you feel better today. Don't get discouraged if you have a sick day again. That's the nature of these things, right? I'm plugging for you.
Carolyn I read the posts and was so worried about you. You can imagine how euphoric it was to see that you had had a great day. I guess you were saying to yourself, "Well, it's about time". hahaha. Well, it IS about time and it is just great that you may be beginning on the road back. I have to say this exchange has opened my eyes to how the COVID-19 crisis is being handled over there. Just know that we are all plugging for you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
