We will never get ahead of the virus mutations unless we find a way to prevent transmission. I wish more funding was going into nasal vaccines that might help with that.
5 Likes
Why would the end goal for vaccines be any different to flu, where experts guess about mutations and come up with something thatâs partially effective to a greater or lesser degree each year? And herd immunity gradually attenuates the mortality rate over time.
Iâm interested that some people think theyâll be wearing a mask in crowded settings indefinitely. Is this really the long term expectation for some people without serious health problems (compromised immunity, lung problems etc)?
4 Likes
Some may prefer different goals, since COVID-19 is more dangerous than flu (and flu is commonly underestimated due to people calling all kinds of minor illnesses âfluâ), seems to be producing two waves of infection per year instead of one, and seems to be mutating faster to escape prior immunity.
From what I can see of actual mask wearing, this is not common; the rate of mask wearing is small enough that it could be accounted for by those with higher risks from COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses, plus perhaps some with temporary needs (e.g. wearing mask in the airport / airplane on the outbound flight of a trip where getting COVID-19 or other contagious respiratory virus would disrupt the trip).
2 Likes
Yes.
In my case wearing a mask is multifaceted - my love is a quadriplegic who is immunocompromised, Covid could literally kill him (as could other infections).
And while traveling I donât want to spend my hard earned time being sick. So Iâll mask up in airports and in any crowds.
9 Likes
Lots of room for improvement in the flu vaccine market.
Covid is still not like the flu in some important ways, notably the risk of long covid. Improvements in covid vaccines might also translate to improvements in other vaccines, which would be welcome.
I didnât read on this thread that anyone has this long-term expectation of others. But certainly some people will be long-term mask wearers for any number of reasons, whether they are trying to protect themselves or others. Seems ok for those who want to mask to do so.
5 Likes
My nieceâs son has severe health issues, and he almost died from an illness that was most likely Covid (just before Covid supposedly hit the US). His health has gotten worse in the ensuing years. He is now fed through his stomach, he has constant seizure activity, etc - his family wears masks in public and will continue to do so. They would prefer not to be the cause of their childâs demise.
14 Likes
What kinds of masks are you folks using (who are masking)?
I wear a KN95. Have tried various ones, most eventually hurt my ears. Then I switch to the N95 that goes all the way around my head. Mostly only wear mask in crowded subways and airports. Nobody immunocompromised in my house.
3 Likes
I still have some 3M V-flex 9105 N95 masks, chosen for both good filtration and good airflow in Aaron Collinsâ mask testing. They do live up to the good airflow â better than any other mask, including some KF94, surgical type, and cloth masks that I have tried.
I use them occasionally for going into medical environments (where sick people bring in all kinds of things, not just COVID-19) or outbound airline flights (including in the airport and especially before the airplane leaves and turns on the ventilation).
1 Like
KN95 / N95 Respirator Mask - fits well on my face, and only goes around my ears, not the entire head.
I wear these Lutema level 3 masks in crowded or low ceiling indoor locations; also medical office visits. The small size works great for my thin face and creates a good seal. Plus made locally and nice colors! It brought me safely through Comic-Con.
4 Likes
KN95. When I see people with surgical masks I think âWhy bother? If you are going to wear a mask at leas wear one that works well.â
5 Likes
I wear a kf94 mask. There are now available from Family-Masks.com. Theyâre very comfortable, come in different sizes and highly rated by Aaron Collins, mask nerd engineer.
1 Like
Kn95 mask. https://www.shopmaskc.com/
I wear it on public transportation.
I have some of those in purple. They fit my small face nicely as well.
1 Like
Ha! I have some of those too. I find them very comfortable.
1 Like
I like these too, the âorigamiâ style is pretty comfortable.
My sibling and his whole family, several of my friends, and my mailman are all down this week w covid. We have a wedding to attend next weekend and are looking for our box of masks!
I wear Masklab. I found them based off of Aaron Collinsâ reviews.
3 Likes
I also like MaskLab masks. I tie off the ear loops so that they fit me perfectly.
1 Like