Among Friends

[arizona babe]

@Meowingkitty since you mentioned a temp of 110 I am going to take a stab that you may live in AZ- right now in AZ face shields will offer you no protection from the virus as it is too rampant here- the best masks to wear for any length of time are ones that are cotton - you need to learn how to breathe with a mask so you don't continue to suck in your expelled CO2- try not to breathe with your mouth, you can pull it down right to your nostril which gives a little more space, and you don't have to wear them outside in AZ unless you will be unable to social distance- its tough not to sweat but the paper masks are the worst and unhealthy for anyone with lung disease- I bought some of the LUG masks and they are working for me- the shields do not give a tight seal around the nose and mouth area and that is the entry point for the virus- good luck to you

[golding76]

We live in Northern Virginia, and my son informed me yesterday of some very bad news.  

His buddy's uncle through marriage, also a resident of Northern Virginia, died recently from COVID-19.  The uncle, I heard, was antsy to get out and about again and wore both a mask and a face shield over that.  He visited multiple places with gatherings of people.

This is upsetting to learn, of course, and I am sad for the uncle's family.  The secret to being the most safe may be staying away from any gathering.  

I truly don't know, but I was terribly upset to hear this bad news.

ETA:  To hold off any negative comments, let me make it clear that I am a FIERCE advocate for WEARING A MASK.  My point, if clumsily made, is that we most likely also need to avoid groups of people in order to remain as safe as we can be. 

[Bhvbum]

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@golding76 wrote:

We live in Northern Virginia, and my son informed me yesterday of some very bad news.  

His buddy's uncle through marriage, also a resident of Northern Virginia, died recently from COVID-19.  The uncle, I heard, was antsy to get out and about again and wore both a mask and a face shield over that.  He visited multiple places with gatherings of people.

This is upsetting to learn, of course, and I am sad for the uncle's family.  The secret to being the most safe may be staying away from any gathering.  

I truly don't know, but I was terribly upset to hear this bad news.

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Folks also are killed in automobile accidents with a seatbelt on, but a whole lot more are saved by wearing a seatbelt. And even more are saved by wearing a seatbelt, driving slower, and paying attention.  Same goes for a mask, washing hands, distance.

[golding76]

Jeanbhv,

I was concerned that someone might misinterpret my post.  Guess I left myself open for the misinterpretation.

TO BE CLEAR, I AM A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR WEARING A MASK.  Just want to make that clear.

My point was that, in addition to wearing a mask (and anything additional), try to stay away from gatherings, even those involving close family members whose comings and goings are not acceptable.

(My brain is not as agile as it once was, and thoughts sometimes come out in odd ways.  Apologies.)

[Mz iMac]

@golding76   Maybe he didn't practice safe distancing, wear gloves and/or sanatized his hands. 

The head of the health dept here in N.J. commented one time that if you are in a crowded room or any other type of indoor gathering(s) & cannot practice safe distance, when you get home, take off all your clothes at the front door, throw them in the washing machine & take a shower.  Quarintine for 14 days.

[golding76]

Mz iMac,

Good information.  Thank you!  

This is such a stealthily moving virus, and you don't know what to do beyond wearing a mask, washing hands and clothes and staying away from groups of people.

It will take a lot of intestinal fortitude and patience -- and plain old self-discipline -- to keep this demon at bay. 

[MorningLover]

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

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@Still Raining wrote:

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

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@willdob3 wrote:

@Meowingkitty   Face shields are meant to be worn over masks, not instead of masks.

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Every person I've seen while out and about just had the shield on without a mask.

Face shields have been shown to reduce viral exposure by 96% when worn within 18 inches of a cough, and by 92% at the currently recommended 6 feet of social distancing, according to a recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Wow, got any pictures of this place where everyone wears a shield with no mask?  I have not seem it on the news.

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No pictures because I'm not going to take a picture of a stranger but yesterday in Costco a lady had one on and I've seen several people wearing them when Costco had lines waiting to get in which they don't now. I've seen them in the grocery store too. 

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I've seen them wore without a mask too.

[ID2]

I can't see a face shield protecting anyone from germs flowing through the air. A mask filters, so its better. 

[jeanlake]

I'll share something my daughter does and hope it works for you. She and other flight attendants put a light smear of Vicks Vapo Rub on the inside of their masks to help open their lungs. If you try this and it doesn't work for you, then I'm sorry. They also breath through nose - as someone else suggested. Takes practice and yes, it's annoying. 

[AuntG]

I'm having difficulties breathing through a mask. Glasses fog up too. If they become mandatory, I'll need to stay home. My doctor will video conference with patients, but not telephone conference with them. I really feel like a dinosaur who can't keep up with the times.