wearing a mask for work

[emptyskies13]

hey guys, this post isn't a question mostly just a rant about face masks. So I'm a waitress at an outdoor dining restaurant and I have to wear a mask the entire time I'm at work because I have contact with so many people. We're very short staffed right now because of covid which means I am the only waitress for a 100 seat patio and I have to work 9 hour shifts alone, often without any breaks (on the plus side I've lost 10lbs over the last 2 weeks because of all the unintentional exercise 😂). I'm young, 20 years old, but my asthma always becomes exacerbated because of the heat and humidity. This has only been made worse by wearing a mask which for some reason seems to impede my breathing at times. Yesterday I was running around like crazy and I swear I felt like I was beginning to suffocate. I immediately ran into the kitchen to take my mask off for a moment and use my rescue inhalor. It was kind of scary not gonna lie but I got through it and afterwards I was fine. Now I'm a little nervous about having to wear the mask again but I know that it's a necessary precaution that needs to be taken for the health and safety of everyone.

Anyway that's all, I just wanted to share that experience with you guys and maybe some of you can relate to it. I hate these masks so much and I can't wait until I'm able to go back to school in september and leave this summer job because at least then I wont have to constantly wear one.

***FROM AUK TEAM: if anyone is struggling to wear a mask 😷 at work and it is affecting your asthma PLEASE flag this immediately with your employer. The Health and Safety Executive website and ACAS can also help. If you are struggling with your asthma do ring the AUK helpline on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[AirIsUnderrated]

Thank you for doing that job and for wearing the mask - good for you!

Yes I have to wear a mask at work too (NHS non clinician) and the blue inhaler has been in use more than it ought to be. But we're part of the solution. For me it's a small price to pay. 👍

[emptyskies13 in reply to AirIsUnderrated]

Of course and everyone in my town is required by law to wear one when they go into shops or if they're working in close contact with people and I mean working indoors especially if in air-conditioning definitely would make it a bit easier. Unfortunately for those of us who don't we have the added stress of outside allergens and heat along with the mask but you're right it's a necessary price to pay, regardless of how much we may not enjoy it.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

Sorry to hear this. Is it work talking to your manager and asking if you can use a face shield instead? I know that round where I live the majority of waiters/waitresses are using the shields instead. Just an idea that may help

Hope you figure something out that works for you

[emptyskies13 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you for the idea but unfortunately a shield is not considered proper face protection, at least not in Canada where I live. We have to wear the masks but it's okay I'm really just complaining anyway. A few more weeks and I won't have to wear one as frequently anymore 🤞

[corinusha]

Thank you for wearing a mask! Maybe a solution would be to buy 4 masks with valve. I will not name the company since it is not so relevant which you choose as long as it has a valve. You can buy 4 and let each rest for three days after use. You can roll them one after the other for a while. They are expensive, around 12-14 euros, but for asthma they are more breathable. I hope you get through this times ok! I wish you health!

[Bevvy in reply to corinusha]

Just to make you aware. In the UK we are now being told by medics NOT to wear face masks with a valve! Is fine for the wearer but not ok to protect others! In fact worse than wearing nothing 😱 Something to do with way valve operates.

[corinusha in reply to Bevvy]

Oh, this is news to me. Thanks for telling. I am in Bucharest, Romania, nobody said anything about it. People wear valve ones if they can afford. I wish you health!

[Fruitandnutcase]

Think of it from the other way round - I know our government says we are wearing masks to protect other people but I reckon it protects us as well and would you really want to be in contact with all those people without the protection of a face mask? I know I wouldn’t.

Anyway, thank you for keeping going and for wearing a mask - workers everywhere who have been in contact with the public are very brave as far as I’m concerned and I don’t know what we would have done without them at this difficult time so thank you and good luck when you get back to school.

Interestingly enough I had blood pressure and oxygen levels taken at hospital this week and I was very surprised that my oxygen levels were 100% even though I had been wearing a triple layer cloth mask since I got there so obviously more air was getting through than I thought.

[Mezitonka]

I wont repeat what I've written in reply to another sufferer just previously, but addidas do a reviewed mask which, at least on that particular review of a dozen or so masks, is reckoned the best. It is designed for runners and the like. Ive ordered a set. You get 3 plus extra filters. All washable. 13.99 delivered on ebay. The mentioned below face shields are mainly 4-5 quid, delivered. I got one of those as well. Padded head band/strap. Not uncomfortable. It sounds awful what youve been through. Good luck.