Face coverings at work

[Meredith62]

Hi I’m just wondering if anyone had info or advice re wearing surgical face masks whilst at work. I’m a frontline health professional and struggle with the days I wear my mask at work . It’s obviously essential however I find it makes me cough and bring up phlegm . Also after work I’m absolutely shattered which I wonder is due to the impediment to free breathing for up to 8 hours (2x 4 hour sessions in a day )

Is anyone else feeling the same or can offer any advice ?

Many thanks , keep safe x

[Troilus]

Does your face mask have a valve in it? I’ve tried a few and found one that has a valve and I can breathe ok with that. If that is no good, all I can suggest is you have a word with HR and see if you can temporarily be redeployed.

[twinkly29]

Can you ask to speak to occupational health at work? They might be able to suggest adjustments that would help you, such as maybe having regular breaks?

[Meredith62]

Thanks both , as I work clinically i wear the surgical/medical masks without a valve . The nature of my job means I’m in very close contact with my patients faces so don’t think a valve one would be suitable though I am thinking of contacting occupational health next time I’m in

I’ve tried a few variations of the mask , all make me cough and bring up phlegm at times , I feel exhausted and after work I’m shattered and achey , sometimes with a sore throat .

I wear fabric masks when out otherwise and they are fine but not suitable for work , also at work I’m wearing them for 7 1/2 Hours taking them off at break times. It’s so unnatural and I do wonder what the effects of breathing in a higher percentage of expelled carbon dioxide are on asthmatics 🥺😷

Thanks again appreciate the support x