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
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.
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?
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
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