C.O.P.D

[Gracy123]

Hi can anyone surgest a mask to wear when i go out shopping as i dont drive so go everywhere by walking or on bus which im little afraid of going on buses in case i pick up germs ...thank you

[stone-UK]

Hi

As previous mentioned a Buff is probably as good a bet.

Mask unless a perfect face fit are of little use. For fumes they have to have a carbon filter, for dust at least equivalent to a P3 filter.

buffwear.co.uk/

[2greys in reply to stone-UK]

You are more likely to pick up germs with your hands touching things that other people have touched. Keep your hands away from your face until you have cleaned them, is the probably the best way forward. You can buy anti-bacterial alcohol gel in handy little bottles quite cheaply (50p in Lidl's) you only need a few drops at a time and lasts a long time, it can be used anywhere and you do not need a towel to dry your hands either.

Most face masks work in the reverse of what you want one for, they prevent you from passing on your germs.

[Lin76 in reply to 2greys]

I fully agree with hand washing!

[Lin76 in reply to 2greys]

So wise 2greys!!

[Ca3489 in reply to 2greys]

Good answer 2greys. Carolx

[Hidden]

Have to say I agree with all 2greys said. I do understand your worry though. I have severe COPD & on oxygen but live alone and don't drive. My two winter dreads are buses and supermarket checkouts - the latter because I have had the checkout girl coughing/sneezing over my shopping on more than one occasion - I don't even want to take the receipt from them then. I did try masks once - it was when the bird flu scare was on. I imported them from the USA as they were supposed to be quite effective, but I only wore one once when doing some dusty work and I felt like I would suffocate - and as stone mentioned in his reply you do have to wear them close fitting to the face with no gaps if they're to be any use. Although my supermarket is quite near, I do often shop online these days and have it delivered - especially around xmas time when it's busy. All my xmas gift shopping is online too. I do still go out for walks on bright days, but of course there are times when I have to use the bus, so it's hand sanitizer and crossed fingers then. I do get up and move seats if I realise I am sitting next to a 'sniffler'. Despite all this I do still get the odd cold though if I remember correctly it is rarely more than one a year - thank goodness!

[Christina1941 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Pippa54. You are very lucky that you can still get out on your own. I am at end stage and use oxygen when mobile and I have to rely on family to take me where I want to go, and I hate it, having to rely on other people really goes against the grain. I hope you are able to get out on your own for a long time to come xx

[Gracy123 in reply to Christina1941]

Yes I have always been independent...and I also dread if I have to rely on other people..not good

[O2Trees]

Washing hands is so important as 2greys says. I also use First Defence - a product you squirt up your nose that is supposed to make colds last a shorter time. But I use it prophilactily (sp?) when I know I will be with a lot of people and that seems to work. I go to a lot of meetings - just been 5 days at the Labour Party conference with 13,000 other people, many with infections, and have been fine. I also smear a small amount of tea tree essential oil inside my nostrils. And take a lot of vitamin D3 and turmeric too.

After 2015 winter when I had five chest infections culminating with double pneumonia, since then I have had a couple of colds which passed quite easily and a mild virus which stayed at throat level. The only exacerbations Ive had have been non-infective ones caused by allergies requiring prednisolone. Not complacent though, this could all change in a heartbeat and I too get scared when I go out.

[jackdup in reply to O2Trees]

Do you credit your lack of colds and infections to the turmeric and D3?

[O2Trees in reply to jackdup]

Hmmm, I don't really know. I have had colds but they have run their course without "going down". Since having pneumonia 2 1/2 years ago, turmeric and D3 are the main changes I have made, except for strict hand washing and the First Defence. Who knows jackdup? I also chop a big lump of ginger into my porridge, and chop up cloves which I've read are very anti-bacterial. If my throat is sore at all I use an echinacea throat spray which numbs discomfort and seem to wake up ok.

[jackdup in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you

[megshafer]

Purell sanitizing gel, and wipes....and of course alot of handwashing. Also, when I get home, after washing my hands...I gargle with Listerine.

Meg