immunocompromised and covid

[MsAmyM]

Are folks who are immunocompromised still (or again) wearing masks in public?

[Mich1949]

The short answer is yes.Covid seems to be spreading here in England again. I have just had my seventh vaccine and boosters, but I am still worried at the idea of catching covid. The only thing you can do is to protect yourself as best you can. Wearing a mask in public is not that terrible.

[Silkdog in reply to Mich1949]

I'll wear mask when I am in any medical facilities, other than that, no since I tried to avoid being in crowded and enclosed areas.

[Chimama in reply to Mich1949]

I’ve had my Covid shots and flu shots ( haven’t gotten one this year yet) I’ve had Covid three times and flu once at least. Sometimes I wonder if the severe ringing in my ears are from the vaccine. I’m very unsure whether to get anymore of them. Scared to and scared not to. My husband had the Moderna when it first came out and he’s not been the same since then . He’s run down, depressed and joints aching so badly. I wear my mask if I go in somewhere it’s required. I didn’t wear one on the plane for Arizona trip. I will wear one indoors if in crowds. Outside no .

[Mich1949 in reply to Chimama]

Ouch, very unlucky...

You're right though that there should be no need to wear one outdoors, but I use buses, and I really worry about using on one without. As you say, depending on the crowds, I may want to wear one in shops.

I have had the vaccine, and six boosters in all. So far, I have been fine, except for a few symptoms for a day or so after the shot. I guess we're all different.

Strangely, I go to a unit for haemodialysis, where we still wear masks during treatment, as we have done ever since covid first appeared.

[Jayhawker in reply to Mich1949]

I use Lyft a lot so wear masks and hand sanitizer when in their vehicles too.

Jayhawker

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Yes, the Medical Center is gearing up for masking mandates again. I had to wear one last week when I saw my Nephrologist. It is not just for COVID, although that is one the rise. It is for flu and RSV which is really gaining strength.

[TheSQLGuy]

My wife has leukemia and her immune system no longer works because of that. She got diagnosed in March of 2020, so right as Covid was starting. I've limited my exposure to other people as much as I can and I have been wearing masks since before they asked us to, just to protect her. I get my immunizations as well. 3 years and I haven't had Covid, the flu or even a cold. I will continue to wear masks to protect my wife for the rest of my life. I, like others, do not wear them outside, unless I'm going to be in a large crowd, which I try to avoid. Just a simple cold would be so bad for her.

[horsie63]

I work from home and other than the hemo in center, where masks are required, I don't go anywhere w else. I don't like crowds anyways so it's easy to avoid them. It also helps we live in the middle of nowhere.

[Dana66CKD]

I am immunocompromised and wear a mask when I go into buildings/public places; not so much when outdoors, unless it is very crowded. My spouse forgets to wear his more often for my sake, so I can't really control the outcome of that "can of worms." He tries, but has no medical background as I do. It is a way of life for me and a habit each time I plan to be out in public. I've had 4 covid vaccines and will get the next booster when it's available here. NEVER had covid (knock on wood!) Have had a mild cold, sore throat, fever, etc. but all within the normal realm of upper respiratory infections, so I remind him to wear a mask indoors in public to protect himself as well as me. He is also newly diagnosed with Psoriasis. We receive our flu vaccines annually as part of our preventive care.We take adult multivitamins (Kirkland) everyday since I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome 10 years ago. I truly believe this has prevented me from becoming ill with U.R.I.'s more often.

Part of my regular routine outings in public include masking up and disinfecting my footwear before I get back into my car and returning home.

This may also have helped decrease infection incidences. As a retired RN, I wish I'd been as diligent with this practice, but being younger and healthier makes for better immune system too.

I've been lucky so far, other than my kidney issue.

Do what you can and whatever fits your lifestyle. You have to do what's best to protect yourself, no matter if masks mandated or not.

My family understands these requirements in my household.

Stay well...

[Highgfr]

😆Hi.... I wear one everywhere I go. No cold, stomach bug, sore throat, covid or anything else for 3 years now. Love it and it is not bad at all. I am used to it. I like having the protection. I see so many fighting off this bug or that illness, but me and my family do the mask thing. Well worth it. 👍

[Jayhawker]

I’m still masking. I never stopped once I started for COVID. I actually started masking immediately, before required, when COVID arrived in the USA because it was an airborne virus. At that point I was stage V and waitlisted for a transplant. I wasn’t taking any chances. After my transplant I have continued to mask. Hand washing is equally important. I still carry hand sanitizer with me and use it methodically when out of my house.

Jayhawker