Hi everyone, just been diagnosed for the 3rd time with PMR. My question is, do you think it is advisable with the current Flu and Covid situation to wear a Face Mask in Public Places such as Doctors Surgeries etc. I am asking this because I believe your Immune System is weakened when you are on 15mg of Pred.
Thank you, Jenny
Seems sensible and have you had all your vaccinations?
Whether you are immune compromised or not - wearing a proper mask protects you from all the respiratory infections currently in circulation.
I've been on pred for 16 years and Actemra for 3 - can't say I notice having more infections than before though I don't mix in large crowds that much but I do use the bus and train and go to the GP and supermarkets. During Covid I wore a mask, we had to here, and for some time after we didn't need to but although I always carry one incase someone is coughing and spluttering near me, I don't use one much. Most likely when it is extra-cold to keep my face warm! I haven't knowingly had Covid yet.
Despite wearing a good NR 25 mask on public Transport as well as at the supermarket, I have had Covid twice. This is not something I want to repeat, so I continue to wear a mask in these places in the hope this will provide some protection
Morning A,I wear a face mask in EVERY public place,especially Drs and hospitals,,well they are full of sick people aren’t they in the main?Just part of normal life for me when I go out now,to protect OH and myself!x😜
Also, I wash my hands thoroughly when I return from the shops and before I unpack the bags. I also try not to touch my face either, while I'm out and about. I'm not OCD about this but I'm sure it all helps.
a professor in charge of a major lung unit once told me that so many people get sick from the germs on a supermarket trolley handle. It doesn’t matter what mask you wear if you are handling things like a shop trolley or basket! Either wipe it as you pick one up & dispose immediately, or as soon as you dispose of the trolley/basket then clean your hands…we used so much spray & cleanser during Covid, but it’s passing flu & norovirus around now like crazy! We are shielding right now & have everything (yes,everything) delivered. But we both wear ffp2 masks at doctors or hospitals, use hand cleanser a lot & wash hands immediately when home. As far as I’m concerned,if you dont want to get sick, then take steps to prevent it. If you’re happy to take the risks then live life as normal! That’s for everybody, not just those on steroids at high dose. The other thing to consider is your partner…if they aren’t doing preventative things, it may not matter if you wear a mask, in a way, as there’s your mostly likely germ carrier! My hubby & I are both vulnerable (not steroids,but other issues), & then it’s easy to support each other (but hard not to have a social life, go to the pub, coffee shop, cinema etc)! It’s a choice, & not for me to recommend, it’s up to you, we all learned about it during the pandemic, it still applies now!
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