Protection

A friend made masks for Doug and me. 

Wearing masks has not been a societal 'norm' in North America but frankly?  It should be. 

We would all be better off if, during cold/flu season and in the midst of a global epidemic (pandemic) we would stay home if at all possible - if not, then wear a mask.

First and foremost a mask will protect *you* from catching the virus.

Secondly, if you have the virus but have not developed symptoms yet, it will protect others from any virus you might be shedding.

I am compromised on several fronts - a blood cancer that leaves me open to catching anything that wafts by - specifically a cancer of my immune system.  Cardiac issues.  While I have not - yet - had a heart attack, I really do not want to damage my heart.  Like the anesthesiologist commented, I have a good heart, crappy plumbing.  And last - but not least - I am in the age bracket that does not do well, statistically, with fending off this particular virus.

I am selfish.  I want to live a while longer and I would prefer to do it without the health deficits that many are reporting after surviving this virus.

No, it isn't much fun wearing a mask - not in the heat, nor will it be in cold weather, given I wear glasses.  But I'm used to glasses fogging up, I will deal with it.

This morning I read that airlines are lifting their plane load capacity and ending physical distancing on their planes.  Which makes me leery to take any long distance trip.

I am not going to rush to dine out.  I'll eat at home, thanks, as boring as that may be.

I am not going to go to a party, or other location where people are packed in with poor air circulation.

And I rather suspect a lot of other people are going to stay safe at home as much as possible, too. 

Until there is a reliable vaccine or at the very least a cure, not just dealing with symptoms, I am not planning on venturing out and about.

If the weather ever improves I will resume my walks in the neighbourhood, but in the meantime I am pretty much staying put.

But if I do need to go out, I have masks, and I will wear them, inconvenient or not.