I Still Mask

Monday, I went out to the grocery store and the drug store.

I was the only person I saw wearing a mask.

Right now respiratory diseases are high. Here is the Virginia data:

As you can see, it's high all over the state.

And here is the CDC data, which I assume is suspect given the current administration, but regardless, it doesn't paint a rosy picture either:

See that bottom line there from my screen shot? "Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and is higher than it has been all season."

Many people did not get the flu shot this year. According to this article in Time magazine, only 44% of adults and children received the flu shot. The goal is for 70% to receive the shot in order to ensure "herd immunity" from the virus.

I received my flu shot. I am smart enough to know that doesn't mean I won't get the flu. Viruses mutate.

I don't care what people think of me if they see me in a mask. To hell with them. In fact, when people get near me, I start coughing to make sure they move on. I was sick for nearly six weeks. I don't need anything else, although I woke this morning feeling like the illness I had is back for a second run at me. I am hoping it's just the weather.

Most people have never seen me have an asthma attack. My husband has. They are scary. If I had one in the middle of the grocery store, someone would end up calling for an ambulance. I don't need that, and I don't need more asthma attacks simply because somebody doesn't want to see me masking up. It's my face and I took the extra step of having my doctor write me a note saying I should wear a mask when I am public because of my asthma. I carry it with me everywhere I go.

A mask may not keep me completely well, but it hurts nothing to wear it and if that little extra bit of precaution makes me feel proactive, then so what.

I'm taking care of myself as best I can. And that is my business, nobody else's.