So I live in a part of the US where I haven't seen more than 2 or 3 people wear a mask (outside of a protest I went to) in the past two years. Its genuinely just not done here. I will wear a mask if I feel a under the weather or my allergies are acting up but typically don't wear one. Should I? Would it help? Do y'all wear one everytime you go out?
As I understand it masks don't prevent you from getting sick as much as they prevent you from getting others sick. Is this correct?
I always wear an N95 and use a nasal spray when I got out in public indoor spaces and the rare times I have to do the outdoor crowds. I also wear an N95 at home because I live with family who "after Covid" swung wildly back towards being total germ cultists and spending months at a time sick with "allergies." Despite them passing their "allergies" back and forth like trading cards for months at a time, I haven't caught a communicable disease since I started masking full time a couple years ago.🤞
Could you give details about the nasal spray you use? I've seen it mentioned but haven't looked into it. If it's not cost prohibitive I may do that in addition to masking
I personally use covixyl, costs about $20 a bottle, one bottle a monthish. I also keep a bottle of xlear handy, but it's more like a sinus wash, I rarely use it. I've been thinking about trying the iota-carrageenan, but I buy covixyl in bulk to save a few bucks and have another couple bottles left. Avoid anything that relies primarily on povidone or claims it's sterilizing your nasal passages. Also note that the FDA has been getting angry at some of these sprays claiming not be drugs/inactive while claiming to be preventatives. I know covixyl got a letter about that earlier this year.
Here's a Google doc with a bunch of the different types. Recommend opening in incognito to avoid sharing your account cookies.
Welcome! They say it lasts up to 6 hours. So I tend to do it 2-3 times a day. NGL though, when someone in the house is sick I probably do it every few hours.