Ottawans, will you keep wearing a mask?

[StillROAMing]

Had a discussion yesterday with a few guys. We were talking about how we have noticed, not only for ourselves but also for people around us, that we have all been less unwell and almost no colds. A few guys won't but some of us are considering wearing a mask even after this covid thing blows over. People in other countries, even in Canada, have been wearing a mask for years when going out.

I'm curious. Have you noticed a difference as well? Would you consider wearing a mask after covid finally blows over?

 

[downbound123]

Had a discussion yesterday with a few guys. We were talking about how we have noticed, not only for ourselves but also for people around us, that we have all been less unwell and almost no colds. A few guys won't but some of us are considering wearing a mask even after this covid thing blows over. People in other countries, even in Canada, have been wearing a mask for years when going out.

I'm curious. Have you noticed a difference as well? Would you consider wearing a mask after covid finally blows over?

Great question. I think at first maybe, but knowing when this will really be over might be a problem as in who do you believe. As it has become part of the norm now it will be easier to continue if you so choose to and I don't think you will run into situations where there will be signs on doors saying no entry with a mask..lol..

 

[jazzbox]

Interesting question. It is remarkable there is almost no flu virus around at the moment. Part of that is due to limited flights from parts of the world where the flu circulates in our summer and part of it must surely be masks and social distancing. The jury is out for me though. I will wear a mask until this Covid is done with - even well after I get the vaccine (as I may be a transmitter) but I worry that too much barrier protection from germs may lead to weaker immune systems in the long run. The immune system develops on a "challenge and adapt" manner and if there is nothing really challenging the system then it may weaken. We are seeing discussion like this in relation to diseases like asthma. Many researchers argue that asthma is a product of excessive cleanliness leading our bodies to over-react (producing chronic inflammation) when eventually challenged by something like air pollution.

 

[KTDoy]

With some of the known variants, it appears the virus can mutate itself quickly ,and until I get vaccinated, I will wear mask in crowded outdoor public area and all the stores.

 

[CuddleBuddy2]

After covid is over, no I'm not wearing a mask. It's a man-bra which I'm happy to remove once I get in the car lol.
However it keeps the face warm during winter so might keep it on me when I go for a walk.

 

[faveone]

First off, it's absolutely amazing that influenza (common flu) has finally been cured! In 2017 they estimated between 250k-500k people died of inlfuenza

CDC Press Releases

Take a look at the latest and archived public health news releases published by the CDC.

www.cdc.gov

.

then all of a sudden in 2019 the death rate dropped to 99k-200k

Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project

.

Now in 2019/2020 the flu deaths have gone down to somewhere between 24k - 60k

Preliminary In-Season 2021-2022 Flu Burden Estimates

CDC's weekly cumulative in-season estimates of flu cases, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States.

www.cdc.gov

Fucken amazing that they have almost cured deaths from the common flu, isn't it?!

 

[mmad]

I don't think you will run into situations where there will be signs on doors saying no entry with a mask..lol..

Not even in banks? Can you imagine what would have happened pre-Covid if you walked into a bank with what is now considered a requirement? Times sure have changed. And yes, I have noticed that no sickness, flu or colds this year! Maybe it would be a wise thing to continue, but.......

 

[EverGentle]

It is the norm in some Asian countries to wear mask during the flu season or when they have a cold. Hopefully this will be the trend in Canada.

Seems like a socially responsible thing to do. Something is not meant to be shared

 

[E_Ottawa]

Not even in banks? Can you imagine what would have happened pre-Covid if you walked into a bank with what is now considered a requirement? Times sure have changed. And yes, I have noticed that no sickness, flu or colds this year! Maybe it would be a wise thing to continue, but.......

An HBO comedian said a year ago that while he was in a bank, two men walked in wearing masks. Everyone started to worry that they had COVID, but quickly relaxed when they realized they were here to rob the bank.

 

[Demonoid007]

Had a discussion yesterday with a few guys. We were talking about how we have noticed, not only for ourselves but also for people around us, that we have all been less unwell and almost no colds. A few guys won't but some of us are considering wearing a mask even after this covid thing blows over. People in other countries, even in Canada, have been wearing a mask for years when going out.

I'm curious. Have you noticed a difference as well? Would you consider wearing a mask after covid finally blows over?

It makes sense that less people are getting other respiratory diseases considering the measures most people are following. I, for one, am happy in a winter without flu and colds.

I think it makes sense to continue to use masks if you have a cold or maybe even in the middle of flu season as they do in some Asian countries. The reactions associated with seeing a person wearing a mask have certainly changed here. I am also a bit of an introvert, and therefore I also like the sense of anonymity that the masks give me.

 

[E_Ottawa]

For me, not having to take the bus to/from work, plus not having to work in an office building with other sick people, seems to have reduced my risk to catch colds or anything else.

 

[StillROAMing]

I've decided that after covid I will not wear a mask everytime I leave my home, but I will wear one at large public gatherings, and when going into stores and banks. I don't care what others around me will think. I enjoy feeling healthy.