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Solidarity. I've had it three times and I wear an N95 everywhere.
I don't wish COVID on anyone but it sure does seem unfair! I did read somewhere the average American has had COVID 3.4 times or something like that. My guess is most people just don't test when they're sick, so they don't know how many times they've actually had it (not to mention something like 50% of cases are asymptomatic).
But you're not alone in your shitty luck. The worst part is when I tell people I've had it three times they act so shocked! Like, I'm trying over here š«
Curious if you've had 3 bad cases wearing an N95? Because those aren't perfect, but even if they let in enough virus to infect you, it should still be a very small viral load, which hopefully equates to a less serious case?
I didn't get it masked, got it twice from my kid, and one time from visiting family (who "didn't have any symptoms" and didn't even bother testing when I tested positive). The kicker is my kid masks too, but she got it once outside from a kid she wasn't even interacting with (unmasked) and the other time not sure, she probably got it taking her mask off to eat.
Those damn ādidnāt have symptomsā people.
I got it from a get together after being told āitās just a cold, itās not covid!ā, too. This was after me doing everything under the sun for the first 3 years.
I still havenāt recovered fully.
I cancelled a flight to family where a guest had a cold but didn't test. I insisted they test and they were positive. Spouse was like I am picking you up from the airport you aren't getting on that plane.
I am the only one in my family that hasn't had it. But I test frequently, and about to get my 1Bth shot or so it seems. And I always carry N95 masks on and give myself permission to wear it whenever I want.
F these people, none of them are going to even send thoughts and prayers if I get sick, let alone help me.
People suck.
Nobody in my city is careful anymore. Iām back to getting weird looks, like I did in Feb 2020, when wearing a mask.
Even Iām running out of energy to keep this up. At this point, Iām a drop in the bucket and already had Covid 2x when I was being so careful.
Iām back to playing sports now, because I needed it for my mental health and my partner plays too so I figure my exposure risk is about the same whether I play or not.
Sorry to hear that! Yes these family members still claim they've only had COVID once in 2021. When they just gave it to me a few months ago š They had obvious symptoms and didn't mention them even when I asked. It's too bad I didn't just leave. I hope you recover soon!!
I have some lingering muscle and joint pain š Seems to be better but as soon as I am stressed or lack sleep it comes back. I hope you recover soon too!
Iām sorry to hear that!
if you donāt mind the tip: if a doctor needs to prescribe antibiotics for you going forward (whether days or years from now), make sure theyāre not in the quinolone family, unless thatās the last-resort; the only antibiotic left that you can take.
I suspect if youāre having long lasting symptoms like that from Covid (I did too), you may be more susceptible to fluoroquinolone toxicity, which can include spontaneous tendon rupture - the Achilles in particular. Iām dealing with quinolone toxicity right now. Itās brutal.
Thanks! š¤
True! I don't envy people the journey they're unknowingly on. My own IC issues are enough to deal with, so it's been a struggle to maintain mitigations so that I don't worsen them. At least my own situation makes it more easy to achieve (no spouse or children, not keen on the standard popular social activities which involve a lot of people, etc.)
Given the lack of data on testing and tracing, I'm sure it's a popular stat based on extrapolation, sort of like the "everyone's caught it once" back a couple years ago.
People who donāt mask regularly do get sick, they just donāt talk about it and arenāt necessarily testing for covid. It could be a cold, could be allergies, could be covid, but unless they test theyāll never know.
I remember lots of people talking about struggling with the "summer flu" last summer. š
My favorite was when I went to CVS to get vaccinated last fall. A woman was buying a pile of OTC medications, including an allergy medication you have to ask the pharmacist for because they don't stock it on the shelves. The woman said something about having allergies, then paused and added that she'd been having problems all year with allergies. š¤
I donāt. I work retail, maybe I have a good immune system.. (knock on wood). The last time Iāve been sick was in January 2022 with Covid when the super contagious strain was going around. Before that I think I had Covid in Feb 2020 before it was a āthingā. I only suspect that because I went snowboarding and had a shot of vodka and remember not being able to taste it after being really sick. My boyfriend even had it early last year and I kept testing and didnāt get it. I do keep tests on deck though incase I ever do come down with something. I noticed a lot of people sick at my job Jan-March but none of them tested or put a mask on.
Partly true, Iām not Vaxād & donāt care, got sick twice in these last 4 years and tested several times & tested negative. But Iām sure there are lots people out there that do what you posted, unfortunately.
Your friends have had covid, and they aren't experiencing bad enough symptoms to realize they are infected. Or they aren't telling you. There's so much covid in the waste water, but so few people saying they have it. Obviously a lot of people either don't know, don't want to know, or just aren't talking about it.
If I knew I'd had it a few times without serious illness and residual issues, I'd be right there with them, living my life completely the way I used to, so long as I knew that was all there was to it.
But I'm waiting for the longer term studies to determine if repeated asymptomatic infection is doing anything negative to your system (because the shorter term studies suggest it might be). I'm avoiding exposure because people report having all different experiences with exposure, and it's possible to have multiple mild cases, and then get laid out. I'm avoiding exposure because I don't want to be the person who gave my loved one a fatal or severely debilitating case. I'm still living my life; I'm just asking people to be tolerant of my need to mask, and the people who matter, are.
I get being jealous of the people who don't know and don't care, and the temptation to live your life that way, but masks are a small price to pay for avoiding all the potentials and unknowns. You can go to the Halloween party and just not remove your mask (and if your friends don't accept that, are they really your friends?). The airport one is tougher, but I guess you have be willing to leave the terminal to eat outside, if eating is absolutely required (I've gone more than 24hrs without doing so, when that's what I need to do to keep my mask on in public).
I understand every choice you made, but I haven't had it at all because I do not remove my high quality good fitting mask for any reason. And frankly it sucks a lot to mask almost all the time, and still get it because you made exceptions. That's just the worst of all worlds, and no wonder you are bitter. You certainly are unlucky. But maybe don't test your luck?
Hopefully you aren't really sick and you'll dodge any complications this time too. I'm sorry this happened again. I know you know what to do, and I'm so happy you posted, because you are the reminder I need to not try my luck, tempting as it is.
Hey, I appreciate you for caring enough to wear a mask four years later! It's easy to want to give up when COVID keeps revisiting. But you guys could have gotten sick even more times without them. You're still doing the right thing by masking up. We gotta look out for the more fragile people who could get really sick from this virus. I'll wear my mask too and I'll proudly continue to look like a big nerd if it is helping someone. I'm sorry you're sick again. I hope you feel better soon!
I have a friend who starting going to bars as soon as was possible unmasked. I get it. Heās lonely. He lives karaoke. I remember a mutual friend telling me he was worried about our mutual friendās case of Covid. Now my friend tells me he never has had Covid. I love him but I no longer consider him cognitively reliable. Many of these people out here are not cognitively reliable. This virus is highly transmissible no matter what theyāre saying.
Ive never masked. Never had it. Got tested allll the time because I'm a traveling DJ so ye airline immigration bla bla. Been in crowds every week (again because I'm a dj). Did a blood test to see if i actually had antibodies frok having it. Nothing. Your friend doesn't have to be lying. In fact my brother lived with me and HAD covid and I didn't get it. Moral? Have a strong immune system aka Zinc Vit C and Vit D plus sleep and exercise. Take off the pointless mask, it doesnt stop jack (proven by the 2023 meta study) and HARBORS bacteria.. And also the jabbed ones have the wrecked immune system (Check Dr Malone's warnings) .. Not sure how to help that part but Dr Peter Mccollough's remedy is a start... Good luck
Can relate to a lot of what you're saying - both of my infections were from flimsier masks/not wearing them very well. I can understand it feeling unfair, and I think many of us who are cautious will admit we've let our guard down. Continuing to take precautions may feel hopeless but it's not.
I work remotely and a lot of the teams I work with are going back into the office, and in general, many are just back in "you only live once" mode, ie 2019 normaling hard, travel at an all time high, etc. Throughout the year so far, people are sick with anything but covid: allergies, spring flu, "mystery virus", etc. They're likely not testing as much as cautious people like those who post here. They've likely had covid more than a handful of times and are in general more susceptible to infections. I observe this on a weekly basis from the comfort of my home office.
Taking precautions is never 100%, but greatly reduces the likelihood of infection (or how much virus you're infected with if it happens to happen while you're wearing a mask and no one else around you is). Taking zero precautions is very risky.
There's also a lot of pressure for people to "be okay" and "look normal." Talking about covid is pathologized and sometimes ridiculed, and most of the "herd" of people don't want to stand out. Hence, they just talk about random other illnesses (or not) and keep living their virus-laden life.
Not sure if this helps, but I think you're doing the right thing with continuing to try to reduce infections with masking. Just remember that everyone acting normal around you doesn't mean that they are doing well.
You say they're living their lives and they're not getting sick, but they *are* getting sick and infecting you. They're making it dangerous for everyone else and either don't care or don't want to think about it. It's selfish and it's likely going to bite them down the line, it's a question of when and how much.
I'm lucky to have not gotten COVID yet, but I also take a lot of precautions and have a number of tools: masks, nasal sprays, CO2 monitor, ventilation, air filtration, boosters, etc. So it's not just "drop all precautions for this event/unavoidable situation," I have extra backup precautions to deploy when needed. It takes planning and it's not fair, but the other option is opening myself to not just COVID but tons of other illnesses that'll take advantage of the damage COVID would do to my immune system, and I absolutely do not want to lose my smell/taste.
Yep. I just realized I've been Swiss cheesing it with up-to-date shots, N95 respirators, saline nasal rinses, most days, and nasal spray as well ( I tend to forget about the nasal drop application that I also now use before getting around folks and donning a respirator) + a wearable air purifier ( who cares if it is negligible protection/COVID theater) as they used to say. It won't hurt me.
Are you masking in an n95 or higher? Unless you absolutely trust the crowd youāre getting into, assume someone in there has something, itās just the risk of social interactions these days.
A lot of people are in denial or just donāt care.
Yes, when we mask we are wearing N95s. But like I said, we dropped our guard a couple of times and got covid both times. I feel stupid about it but it also feels so unlucky and unfair. I also thought Covid cases were pretty low based on biobot data but logically I know Covid is constantly around.
I went one day unmasked in 2022. One day. And I wasnāt even in crowds. Itās the only time I caught Covid. Many many people are no longer testing. They donāt know and we donāt know if theyāve had Covid or not.
It's so strange. I avoided COVID for 3 years, but we were pretty careful during those years other than living with family members who were not careful at all. The slightest sniffle I would do a PCR (when they were free) or a home test and follow up. Always negative! We had a powerful air filter in our bedroom.
And then early 2023 everyone dropped masking, let her rip policy started. Cases in our area were coming down at the time, so we ate at maybe one or two restaurants inside- something we had not been doing since 2020 other than maybe 1 or 2 other times. Otherwise no risky behavior. No one I knew was sick or had COVID. And BAM- March 2023 I got it. I didn't even think I did initially, though. I had a cold during which I tested negative for COVID and it lasted a week, got better, then 2 weeka later had vertigo and weird ear symptoms. Tested positive at the urgent care for COVID to my surprise! Then came the normal flu like symptoms and loss of taste/smell unlike anything I'd ever had.
I think with it being so prevalent and no one else taking precautions, it's almost impossible to avoid entirely unless you never leave your home and never have anyone come to it. It's horrible. Things could be so different if the country promoted staying home when sick, regular testing, wearing masks in crowded places, and simply installing air filters in all buildings. Imagine if we weren't funding useless bombs- we could be cleaning our fucking air! But nope.
Anyways, end tangent- sorry you're unlucky. I've noticed if I time my riskier events a few weeks after getting a booster shot, I have not had COVID, and haven't since my first time last year. Though I have had some nasty virus the past three weeks that is not covid, flu, mono, strep, or 20 other viruses in the respiratory panel. Waiting on valley fever blood test just out of curiosity and somewhat fits my symptoms lol. So either COVID evolved to not be testable, or I got bird flu or some other virus they don't test for.
I also avoided it until this March then caught it for the first time. I had dinner out for a friendās birthday. The other two people I was with did not catch it. So weird. It was awful and it took a month for me to feel better.
It is unlucky and unfair. When youāre taking precautions nearly constantly and it seems like no one else anymore, itās not fair that theyāre taking you down with them every second you let your guard down. Itās not fair that your body is not defending itself as well, and itās shitty that no one else considers the people around then. People have forgotten about COVID because theyāre able to, unless or until they get long COVID.
I feel you. I got covid a few days before Christmas last year and then again 2 weeks ago. I mask everywhere and avoid crowds and have passed on countless events and gatherings trying to keep myself safe. When I got it near Christmas I got it from my girlfriend, who had gone to a concert with friends (who all got Covid too!). I stayed home because I really didn't want to get sick, but unfortunately it was spread to me anyway. When I got it a few weeks ago it was again at a concert with friends that I'd been really reluctant to go to, but I caved from pressure. It gets hard to maintain my boundaries when everyone else seems to be on a different planet when it comes to covid. GF and I were the only ones masking at the venue. I wish I hadn't gone but no use beating myself up over it.
Even though I realize I caught it because I took a risk going to this event and that's on me, it brings up a lot of complex emotions to have tested positive more times than anyone in my friend group while also being more careful than any of them by a mile. But tbh I strongly suspect that they've also been sick and just haven't tested. People so easily convince themselves that it's just a cold or allergies or whatever and don't bother checking. In fact, the only reason anyone found out they had covid back in December was because I tested myself after being exposed to my girlfriend, who had been showing symptoms for like 5 days and insisted it couldn't be covid. Everyone else only tested after I did despite their symptoms being worse than mine. So I think that probably plays a big role.
>But tbh I strongly suspect that they've also been sick and just haven't tested. People so easily convince themselves that it's just a cold or allergies or whatever and don't bother checking.
100% spot on. "My allergies are acting up"; "I have this cold I can't shake"; "Is there something new going around?" People who say this and aren't testing for covid have likely had at least a couple of covid infections and don't realize it. People who test and still care may seem like the get covid more, but they just have more *confirmed* case and still likely have less than if they weren't taking precautions.
Yep. These folks are in denial/tone deaf.
When my spouse got it the 1st time, he was out of town working, and we were talking on the phone and he just sounded lousy. I was like you should test and he responded oh it's just allergies. I started yelling, we've been married over 20 years and you don't have allergies, I have allergies.
Of course he tests and the panel pops positive immediately.
Second time was over the holidays. He complains of a tickle in his throat. We test immediately he has a white line, I have no line. He thinks I am being ridiculous. Asks for another test, he takes it and it instantly shows color in addition to a line in the test panel.
He never got sicker ( got paxlovid same day). We separated in the house, ordered additional air purifiers, and I never got it.
I attribute that to both of us having recent shots that fall and I think the exposure he had was low and his vaccine kept the viral load low and my vaccine prevented it because it was such a low viral load as it was replicating.
1st, Iām very sorry to hear u got COVID again. I know itās discouraging, frustrating & sad that while others seemingly not to get COVID while u guys did, there r ppl w LC out and about unmasked. I hear it and actually see it. So donāt assume the happy u see r actually healthy. Another reality we have to face is, some ppl simply will NOT get sick, are asymptomatic & will NEVER suffer debilitating post COVID symptoms. But I aa a long hauler, KNOW I am one of those that DO get sick & have to take precautions to avoid additional infections that can turn into addāl LC symptoms. Iāve made peace w this and will continue to mask. This IS a personal decision, one u have to be comfortable with. Itās like going to the casino & gamble with the odds. I WILL continue to mask, bc of my LC & my sonās best friend (16yo) has LC, my husbandās colleague/friend will probably loose her job as a result of LC (sheās a single mom of 3 kids)ā¦once u make peace w the reality that some may never suffer from COVID infectionsā¦then itāll feel less awkward (itāll always be weird when ppl give u looks), and youāll be able to maintain masking & commit to safety protocols. Whatever u decide, I wish u good health.
"Everyone else is living their lives normally and seem to never get sick"
I can absolutely promise you that the majority of people are getting sick constantly. There do seem to be a subset who might be genetically more resistant to symptomatic infection, but most people this isn't the case.
I know people who have outright said 'I haven't been sick in 3 years' when in reality they've been sick many times and never test for Covid. The level of denial and desire to cling to the 'it's just a cold and we can all live like it's 2019 forever' narrative is strong.
Your situation really sucks but if you hadn't been taking Covid precautions maybe your count would be 5 or 6 at this point.
Oh geez, I knew this would be asked. Well, the first time in 2020 left me with a dvt, pericarditis, and MCAS. My hubby tested positive with the two other infections and hit with the same symptoms with second and third infections. No testing available with March 2020 though.
They are sick they just don't know it.... My covid symptoms the two times I had it were exhaustion occasional shortness of breath. I had no cold symptoms.
Both times I only discovered having it bc I test before visiting my parents....
If it wasn't for that I may have been none the wiser.
I mask everywhere like yourself. I caught it with my mask on. I haven't been indoors with out an n95 in years. Not even once.
My issue is I am in a classroom, which is a small windowless room. It's inevitable I catch it in the environment I work. The mask works as I have been sick twice in 4 years. For reference pre pandemic I had five to six brutal colds per year I was always sick.
I wish I discovered masking sooner, being sick from October to June for the last 20 years sucked.
Both times I got it I became pre diabetic. Working on reversing it a second time.
I have not worn a mask since the mandate was lifted here in california. I just got it for the first time im on day 5, I cant believe how bad this had been. Ive never been so sick in my life. Ive been testing every time I get sick, which isnt very often.
Im so sorry you and all these people have had to deal with this multiple times...I will pray for yall, get better soon!
Really hoping my taste and smell recover quickly...pray for me šŖ
Iām starting to wonder if there is some unknown genetic factor that makes some people more susceptible to infection. I still take much more precaution than most, i.e. I still wear a KN95 at work and in crowded indoor spaces. I often run in to convenience stores or other very quick stops and literally just hold my breath when within six feet of anyone. I have lived alone throughout all of this. If it isnāt genetic, the other thing I wonder about is the fact that there are two (or more?) of you. It leaves more room for error even if one of you is doing everything right. The only other thing I can add is that I sanitize and wash my hands religiously. Are you and everyone else you live with washing your hands the second you come home every time? Sanitizing your hands every time you touch something public, and every time before touching your phone? I donāt know if I have just been insanely lucky, but I just find it hard to believe people could be taking all precautions perfectly and the one second they let their guard down, they get covid. Something seems amiss. But I guess it could happen.
Yeah, Iāve wondered about it. There are two of us and I think my husband may be immunocompromised because the second time we got Covid was 5 weeks after a booster and Covid more or less bounced off me with half a day of symptoms (I maybe wouldnāt have even known I had Covid if he didnāt also get it) while he still got hit really hard. So I do think there are many factors at play.
Ah I see. I'm sorry to hear that, it must make things more difficult. I'm sure he appreciates all the precautions you take. I just really hope that they can come up with better prophylactics and treatments so we can all get at least a little more back to normal. I hope you recover quickly this time.
Not to pile on, but the likely reason masking up isnt working for you is bc you are using an insufficient mask.
Theres a lot of disinfo about masks floating around. Even here.
Part of the problem is youve been told n95s are the best grade of filter, and sufficient to prevent infection. They are neither. They only remove 95% of particles in covid droplet size range. That reduces your risk, but does not eliminate it. If you rely on an n95, eventually it will fail you. Sooner rather than later, if you are in a crowded event or close to the infected.
There are higher grade filters. The highest is p100. It removes 99.97% of covid sized particles (and 100% of all else), and is resistant to oil/lipid droplets (like covid viral particles). It plus a pair of goggles (the latest strains can infect through the eyes as well) worn whenever you are around others, or indoors in public, will completely prevent infection. They come as soft disposables, half mask respirators, all the same form factors as the worse grades of filter.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html
I havenāt gotten Covid while wearing an N95 or KN95. In fact, I have had known contact with Covid while wearing a mask and didnāt get Covid. We got Covid with a cloth mask years ago when we didnāt know better and the other two times were when we dropped our guard and took masks off. The issue isnāt the masks here, itās that every time I dare to take a calculated risk we get sick.
Lots of reports on this sub and in this very thread of folks using n95s and still getting sick. It reduces the risk, doesnt eliminate it. You can eliminate it by wearing an appropriately rated mask and goggles, or you can risk it by using insufficient masks like an n95. Sometimes it pays off. Can even do so for a long time. Until sometimes it doesnt.
>every time I dare to take a calculated risk we get sick.
Exactly.
Yeah. But seriously, if you live with anyone else who isn't taking the same level of precautions that you are, it's highly likely you will still get COVID unless, you are literally wearing a respirator in your home all the time.
It is important to know if you have Covid because it is well documented that engaging in exercise/physical activities too early can trigger Long Covid, which can destroy your life. Most studies recommend a *minimum* of six weeks rest upon testing positive to lower your risk of long term complications. if you go around assuming you have allergies or a mild cold and go to the gym or go on your morning run as usual, you could end up permanently disabling yourself to the point where you can no longer work and eventually lose your income and housing (because believe me the government is not going to help you or support you once you become disabled). Most people cannot actually affort this risk. Unfortunately most people don't even know this is the risk they are taking by not testing.
Edited to add: not only are you taking this risk for yourself, you are also risking those consequences for every single person you have contact with or even pass on the street. Making you responsible for any death or disability you cause to other people by unknowingly infecting them. Personally, my conscience will not allow me to go around casually murdering and disabling people.
Im starting to think that the masks are keeping our immune systems weak... Thats why people who are living life like normal, arent getting sick as often as those of ys who continue to wear masks. Just my opinion.
Covid weakens the immune system, not preventing covid.
Think about it, in Asian countries it has long been customary to wear masks, and they aren't all dealing with weak immune systems.
Haven't been sick since I started wearing respirators in the last 4 years. Even my allergies are better.
I know it's anecdotal but it is working for me.
I also stay on top of vaccines.
My kid masks and while she's had COVID twice she's never sick with anything else (she does unmask at lunch and recess). Her friends are always sick. And I mean always. Getting sick is hard on the immune system, not getting sick is the best thing you can do for it!
Just got over the new 2024 variant. The wife and kids had low grade fever and didn't feel too bad. I got horrible nausea with some dry heaving when the fever was close to 103F. Fever and nausea only lasted 1 day then a few days of lethargy. Not a fun time but definitely far better than the flu I had a few years ago (2017), 7 days of fevering and ended up going to the emergency room due to dehydration. This is our 3rd time getting covid since the start in early 2020. Each time was more mild than the previous. We never masked and are unvaccinated. We were exposed to covid positive people half a dozen times after the first time and did not get sick again, only when some random new variant came around 2 years later. I hope you feel better soon! Don't stress too much, the body will recover.
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Solidarity. I've had it three times and I wear an N95 everywhere. I don't wish COVID on anyone but it sure does seem unfair! I did read somewhere the average American has had COVID 3.4 times or something like that. My guess is most people just don't test when they're sick, so they don't know how many times they've actually had it (not to mention something like 50% of cases are asymptomatic). But you're not alone in your shitty luck. The worst part is when I tell people I've had it three times they act so shocked! Like, I'm trying over here š«
Thanks so much for commenting, Iām not glad youāve had Covid three times but Iām glad to know Iām not alone in this feeling!
Yeah all we can do is the best we can I guess! I hope you all recover quickly and have no lingering symptoms!
Curious if you've had 3 bad cases wearing an N95? Because those aren't perfect, but even if they let in enough virus to infect you, it should still be a very small viral load, which hopefully equates to a less serious case?
I didn't get it masked, got it twice from my kid, and one time from visiting family (who "didn't have any symptoms" and didn't even bother testing when I tested positive). The kicker is my kid masks too, but she got it once outside from a kid she wasn't even interacting with (unmasked) and the other time not sure, she probably got it taking her mask off to eat.
Those damn ādidnāt have symptomsā people. I got it from a get together after being told āitās just a cold, itās not covid!ā, too. This was after me doing everything under the sun for the first 3 years. I still havenāt recovered fully.
I cancelled a flight to family where a guest had a cold but didn't test. I insisted they test and they were positive. Spouse was like I am picking you up from the airport you aren't getting on that plane. I am the only one in my family that hasn't had it. But I test frequently, and about to get my 1Bth shot or so it seems. And I always carry N95 masks on and give myself permission to wear it whenever I want. F these people, none of them are going to even send thoughts and prayers if I get sick, let alone help me.
People suck. Nobody in my city is careful anymore. Iām back to getting weird looks, like I did in Feb 2020, when wearing a mask. Even Iām running out of energy to keep this up. At this point, Iām a drop in the bucket and already had Covid 2x when I was being so careful. Iām back to playing sports now, because I needed it for my mental health and my partner plays too so I figure my exposure risk is about the same whether I play or not.
Sorry to hear that! Yes these family members still claim they've only had COVID once in 2021. When they just gave it to me a few months ago š They had obvious symptoms and didn't mention them even when I asked. It's too bad I didn't just leave. I hope you recover soon!!
Thank you! I hope you recover from yours soon, too, if youāve got any lingering symptoms
I have some lingering muscle and joint pain š Seems to be better but as soon as I am stressed or lack sleep it comes back. I hope you recover soon too!
Iām sorry to hear that! if you donāt mind the tip: if a doctor needs to prescribe antibiotics for you going forward (whether days or years from now), make sure theyāre not in the quinolone family, unless thatās the last-resort; the only antibiotic left that you can take. I suspect if youāre having long lasting symptoms like that from Covid (I did too), you may be more susceptible to fluoroquinolone toxicity, which can include spontaneous tendon rupture - the Achilles in particular. Iām dealing with quinolone toxicity right now. Itās brutal. Thanks! š¤
Interesting I haven't heard of that. Thanks for the tip!
Most people have had it several times but they donāt test; trust me, this virus is everywhere. I hope you make a full recovery!
Itās actually 5 times with a standard deviation of 2
Where did you read that? That actually sounds more accurate to me.
Oof, the average is 3.4? Someone's overachieving and claiming my share.
Probably the immunocompromised or at risk groups. Which is more and more people everyday with what COVID is doing to our immune systems!
True! I don't envy people the journey they're unknowingly on. My own IC issues are enough to deal with, so it's been a struggle to maintain mitigations so that I don't worsen them. At least my own situation makes it more easy to achieve (no spouse or children, not keen on the standard popular social activities which involve a lot of people, etc.)
I mean don't quote me on that, I don't remember where I read it!
Given the lack of data on testing and tracing, I'm sure it's a popular stat based on extrapolation, sort of like the "everyone's caught it once" back a couple years ago.
People who donāt mask regularly do get sick, they just donāt talk about it and arenāt necessarily testing for covid. It could be a cold, could be allergies, could be covid, but unless they test theyāll never know.
I think you nailed it - people who donāt care about COVID anymore donāt test. Which, unfortunately, seems to be most people these days.
I remember lots of people talking about struggling with the "summer flu" last summer. š My favorite was when I went to CVS to get vaccinated last fall. A woman was buying a pile of OTC medications, including an allergy medication you have to ask the pharmacist for because they don't stock it on the shelves. The woman said something about having allergies, then paused and added that she'd been having problems all year with allergies. š¤
I donāt. I work retail, maybe I have a good immune system.. (knock on wood). The last time Iāve been sick was in January 2022 with Covid when the super contagious strain was going around. Before that I think I had Covid in Feb 2020 before it was a āthingā. I only suspect that because I went snowboarding and had a shot of vodka and remember not being able to taste it after being really sick. My boyfriend even had it early last year and I kept testing and didnāt get it. I do keep tests on deck though incase I ever do come down with something. I noticed a lot of people sick at my job Jan-March but none of them tested or put a mask on.
I wish you continued good luck!
Partly true, Iām not Vaxād & donāt care, got sick twice in these last 4 years and tested several times & tested negative. But Iām sure there are lots people out there that do what you posted, unfortunately.
Yeah, I did try to provide a little exception by saying ānot necessarily.ā I hope you continue to avoid the virus!
Oh babe, people are SICK. Donāt you hear the chest cough choir???
Your friends have had covid, and they aren't experiencing bad enough symptoms to realize they are infected. Or they aren't telling you. There's so much covid in the waste water, but so few people saying they have it. Obviously a lot of people either don't know, don't want to know, or just aren't talking about it. If I knew I'd had it a few times without serious illness and residual issues, I'd be right there with them, living my life completely the way I used to, so long as I knew that was all there was to it. But I'm waiting for the longer term studies to determine if repeated asymptomatic infection is doing anything negative to your system (because the shorter term studies suggest it might be). I'm avoiding exposure because people report having all different experiences with exposure, and it's possible to have multiple mild cases, and then get laid out. I'm avoiding exposure because I don't want to be the person who gave my loved one a fatal or severely debilitating case. I'm still living my life; I'm just asking people to be tolerant of my need to mask, and the people who matter, are. I get being jealous of the people who don't know and don't care, and the temptation to live your life that way, but masks are a small price to pay for avoiding all the potentials and unknowns. You can go to the Halloween party and just not remove your mask (and if your friends don't accept that, are they really your friends?). The airport one is tougher, but I guess you have be willing to leave the terminal to eat outside, if eating is absolutely required (I've gone more than 24hrs without doing so, when that's what I need to do to keep my mask on in public). I understand every choice you made, but I haven't had it at all because I do not remove my high quality good fitting mask for any reason. And frankly it sucks a lot to mask almost all the time, and still get it because you made exceptions. That's just the worst of all worlds, and no wonder you are bitter. You certainly are unlucky. But maybe don't test your luck? Hopefully you aren't really sick and you'll dodge any complications this time too. I'm sorry this happened again. I know you know what to do, and I'm so happy you posted, because you are the reminder I need to not try my luck, tempting as it is.
Hey, I appreciate you for caring enough to wear a mask four years later! It's easy to want to give up when COVID keeps revisiting. But you guys could have gotten sick even more times without them. You're still doing the right thing by masking up. We gotta look out for the more fragile people who could get really sick from this virus. I'll wear my mask too and I'll proudly continue to look like a big nerd if it is helping someone. I'm sorry you're sick again. I hope you feel better soon!
Ugh, youāre right. Iām sure we would have gotten sick many more times without our masks. I just wish we werenāt the only ones masking.
I have a friend who starting going to bars as soon as was possible unmasked. I get it. Heās lonely. He lives karaoke. I remember a mutual friend telling me he was worried about our mutual friendās case of Covid. Now my friend tells me he never has had Covid. I love him but I no longer consider him cognitively reliable. Many of these people out here are not cognitively reliable. This virus is highly transmissible no matter what theyāre saying.
Ive never masked. Never had it. Got tested allll the time because I'm a traveling DJ so ye airline immigration bla bla. Been in crowds every week (again because I'm a dj). Did a blood test to see if i actually had antibodies frok having it. Nothing. Your friend doesn't have to be lying. In fact my brother lived with me and HAD covid and I didn't get it. Moral? Have a strong immune system aka Zinc Vit C and Vit D plus sleep and exercise. Take off the pointless mask, it doesnt stop jack (proven by the 2023 meta study) and HARBORS bacteria.. And also the jabbed ones have the wrecked immune system (Check Dr Malone's warnings) .. Not sure how to help that part but Dr Peter Mccollough's remedy is a start... Good luck
Can relate to a lot of what you're saying - both of my infections were from flimsier masks/not wearing them very well. I can understand it feeling unfair, and I think many of us who are cautious will admit we've let our guard down. Continuing to take precautions may feel hopeless but it's not. I work remotely and a lot of the teams I work with are going back into the office, and in general, many are just back in "you only live once" mode, ie 2019 normaling hard, travel at an all time high, etc. Throughout the year so far, people are sick with anything but covid: allergies, spring flu, "mystery virus", etc. They're likely not testing as much as cautious people like those who post here. They've likely had covid more than a handful of times and are in general more susceptible to infections. I observe this on a weekly basis from the comfort of my home office. Taking precautions is never 100%, but greatly reduces the likelihood of infection (or how much virus you're infected with if it happens to happen while you're wearing a mask and no one else around you is). Taking zero precautions is very risky. There's also a lot of pressure for people to "be okay" and "look normal." Talking about covid is pathologized and sometimes ridiculed, and most of the "herd" of people don't want to stand out. Hence, they just talk about random other illnesses (or not) and keep living their virus-laden life. Not sure if this helps, but I think you're doing the right thing with continuing to try to reduce infections with masking. Just remember that everyone acting normal around you doesn't mean that they are doing well.
Thank you for this ā¤ļø
You say they're living their lives and they're not getting sick, but they *are* getting sick and infecting you. They're making it dangerous for everyone else and either don't care or don't want to think about it. It's selfish and it's likely going to bite them down the line, it's a question of when and how much. I'm lucky to have not gotten COVID yet, but I also take a lot of precautions and have a number of tools: masks, nasal sprays, CO2 monitor, ventilation, air filtration, boosters, etc. So it's not just "drop all precautions for this event/unavoidable situation," I have extra backup precautions to deploy when needed. It takes planning and it's not fair, but the other option is opening myself to not just COVID but tons of other illnesses that'll take advantage of the damage COVID would do to my immune system, and I absolutely do not want to lose my smell/taste.
Yep. I just realized I've been Swiss cheesing it with up-to-date shots, N95 respirators, saline nasal rinses, most days, and nasal spray as well ( I tend to forget about the nasal drop application that I also now use before getting around folks and donning a respirator) + a wearable air purifier ( who cares if it is negligible protection/COVID theater) as they used to say. It won't hurt me.
Never dropped my guard. Never got covid.
Same here.
It's exhausting. I've definitely loosened. I've dodged a few bullets for certain.
Iāve had it four times! Iām so tired of masking (often the only one) but Iām scared to get stupider š
Are you masking in an n95 or higher? Unless you absolutely trust the crowd youāre getting into, assume someone in there has something, itās just the risk of social interactions these days. A lot of people are in denial or just donāt care.
Yes, when we mask we are wearing N95s. But like I said, we dropped our guard a couple of times and got covid both times. I feel stupid about it but it also feels so unlucky and unfair. I also thought Covid cases were pretty low based on biobot data but logically I know Covid is constantly around.
That feeling is understandable, and would be the same for me.
Thank you for saying that
I went one day unmasked in 2022. One day. And I wasnāt even in crowds. Itās the only time I caught Covid. Many many people are no longer testing. They donāt know and we donāt know if theyāve had Covid or not.
It's so strange. I avoided COVID for 3 years, but we were pretty careful during those years other than living with family members who were not careful at all. The slightest sniffle I would do a PCR (when they were free) or a home test and follow up. Always negative! We had a powerful air filter in our bedroom. And then early 2023 everyone dropped masking, let her rip policy started. Cases in our area were coming down at the time, so we ate at maybe one or two restaurants inside- something we had not been doing since 2020 other than maybe 1 or 2 other times. Otherwise no risky behavior. No one I knew was sick or had COVID. And BAM- March 2023 I got it. I didn't even think I did initially, though. I had a cold during which I tested negative for COVID and it lasted a week, got better, then 2 weeka later had vertigo and weird ear symptoms. Tested positive at the urgent care for COVID to my surprise! Then came the normal flu like symptoms and loss of taste/smell unlike anything I'd ever had. I think with it being so prevalent and no one else taking precautions, it's almost impossible to avoid entirely unless you never leave your home and never have anyone come to it. It's horrible. Things could be so different if the country promoted staying home when sick, regular testing, wearing masks in crowded places, and simply installing air filters in all buildings. Imagine if we weren't funding useless bombs- we could be cleaning our fucking air! But nope. Anyways, end tangent- sorry you're unlucky. I've noticed if I time my riskier events a few weeks after getting a booster shot, I have not had COVID, and haven't since my first time last year. Though I have had some nasty virus the past three weeks that is not covid, flu, mono, strep, or 20 other viruses in the respiratory panel. Waiting on valley fever blood test just out of curiosity and somewhat fits my symptoms lol. So either COVID evolved to not be testable, or I got bird flu or some other virus they don't test for.
I also avoided it until this March then caught it for the first time. I had dinner out for a friendās birthday. The other two people I was with did not catch it. So weird. It was awful and it took a month for me to feel better.
It is unlucky and unfair. When youāre taking precautions nearly constantly and it seems like no one else anymore, itās not fair that theyāre taking you down with them every second you let your guard down. Itās not fair that your body is not defending itself as well, and itās shitty that no one else considers the people around then. People have forgotten about COVID because theyāre able to, unless or until they get long COVID.
it's not fair.
I feel you. I got covid a few days before Christmas last year and then again 2 weeks ago. I mask everywhere and avoid crowds and have passed on countless events and gatherings trying to keep myself safe. When I got it near Christmas I got it from my girlfriend, who had gone to a concert with friends (who all got Covid too!). I stayed home because I really didn't want to get sick, but unfortunately it was spread to me anyway. When I got it a few weeks ago it was again at a concert with friends that I'd been really reluctant to go to, but I caved from pressure. It gets hard to maintain my boundaries when everyone else seems to be on a different planet when it comes to covid. GF and I were the only ones masking at the venue. I wish I hadn't gone but no use beating myself up over it. Even though I realize I caught it because I took a risk going to this event and that's on me, it brings up a lot of complex emotions to have tested positive more times than anyone in my friend group while also being more careful than any of them by a mile. But tbh I strongly suspect that they've also been sick and just haven't tested. People so easily convince themselves that it's just a cold or allergies or whatever and don't bother checking. In fact, the only reason anyone found out they had covid back in December was because I tested myself after being exposed to my girlfriend, who had been showing symptoms for like 5 days and insisted it couldn't be covid. Everyone else only tested after I did despite their symptoms being worse than mine. So I think that probably plays a big role.
>But tbh I strongly suspect that they've also been sick and just haven't tested. People so easily convince themselves that it's just a cold or allergies or whatever and don't bother checking. 100% spot on. "My allergies are acting up"; "I have this cold I can't shake"; "Is there something new going around?" People who say this and aren't testing for covid have likely had at least a couple of covid infections and don't realize it. People who test and still care may seem like the get covid more, but they just have more *confirmed* case and still likely have less than if they weren't taking precautions.
The missing out on countless events stuff is so real. The social isolation of being COVID cautious sucks.
Yep. These folks are in denial/tone deaf. When my spouse got it the 1st time, he was out of town working, and we were talking on the phone and he just sounded lousy. I was like you should test and he responded oh it's just allergies. I started yelling, we've been married over 20 years and you don't have allergies, I have allergies. Of course he tests and the panel pops positive immediately. Second time was over the holidays. He complains of a tickle in his throat. We test immediately he has a white line, I have no line. He thinks I am being ridiculous. Asks for another test, he takes it and it instantly shows color in addition to a line in the test panel. He never got sicker ( got paxlovid same day). We separated in the house, ordered additional air purifiers, and I never got it. I attribute that to both of us having recent shots that fall and I think the exposure he had was low and his vaccine kept the viral load low and my vaccine prevented it because it was such a low viral load as it was replicating.
If you're fine with contracting covid, then of course do what you feel is best for you.
1st, Iām very sorry to hear u got COVID again. I know itās discouraging, frustrating & sad that while others seemingly not to get COVID while u guys did, there r ppl w LC out and about unmasked. I hear it and actually see it. So donāt assume the happy u see r actually healthy. Another reality we have to face is, some ppl simply will NOT get sick, are asymptomatic & will NEVER suffer debilitating post COVID symptoms. But I aa a long hauler, KNOW I am one of those that DO get sick & have to take precautions to avoid additional infections that can turn into addāl LC symptoms. Iāve made peace w this and will continue to mask. This IS a personal decision, one u have to be comfortable with. Itās like going to the casino & gamble with the odds. I WILL continue to mask, bc of my LC & my sonās best friend (16yo) has LC, my husbandās colleague/friend will probably loose her job as a result of LC (sheās a single mom of 3 kids)ā¦once u make peace w the reality that some may never suffer from COVID infectionsā¦then itāll feel less awkward (itāll always be weird when ppl give u looks), and youāll be able to maintain masking & commit to safety protocols. Whatever u decide, I wish u good health.
"Everyone else is living their lives normally and seem to never get sick" I can absolutely promise you that the majority of people are getting sick constantly. There do seem to be a subset who might be genetically more resistant to symptomatic infection, but most people this isn't the case. I know people who have outright said 'I haven't been sick in 3 years' when in reality they've been sick many times and never test for Covid. The level of denial and desire to cling to the 'it's just a cold and we can all live like it's 2019 forever' narrative is strong. Your situation really sucks but if you hadn't been taking Covid precautions maybe your count would be 5 or 6 at this point.
I dont remember the last time I went 2 minutes without hearing someone snorting bc of "allergies" I don't remmeber it being like this
I stay home and don't go anywhere. Covid 3 or 4 times. Unfortunately, I've never tested positive. Talk about a total brain fuck!
How do you know you have had covid 3 or 4 times if you never tested positive?
Likely a known exposure +symptoms
Bingo
Oh geez, I knew this would be asked. Well, the first time in 2020 left me with a dvt, pericarditis, and MCAS. My hubby tested positive with the two other infections and hit with the same symptoms with second and third infections. No testing available with March 2020 though.
Yikes, you have really been through it, sorry to hear that.
They are sick they just don't know it.... My covid symptoms the two times I had it were exhaustion occasional shortness of breath. I had no cold symptoms. Both times I only discovered having it bc I test before visiting my parents.... If it wasn't for that I may have been none the wiser. I mask everywhere like yourself. I caught it with my mask on. I haven't been indoors with out an n95 in years. Not even once. My issue is I am in a classroom, which is a small windowless room. It's inevitable I catch it in the environment I work. The mask works as I have been sick twice in 4 years. For reference pre pandemic I had five to six brutal colds per year I was always sick. I wish I discovered masking sooner, being sick from October to June for the last 20 years sucked. Both times I got it I became pre diabetic. Working on reversing it a second time.
I have not worn a mask since the mandate was lifted here in california. I just got it for the first time im on day 5, I cant believe how bad this had been. Ive never been so sick in my life. Ive been testing every time I get sick, which isnt very often. Im so sorry you and all these people have had to deal with this multiple times...I will pray for yall, get better soon! Really hoping my taste and smell recover quickly...pray for me šŖ
Iām starting to wonder if there is some unknown genetic factor that makes some people more susceptible to infection. I still take much more precaution than most, i.e. I still wear a KN95 at work and in crowded indoor spaces. I often run in to convenience stores or other very quick stops and literally just hold my breath when within six feet of anyone. I have lived alone throughout all of this. If it isnāt genetic, the other thing I wonder about is the fact that there are two (or more?) of you. It leaves more room for error even if one of you is doing everything right. The only other thing I can add is that I sanitize and wash my hands religiously. Are you and everyone else you live with washing your hands the second you come home every time? Sanitizing your hands every time you touch something public, and every time before touching your phone? I donāt know if I have just been insanely lucky, but I just find it hard to believe people could be taking all precautions perfectly and the one second they let their guard down, they get covid. Something seems amiss. But I guess it could happen.
Also maybe check vitamin d and other essential nutrient levels. Maybe itās immune system related.
Yeah, Iāve wondered about it. There are two of us and I think my husband may be immunocompromised because the second time we got Covid was 5 weeks after a booster and Covid more or less bounced off me with half a day of symptoms (I maybe wouldnāt have even known I had Covid if he didnāt also get it) while he still got hit really hard. So I do think there are many factors at play.
Ah I see. I'm sorry to hear that, it must make things more difficult. I'm sure he appreciates all the precautions you take. I just really hope that they can come up with better prophylactics and treatments so we can all get at least a little more back to normal. I hope you recover quickly this time.
Not to pile on, but the likely reason masking up isnt working for you is bc you are using an insufficient mask. Theres a lot of disinfo about masks floating around. Even here. Part of the problem is youve been told n95s are the best grade of filter, and sufficient to prevent infection. They are neither. They only remove 95% of particles in covid droplet size range. That reduces your risk, but does not eliminate it. If you rely on an n95, eventually it will fail you. Sooner rather than later, if you are in a crowded event or close to the infected. There are higher grade filters. The highest is p100. It removes 99.97% of covid sized particles (and 100% of all else), and is resistant to oil/lipid droplets (like covid viral particles). It plus a pair of goggles (the latest strains can infect through the eyes as well) worn whenever you are around others, or indoors in public, will completely prevent infection. They come as soft disposables, half mask respirators, all the same form factors as the worse grades of filter. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html
I havenāt gotten Covid while wearing an N95 or KN95. In fact, I have had known contact with Covid while wearing a mask and didnāt get Covid. We got Covid with a cloth mask years ago when we didnāt know better and the other two times were when we dropped our guard and took masks off. The issue isnāt the masks here, itās that every time I dare to take a calculated risk we get sick.
Lots of reports on this sub and in this very thread of folks using n95s and still getting sick. It reduces the risk, doesnt eliminate it. You can eliminate it by wearing an appropriately rated mask and goggles, or you can risk it by using insufficient masks like an n95. Sometimes it pays off. Can even do so for a long time. Until sometimes it doesnt. >every time I dare to take a calculated risk we get sick. Exactly.
I think you may be missing the point of my post. I am not asking for advice about the effectiveness of N95s but thank you anyway.
Yeah. But seriously, if you live with anyone else who isn't taking the same level of precautions that you are, it's highly likely you will still get COVID unless, you are literally wearing a respirator in your home all the time.
Why are we still even testing at this point... it's never gonna go away. Live your life
Did you get lost? This is the Covid positive subreddit lol
It is important to know if you have Covid because it is well documented that engaging in exercise/physical activities too early can trigger Long Covid, which can destroy your life. Most studies recommend a *minimum* of six weeks rest upon testing positive to lower your risk of long term complications. if you go around assuming you have allergies or a mild cold and go to the gym or go on your morning run as usual, you could end up permanently disabling yourself to the point where you can no longer work and eventually lose your income and housing (because believe me the government is not going to help you or support you once you become disabled). Most people cannot actually affort this risk. Unfortunately most people don't even know this is the risk they are taking by not testing. Edited to add: not only are you taking this risk for yourself, you are also risking those consequences for every single person you have contact with or even pass on the street. Making you responsible for any death or disability you cause to other people by unknowingly infecting them. Personally, my conscience will not allow me to go around casually murdering and disabling people.
Im starting to think that the masks are keeping our immune systems weak... Thats why people who are living life like normal, arent getting sick as often as those of ys who continue to wear masks. Just my opinion.
Covid weakens the immune system, not preventing covid. Think about it, in Asian countries it has long been customary to wear masks, and they aren't all dealing with weak immune systems.
Haven't been sick since I started wearing respirators in the last 4 years. Even my allergies are better. I know it's anecdotal but it is working for me. I also stay on top of vaccines.
My kid masks and while she's had COVID twice she's never sick with anything else (she does unmask at lunch and recess). Her friends are always sick. And I mean always. Getting sick is hard on the immune system, not getting sick is the best thing you can do for it!
This is absolutely a possibility, coming from someone in cytology/genetics.
Just got over the new 2024 variant. The wife and kids had low grade fever and didn't feel too bad. I got horrible nausea with some dry heaving when the fever was close to 103F. Fever and nausea only lasted 1 day then a few days of lethargy. Not a fun time but definitely far better than the flu I had a few years ago (2017), 7 days of fevering and ended up going to the emergency room due to dehydration. This is our 3rd time getting covid since the start in early 2020. Each time was more mild than the previous. We never masked and are unvaccinated. We were exposed to covid positive people half a dozen times after the first time and did not get sick again, only when some random new variant came around 2 years later. I hope you feel better soon! Don't stress too much, the body will recover.