Have mask, will travel

I survived. Knock on wood. I just arrived from a trip, a conference or congress with approximately 60 people in a closed room from two days. The difference, only about 10 of us wore masks. The rest, mostly Italians as it was held in Italy, had masks on their sleeves (you know how people fold the mask and wear it on their sleeve?) but were comfortable just not wearing one.

My friend from Australia and I just chose to mask up every time, taking it off only for meals and drinks. After all, one cannot pass up on good food and wine when in Italy. But every time we ate, we would choose the farthest table from the crowd, or choose an outdoor or al fresco option. I guess it all worked out for the best. We came back to our homes unscathed and still “virgins,” as I jokingly put it. So we would candidly ask each other (we came from different continents), “are you still virgin?” and not a few said they have had it, but still are careful about getting it again.

The after effects still scare me. What they call Long COVID. A few friends have called me with various situations and medical situations which are inexplicable. Some have temporary neurosis, some a bit psychotic and need help, and some develop other symptoms which they are still observing weeks or months after. Some claim their sense of smell has not come back in full. Some say their taste buds have been affected. Long COVID is actually what scares me. Yes, you can discount a sniffle and a cough, but the after effects are what we need to watch out for.

So, I was very careful and observed a few tips and reminders:

• Aboard a plane. Keep your mask on even if they say it is a safe place with air movements already studied to be sanitized with each cycle of circulation. I purchased a rechargeable mask with some air that blows into your mask cavity. It can help you sleep better during flights.

• On the ground. Better be paranoid and imagine everyone may have the virus. Don’t be shy to wear a mask and avoid hugging and greeting with bussing or kissing. I offered my clenched fist each time I could to say hello to friends we did not see for a few years.

• When eating. Stay away from crowds. Choose a table where there is airflow and wind away from you rather than towards you. Choose restaurants that are al fresco whenever you can.

• In airports. Avoid crowds. Although it may seem like common sense, airports are full of people crowding at desks, looking at overhead schedule boards with mouths agape, people chatting while walking… You never know when the virus is there in record numbers about to attack.

• In trains. I had a few train rides and I would choose an isolated seat, even if it was a seat facing the opposite direction the train was traveling. Even if it was mandated to wear a mask, kids and many teenagers do not wear masks. Sanitize each time you touch surfaces especially luggage, bags etc.

• In markets. Keep your mask on all the time. Taste food, but put the mask right back on. People will not find it weird or uncommon. And no one seems offended as you may be the one who was infected and are just trying to protect them!

So yes, it is common sense but be very afraid as many people think it’s just “like a cold” and wave it off or shrug it off as something we need to live with forever. We can choose to be more careful if we want to avoid complications. I was not shy to be masked and still chat with people who were not masked. It’s your choice.

As soon as I got home, I heard that a doctor friend just got COVID from talking to a patient for sometime. And they were both masked!! Doctors know that the effects are long lasting but their practice must go on and they must see patients. What could have happened? It’s anybody’s guess if their masks had voids. The trick I guess is to keep it short. Even masked conversations must be brief, if we are to stay safe.

So normal – for me at least – is a masked life. We do not and will not get even a cold virus, if we are masked. I remember the habits in Japan and Korea. The sick or unwell can buy masks at convenience stores and it is not uncommon for people on trains or while walking on the streets to be masked. It’s just part of life. And this is how we should be behaving, from here on to forever.

I see friends and family living life as normal as they used to. They have also had bouts with COVID but life just goes on for them. I think this is good for people who can afford to be sick, can afford to pay the costs and can afford to live with the after effects. I still cannot imagine getting it and I am scared, to be honest about it.

Think hard before you dismiss the thought that it is just a cold. It is still being studied as we write and even the scientists are stumped to find new symptoms, new after effects and various reactions…over two years into the discovery of the virus. Be very paranoid and be very careful.

In the meantime, what is normal for me is to travel. That is my normal and that is what I can risk a little for. Oh, I even brought antigen kits, an extra supply of medicines, and more masks just in case. I am glad I did not need any of them.

And I’m back – in one, COVID-free piece!