Covid becoming just another bug

If the figures are to be believed and the virus is as contagious as stated, then we have probably all had it at some stage anyway. And if so, we have the antibodies, which is exactly what the vaccines are supposed to do.
Yet still there is this fear mongering that continues unabated by supermarkets and government departments. Shopkeepers continue to wear masks simply to appease those still living in fear and believing the mask will actually keep them alive.
Flu has always been something that reduces the power of the immune system and death in the vulnerable often occurs. Covid, whilst more volatile, does the same. we need to live with it, the same as we did with flu. No one was forced to have the flu jab, no passports were necessary and the vaccines were to protect those that took the jab, not those that came into contact with them.
And let's not forget that all cases of flu have been added to the covid figures. It is time to get rid of the fear element stop the sensationalism from the media.

chrissy08

Biscuitmuncher

All you mask lovers, what good did they actually do?

None at all.
Been proved that wearing a mask is detrimental to health but no proof they prevent any infections.

Links?

I believe that evidence and facts are being held in low esteem today, but you could at least make an effort.

Biscuitmuncher

All you mask lovers, what good did they actually do?

None at all.
Been proved that wearing a mask is detrimental to health but no proof they prevent any infections.

I know mask wearing is aimed at protesting yourself firstly then a help to protect others. I am though now at a loss to understand how I can I if so desired, go into a nightclub, mingle with hundreds of others, consume alcohol, jump about dancing all without a mask yet have to wear one in supermarkets and stores. I have no objection to wearing a mask, just trying to find the logic.

Fashionista1

I think now that most people are double jabbed Covid has become less serious and those in hospital are mostly those who have not been vaccinated. That is very good news but I do worry that if this disease is now considered to be endemic, it will mutate again and become resistant to the current vaccine. Then we have a serious problem. I don't think we should be complacent about Covid, it will never be just another bug, it is potentially life threatening as we have seen.

Most people admitted to hospital with COVID in Scotland are double jabbed.

Mutating has nothing to do with being endemic.

The virus will not become resistant to the current vaccine in one mutation, or even several. New versions of the vaccine are in development and trial right now.

It will become just another bug.

Those are quite like the Screwfix ones we bought last year Gaga. I think the ones they had then worked out at about 80p each. I know it felt like not a lot for peace of mind.

What I would also say about the FFP3 masks is that they sit away from your face and nose. I find them more comfortable to wear than the ones that hug your mouth and nose. Just make sure they're sealed around the edges.

@MaizieD. I agree with you that it can’t harm to wear a mask - I feel better wearing one when out and about. But I do think Biscuitmuncher has a point - wearing face coverings alone doesn’t do much to prevent the spread of Covid because the masks themselves in the main are too thin and have gaps allowing airborne germs to enter. The recommendation is to wear an N95 respirator one which fits snugly over the face and incorporates a filter. These stop up to 95% of viruses.

Caleo, I found these searching today. A bit cheaper than mine, too! (sorry for the long link)

www.amazon.co.uk/FFP3-NR-Filtering-Individually-Packed/dp/B094DL5XWP/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?dchild=1&smid=A17Q3JJEX6ODVH&psc=1&crid=318ZM888YN244&keywords=ffp3+mask&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRjkyNEhBWjhZVEY1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODgxNjYyWEpRS1pZWTVFS0dSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MjI0ODkyUUtRVlJWWFI1RkhMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==&tag=gransnetforum-21&qid=1630928360&sr=8-18-spons

Annaram1

Those who sneer at the idea of another lockdown might like
to explain to me why we have the highest rates of infection in Europe. Wearing a mask might just not be sufficient.

Sneering is it?

Pointing out that another lockdown would cripple the country, lead to many more unnecessary deaths and mental health issues?

Lockdown is not a decision to be taken lightly. At the start of this pandemic it was the only option we had. The only way we knew how to control this was to keep us all apart from each other, for months on end. Well that is not sustainable.

If you don't mean "lockdown", but you do mean "more restrictions", then I might agree with you. But frankly, anyone calling for lockdown in the current situation needs to understand what that would mean.

I think now that most people are double jabbed Covid has become less serious and those in hospital are mostly those who have not been vaccinated. That is very good news but I do worry that if this disease is now considered to be endemic, it will mutate again and become resistant to the current vaccine. Then we have a serious problem. I don't think we should be complacent about Covid, it will never be just another bug, it is potentially life threatening as we have seen.

We certainly don't need another lockdown the country just can't afford it and to what ends
Mask wearing may help to a certain degree but where do people actually wear them the shops public transport Do we really get so many cases from shops and public transport?
Masks were worn going into pubs restaurants then removed once seated did masks really make that much difference in those settings does the virus disappear once seated

Those who sneer at the idea of another lockdown might like
to explain to me why we have the highest rates of infection in Europe. Wearing a mask might just not be sufficient.

Biscuitmuncher

All you mask lovers, what good did they actually do?

Do you ask the same daft question to the surgeon who is about to replace your hip? Or your dentist peering into your mouth? Ye gods..

Oh. Yes there's an EN standard too. Can't remember where they are from but similar.

BTW, screwfix does only sell vented ones now Caleo - just checked.
I know we had some early on from there though that weren't. They were recommended for asbestos removal so I know they exist.

Our friends flew to U.K. from Australia, one 7 hour flight then a 13 hour flight on very crowded plane. All passengers wore masks throughout except for eating.
Neither of them could get the vaccinations Oz.
Neither of them got so much as a sniffle, one of then usually gets a cold after flying.
I'm convinced, masks make a huge difference.
I went to my first indoor fitness over 65's class last week, unmasked, & have come down with debilitating cold. First illness after 2 years being free.

Caleo

Not Sapaghetti, I don't think dust masks do the job that covid masks are supposed to do Because dust masks have valves that let out exhaled air, whereas we need covid masks that filter inhalations AND exhalations. Dust masks are good for filtering inhaled air but they don't filter exhaled air.

You have to decide if you want one with a valve or not. There are two types of FFP3, valves and unvalved.

Looking at the valved ones, some have a directional valve which means it only opens onto your chest, some have valves that open in front (so they allow your breath to come forward), some have valves that only open under exertion/exercise.
The valves are not all the same.

The un-valved ones obviously don't have a valve.

The valved versions are just as good as unvalved for the person wearing them. They are also easier to wear for some people. All these well fitting masks are good with glasses compared to cloth ones as they are tight to the face.

If they are an FFP3 they meet the standards whatever the design. Many of the "dust" masks are guaranteed this standard but they will say so.

I am not an expert on masks but have spent hours researching them over the last 18 months having supplied my extended family with FFP3 /N95 / N99 in February last year.

Most mask manufacturers are happy to send you the test info if you are interested/concerned. Honeywell in America was really helpful for example.

I think on this thread I thought people were trying (primarily) to protect themselves Caleo. My interest a year ago last February was indeed to protect my family. If you would prefer one without a valve then that's fine. If they say FFP3, that's what they are tested to.

Please be aware the "F" and "N" systems are comparable but not tested in the same way. They have different testing methods.
Personally I'm happy with 95% filtration!

I hope that the government doesn't pussyfoot around, as they usually do, about boosters. Countries such as France and the USA are already rolling them out. I know that, in the UK, they are going to be given to the most critically vulnerable, such as people with suppressed immune systems. However, I would think that all older people, at least, will need them to prevent a repeat of previous death tolls.

Maybe it will eventually become like flu jabs, ie free for oldies and available for everyone else for a small cost at pharmacies.

Not forgetting, of course, people in poorer countries who haven't had a single jab yet. I feel guilty about them every time I find myself wishing that we were getting another one to boost our immunity. Hypocritical, I know.

Alioop

We are one of the worst countries here in N.I for Covid infections which doesn't surprise me with the lack of mask wearing when I'm out. My mask is still on and will be for the foreseeable. Last year was the first year in a long time that I didn't get the flu, never mind Covid, so biscuitmuncher it's working for me.

I didn’t even get a cold now I come to think of it.

Annaram1

We still have the highest number of cases in Europe, over 35000 per day. In New Zealand they have lockdown when they only have 250 cases a day. We desperately need another lockdown. Boris should call one, even if people don't like it.

No way. We need to stop being silly and make mask wearing compulsory again. Personally I think certain large gatherings should lock down but please not schools.
All the talk of double vaccine passports required at football matches, do people seriously believe that will be properly checked ??

Boz

I wear a perspex face shield. Not as suffocating as a mask and you can wear your lipstick and smile at people.

Me too Boz. I can’t breathe in a mask even with the plastic bridge underneath to give more space inside.
I continue to wear the visor whenever I go into public places.

We are one of the worst countries here in N.I for Covid infections which doesn't surprise me with the lack of mask wearing when I'm out. My mask is still on and will be for the foreseeable. Last year was the first year in a long time that I didn't get the flu, never mind Covid, so biscuitmuncher it's working for me.

We desperately need another lockdown.

That is the last thing we need Annaram1

We have huge numbers of people vaccinated. We've known about this disease for 18 months. We know how to handle infection control. This is as good as its going to get. If the only thing left is to lockdown, we've failed drastically and this country is done for - literally, no exaggeration.

They lock down in NZ because they have nothing else. Until they get the proportion of people vaccinated to a reasonable level they have no way of limiting the number of people who will get seriously ill and die from this, except to confine them to their houses. That worked to begin with, its not a strategy for the future for the UK.

In every supermarket I have been in recently the majority have been wearing masks. Also at the seaside the other day small shops and takeouts had signs up asking people to wear masks. People were complying with requests. I will continue wearing one. Remember...flu was near non existent last winter...probably due to mask wearing and of course hand sanitizing

Sorry, I thought the first message just died!