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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA

I am still wearing a mask when in grocery stores, crowded areas, pretty much in general. I have stage three kidney disease as well as HIV so feel I need to be extra careful. Just wondering what other forum members are feeling about wearing a mask even though they are not mandated for the most part except in medical facilities.

October 31, 2022
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied approaches to mask-wearing post-mandate, with many continuing to mask in crowded indoor spaces, medical... Read more

Members shared their varied approaches to mask-wearing post-mandate, with many continuing to mask in crowded indoor spaces, medical facilities, and around vulnerable loved ones, while others have stopped but remain vaccinated and practice social distancing. Several members described feeling like outliers in their communities where masking has become rare, yet they prioritize protecting themselves from COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses, particularly given personal health conditions or the health of those they care for. A recurring theme was the deeply personal nature of the decision, shaped by individual risk factors, work requirements, and a desire to prevent both acute infection and long-term complications like Long COVID.

A myHIVteam Member

I think wearing a mask is wise any time you are exposed to other people in a closed setting. That said, I am no longer wearing a mask, but I am vaccinated (recently flu & Bivalent booster). I also try to keep distance from strangers. I am a homebody, and I have avoided coronavirus infection so far.

October 31, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

I haven't been wearing the mask. But depending on event. I may where a mask. Definitely at Dr office and hospital. But I've had the 5 vaccine shots and flu shot.

October 31, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

I work at St Joseph Hospital South and wear a mask before entering the hospital and change masks often. As a chaplain and Social Worker enter some very contagious areas and then full PPE.

October 17, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Just when I have doctors appointments

October 31, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

Yes, I still wear a mask inside shops, etc., although here in the UK almost everyone else is now mask-less. I'm up-to-date with medical news, and it is clear that a significant number of people are suffering, seriously, from "Long Covid". I don't want to risk doing so.

So I resist the temptation to join the flocks of maskless sheep. I get some looks from others but (1) I don't care because I'm wearing a mask and they don't know who I am (LOL) and (2) I think their looks may actually indicate recognition (guilt) that they should be doing the same as me!

October 31, 2022

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