Yes, we really do know some things that can "lessen our chances" (otherwise known as "risk reduction" to actual professonals who know what they're talking about).
We also know that there is no immunity to a virus that has never before existed. You have to be exposed to something, in order to develop an immunity to it. This is not an influenza virus. It is a coronavirus. Boosting your immune system with supplements and eating right isn't going to reduce your risk of catching this. There have been healthy people, who were NOT immuno-compromised, who have died from this virus.
The converse of this is not as clear-cut. If you are immuno-compromised, your risk of dying as a result of getting sick is higher, than it is if you are not. But your risk of catching it in the first place is no different.
Keeping your distance, wearing a mask if you're unable to keep your distance, avoiding people who you know are already sick, and wearing AND disposing of disposable gloves if you have to touch things that you know other people have touched - are all valid methods of risk reduction.
ANY mask is better than no mask, with regards to risk reduction. It is not risk-preventative. Just reduction. If you want to be guaranteed no risk at all, then stay inside, and hire someone else to do your shopping - make sure THEY are wearing a mask when they do the shopping, and pay with touchless methods (like apple pay or electronic transfer).
|