Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2249540)

What I learned the last "go around" is that many ordinary people like to disregard advice by experts and scientists, while preferring advice from the dark web and conspiracy channels. (remember the ultra-violet light advice).

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager (Post 2249541)

Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2249558)

Nationally, with respect to COVID death rates, Florida had the 2nd most age-adjusted death rates among the states. TX. and other southern tier states had higher rates than Fl. And NY and Ca. had lower rates.

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 2249559)

I guess you learn something new, no matter how old you get. I had assumed that the reason for doctors wearing masks in surgery is so that THEY do not transmit germs/illnesses to the patient. AND they (some) would additionally wear face shields to prevent contamination from the patient.
Personally, I have no intention of wearing a mask IF it is not mandated somewhere that I have to go. I may have unknowingly had or carried the virus in the past couple years, but I am not going to change my activities or attire on the presumption that I may or may not be infected or carrying the virus. I have no problem with others wearing protection such as mask and gloves where ever they travel, in or out of their cars and in or outside of public places. When I was in Japan, many folks in Tokyo wore masks in the city. I didn't, but I am not going to pressure anyone else as to how they should or should not protect themselves.
I prefer to be the glass half full type of person, not a "the sky is falling" hysterical type. I do agree with those that believe that staying locked in their homes will protect them from catching any communicable diseases. I also believe that if you do not drive, you have less chance of having an traffic accident. If you do not fly, you will not die in a plane crash. But, I like to live dangerously. I have been known to step on the cracks in sidewalks and have even traveled in the back seat of a car without using the seat belt on more than one occasion.

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2249647)

That is PART of the reason, but not the ONLY reason.

You certainly don't want your surgeon coughing or sneezing into an open surgical site...

And don't get me started about dropping a "Junior Mint" in there!

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2249618)

I find this hard to believe. Why would a doctor jeapordize his license by falsifying a death certificate? Perhaps the patient did have Covid and it helped to progress his/her death? My mother had cancer. Yet, her death certificate states anemia as cause of death. Because, anemia is what CAUSED her death. She could have lived a little longer with cancer.

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2249618)

I find this hard to believe. Why would a doctor jeapordize his license by falsifying a death certificate? Perhaps the patient did have Covid and it helped to progress his/her death? My mother had cancer. Yet, her death certificate states anemia as cause of death. Because, anemia is what CAUSED her death. She could have lived a little longer with cancer.

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2249661)

We both spent 40 plus years, in medical. During Covid, Death certificates were being reviewed after initial diagnosis. One of our own doctors whose wife certificate went to review, was changed to Comp from covid. For 5 months never left their home taking on the role of hospice, on 20 acres of woods.

Near the end on the way to their only trip outside of house was to their cabin he had to stop to do CPR in parking lot. Cancer won, she was taken to local hospital, initially cause of death complications from stage four mets to lung, liver, brain. No post, taken immediately to be cremated.

No knowledge, certificate went to review, and changed. He and the entire medical staff were shocked that certificate could go to review and changed, once there was an initial cause of death.

But fun things happen during that 2 years we worked, some explained, some we just had to not question and let it go.

Originally Posted by Maker (Post 2249509)

Surgeons do not wear "face diapers". I never said anything like that because it's a stupid statement. If that was your take-away, please re-read the post.

The primary purpose surgeons wear PPE to reduce the likelihood of getting biological contamination from the patient.

Masks are used to prevent transfer of airborne biological pathogens. That would be n95 or better. They wear face shields to prevent liquid splatters to their face where their mucous membranes are located, again to try to prevent contamination from blood and other infectious tissue.
They also wear gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious material and blood.

There are other higher levels of PPE worn when the risks demand better protection. Think of a patient with ebola, or who has an unknown toxic exposure. Also for researchers working on gain of function experiments with deadly toxic substances.

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager (Post 2249541)

Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2249561)

Never say never. In the future, things change. There could be a NEW virus and people might have to wear a mask to get on a plane or enter a building. The world has global warming and warming causes more virus growth, not less.

Originally Posted by Ragman (Post 2249602)

COVID is now endemic and will circulate with other respiratory viruses in some form for years to come.

We are now at the point of a personal level of risk. If your health risk is high or toleration of risk is low, by all means mask, distance or do anything that you think necessary. If you fell otherwise , don't. Your physician is the best source of your personal health risk.

I know many more people who have contracted COVID in the past few months, but in almost all cases a relatively mild case (yes, some are more severe especially in older adults or those with comorbidities just like the flu or RSV) All these viruses will wax and wane to an extent.

Personally, I don't intend to mask on a regular basis, but carry a N-95 in case I'm in a doctor's office or other places where there may be a population of ill persons. I will get my annual flu shot, as well as a RSV and COVID booster when available this fall. I ask none of you to do more or less than I, but do wish you would stay home if you have any respiratory symptoms ( as I would have asked 10 years ago, before COVID was a passing thought).

All this debate is good grist for blogs and MSM articles, but would not be frighting to too many people if not for the internet and 24/7 news cycle.

Originally Posted by KJ1325 (Post 2249603)

COVID is just another word for politics and power. Never got a shot. Never got a booster. Hardly ever wore a mask. Never got a flu shot. Grew up on a 1000 acre farm milking 100 head of dairy cows. I think I've been exposed to most diseases and chemicals around. And I'm still here.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2249675)

Yep, global warming causes viral infections. That’s a new one 😂😂😂

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2249675)

Yep, global warming causes viral infections. That’s a new one 😂😂😂