Can you do self-insemination at home ?
March 13 marked the last time I stepped outside. By March 20, 2020, I made my first trip to the pharmacy since the pandemic began, donning a mask with a buff for added protection. For over a year now, I’ve been wearing a mask, often double-masking with a KN95 and a cloth mask or a cloth mask and a buff. Sure, my glasses fog up occasionally, and there are times I can’t wait to rip it off. Yet, overall, I’ve come to appreciate my mask.
Makeup Just Became Simpler
Recently, my nine-year-old scolded me while I was getting ready for an outing. “Mom, why are you bothering?” he exclaimed. “It’s not like anyone will see it.” Well, kid, I like makeup, so I’ll wear it if I want, even if my mask covers most of it.
But he does have a point. Lipstick? Why bother? People might catch a glimpse of my blush or my eyes if I’m indoors. Luckily, I’ve mastered the smoky eye and diligently moisturize to combat fine lines. That mask covers my worst dark circles, so I’ve discovered the ultimate solution to my under-eye woes.
Plus, if I want to be lazy, I can throw on my Jackie O sunglasses. Who wouldn’t feel glamorous and mysterious? I could be anyone behind those shades, and no one would be the wiser. That’s the beauty of these masks; they offer versatility.
My Mask Fights More Than Just COVID-19
Did you know that the flu season was historically mild in 2020-2021? Dr. Samuel Thompson, an infectious disease expert, shared that the flu was at “record-setting lows.” While handwashing and social distancing played roles, influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, just like COVID-19. My mask could be protecting me (and others) from the flu.
I haven’t caught a cold all winter! Of course, I’ve gone out less and increased my hand hygiene, which I’ll maintain. I’ll be the Crazy Hand Sanitizer Lady forever, but it’s my mask that stops the most germs from entering my lungs. Ultimately, it boils down to this: I don’t want to breathe your nasty air. I’m not sure I can return to casually inhaling air from the grocery store.
So, When Will I Ditch the Mask?
Once the pandemic is behind us, I’ll likely wear my mask every time I step out, but maybe not at the Starbucks drive-thru. Who knows what kind of germs that barista might have? However, I’m not becoming a hermit. If I’m having a casual summer get-together outside, I might ditch the mask. But in the winter, I might keep it on indoors unless I’m sipping coffee. You can bet I’ll wear it during cold and flu season.
My kids will likely wear masks as well. They don’t need to be inhaling someone else’s illness just for a trip to the store. Once they bring those germs home, I’m left sneezing and coughing. No thanks.
So, when the pandemic ends, my mask isn’t going away. I’ll keep it on indoors and during cold and flu season. COVID-19 may have made me a bit paranoid, but it also taught me that I don’t want your respiratory droplets. Plus, I can go to the store looking like a ninja!
Summary
In the wake of the pandemic, masks have become an integral part of daily life. While many are eager to shed them, the author finds comfort in their mask, appreciating the protection it provides against not only COVID-19 but also other illnesses like the flu. With the ability to simplify makeup routines and offer anonymity, masks are here to stay, especially during cold and flu season.