Long COVID Hitting Doctors and Nurses Hard

[Brad]

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/long-covid-hitting-doctors-and-nurses-hard-2025a1000n7q?form=fpf

[rcjordan]

Drs & nurses do not mask up unless mandated.

[ergophobe]

>> Drs & nurses do not mask up

I just came to the Bay Area to help a family member post-surgery. I masked on the crowded train only to arrive and spend the last two days in a hospital where I rarely saw masks (based on random counting, less than 5%; guessing 2-3%). None of those spotted on staff were N95 (there were two patients in the nearby cancer center wearing full P100 respirators and the occasional visitor with an N95).

Personally, I find mask wearing very hard (headaches, congestion). If I had a job that required an N95 all day every day, I would quit. I simply wouldn't do it. I don't know how many people feel that way, but at a certain point making the workplace miserable affects retention and morale.

[rcjordan]

Luckily, masks don't bother me much.  I hardly notice surgical masks but they're not doing much to protect me.  I ordered some N95s with top & bottom straps and a metal nose bridge clip.  I cut the bottom strap off and the mask still closely cups my face.  I struggle a little bit with those, but the single strap makes it easy to take off if I happen to be in a good spot.