How I Got Covid by Letting My Guard Down (e.g. Stupid)

[tmm99]

Midpack, was it an outdoor venue or indoors?

 

[Koolau]

I just wish there were some way to determine our % vulnerability to the disease. That way we could make intelligent decisions about where to go, what to do, what precautions to take, etc. Folks I've known who've gotten the disease have been surprised - usually vax'd/boosted/masked/distanced until here of late. Seems like a crap shoot at best.

For me, I've decided to try to live my life as mask-free as possible without being stupid. I'm vax'd and boosted. I self isolated in the airports as much as possible. Didn't worry as much on the plane as there is good filtration. Mentioned elsewhere, not too happy about the couple behind me coughing but, life goes on - until it doesn't. YMMV

 

[whatnot]

Got my 2nd booster yesterday. COVID cases are up in my area and very few people masking. I’ve started wearing masks in stores again.
Also, I’ll be flying in 2 weeks so I thought the timing seemed right.

 

[JoeWras]

I just went through 8 NHL games with 19,000 of my closest friends sitting around me. The irritating guy to the right of me kept yelling at me to prove his superior knowledge of the game. I could feel the spittle hitting my ear. I'm not joking. Other than him, the games were an absolute ton of fun and it was great to feel human again, and to do human things.

In a way, I'm kind of glad my beloved Hurricanes are out of the playoffs since this wave is hitting hard and I can reduce my risk a bit. The last game was Monday, I have a few more days to find out if I get sick. So far, so good. We wore KN95 with fit check all game. Gotta really watch that nose bridge. I really wanted a beer or ice cream, but DW reminded me it would require lifting the mask. I guess I saved a ton of money by abstaining.

So, back to lower risk activities while I wait out the incubation.

 

[Midpack]

Midpack, was it an outdoor venue or indoors?

Wasn’t as crowded this year, but here’s a pic from 2019…we relaxed our normal precautions for one day (stupid), Covid is not done. Like someone said earlier, many more will get Covid in the years ahead, but it won’t be as dangerous if your vaxxed/boosted. Cases are up again in NC, fortunately nothing like past peaks.

 

[audreyh1]

It looks like it was an outdoor venue, albeit very crowded/packed. You were masked. You were only there an hour. And you ate separately from the crowd (had to remove mask to do so).

Wow, it just shows how very very contagious this virus is.

Also makes it seem like crowded airports with most unmasked and plane boarding/disembarking would be the same situation, not to mention just how close people are in a plane.

 

[Taxman59]

10 days ago on Sunday, I was delivering flyers to the neighbors for an outdoor party we are hosting July 9th. I stopped at our next door neighbor for about 15 minutes (there was a tree in out yard that had dead limbs hanging over her car). Monday, I spent the day with our 10 month old grandson (a great time!!). Tuesday morning I get a text from the neighbor, she was positive for Covid! I tested on Wed (we were to go out for dinner to celebrate DW's 60th with friends). Negative. No symptoms and we were going away for the weekend so we tested again on Friday - Negative. After meals on Sat, I felt awful, and Sunday on the way home I was getting a really bad headache so I tested - Positive!!

I had been careful, and the only person I had spent more that 5 minutes with was the next door neighbor, and that was predominantly outside. DW is still symptom free (we are isolating from each other for now), and I have started on the antivirals from the Dr. (televisits are not too bad).

With any luck the symptoms will clear up (headache is getting better, the cough is getting a bit worse, and today the body aches started) soon and I can go back to a "normal" life. I am thankful that I am fully vaxxed and boosted so the case should be somewhat mild, and with the antiviral, not last too long.

Everyone out there, be safe and smart.

 

[RetireBy90]

Wasn’t as crowded this year, but here’s a pic from 2019…we relaxed our normal precautions for one day (stupid), Covid is not done. Like someone said earlier, many more will get Covid in the years ahead, but it won’t be as dangerous if your vaxxed/boosted. Cases are up again in NC, fortunately nothing like past peaks.

Where's Waldo

 

[easysurfer]

I'm back to wearing an N95 indoors at stores and gatherings though not required.

Last two gatherings I went to were an indoor concert and a graduation. My gut feeling said I'm not ready to non-mask though most were not wearing one.

I'm vaccinated and double boosted, but still don't like the idea of me getting infected.

 

[jollystomper]

For me, I've decided to try to live my life as mask-free as possible without being stupid. I'm vax'd and boosted. I self isolated in the airports as much as possible. Didn't worry as much on the plane as there is good filtration. Mentioned elsewhere, not too happy about the couple behind me coughing but, life goes on - until it doesn't. YMMV

+1

Just as I cannot expect every driver on the road to be looking our for me, I cannot expect anyone else to be looking out for me, so I take responsibility for my health. DW and I N95 masked in the airport and in the plane (though as you mentioned planes have very good filtration systems), but we did take them off when eating or when we were in very empty sections of the airport and felt fine.

Beyond masking there is also personal hygiene. This is difficult to assess as surveys show people tend to say they are more hygienic than they actually are . But I am still washing my hands, avoiding putting my hands to my face when out and about in public, carry hand sanitizer/bacterial soap, and touch others as little as possible. Not being a big for conversation helps . I think this is a bigger factor in the spread and catching of the virus than is ever mentioned.

 

[Midpack]

It looks like it was an outdoor venue, albeit very crowded/packed. You were masked. You were only there an hour. And you ate separately from the crowd (had to remove mask to do so).

Wow, it just shows how very very contagious this virus is.

Also makes it seem like crowded airports with most unmasked and plane boarding/disembarking would be the same situation, not to mention just how close people are in a plane.

We were not masked unfortunately...like I said, stupid. For some reason we "assumed" the fact that we kept moving the whole time, except while in two lines briefly, would mean we wouldn't be exposed to any infected person for more than a moment. Again, stupid.

 

[Dalmore]

I hope you start feeling better soon.

DW and I just got our 2nd booster last week. We have a trip to Sonoma in June and hope that we are boosted enough.

 

[JoeWras]

What I'm hearing from you all, and also a friend recently positive, is that it looks like we're back to 5 days being common and typical for incubation

 

[Midpack]

What I'm hearing from you all, and also a friend recently positive, is that it looks like we're back to 5 days being common and typical for incubation

Since I've been scouring CDC Covid info.

• Incubation is 2 to 14 days. In my case it appears incubation was 7 days.
• Once symptoms start (tested or not), isolation is 5 days. I tested negative when symptoms started, but positive two days later. However, I self tested, so I suspect I messed up the test the first time.
• Assuming symptoms have improved, you can leave the house but should wear a mask for another 5 days if you're around others.

There are some variations for vaccinated or not, asymptomatic or not, just exposed with no symptoms, immunocompromised or not, etc.

I had symptoms on 5/28. Based on my status (vaccinated etc.) the CDC says

When can I leave home?

• You can leave your home on June 3, 2022 if your symptoms are improving.
• Wear a well-fitting mask around other people and do not travel through June 7, 2022.

 

[audreyh1]

We were not masked unfortunately...like I said, stupid. For some reason we "assumed" the fact that we kept moving the whole time, except while in two lines briefly, would mean we wouldn't be exposed to any infected person for more than a moment. Again, stupid.

OK, thanks much for clarifying.

 

[Badger]

We’ve continued to wear masks when most people don’t and we’re still very conscious of getting close to strangers - e.g. eat outside at restaurants or well spaced tables only, and standing away from others at stores, etc. We were at the fest for less than an hour, it was hot, and we didn’t know anyone there so we didn’t stop and engage with anyone else. I stood in a short line for food, and a longer one for merch - DW did not. Evidently that’s all it took. Again, I can’t prove this, just my best guess. Definitely my own fault, back to much more caution, but it won’t really diminish quality of life at all.

I'm sorry to hear that after all you have done to try and keep yourself safe Covid caught up to you. I hope the symptoms are minimal and there are no other complications.
Since the beginning and before vaccines we have been strict with our response to Covid much like you have. Our luck is holding as we continue to wear masks everywhere, avoid even small crowds, and don't go indoors except for groceries, and dr appt. Fortunately we like outdoor activities like bike riding, walking on the beach or woods, and tennis. Venues like sports events, concerts, and festivals have not interested us for years. A huge selection of music both past and present is available to stream for listening on the stereo equipment and the 60" TV provides many sports channels of all kinds of sports. It also is great for my wife to play video games. My wife also suggested years ago before we retired to landscape the backyard with a large pergola, garden, and hot tub where we can enjoy the birds and other wildlife while we have breakfast or dinner.
So Far So Good.

Cheers!

 

[Badger]

We’ve continued to wear masks when most people don’t and we’re still very conscious of getting close to strangers - e.g. eat outside at restaurants or well spaced tables only, and standing away from others at stores, etc. We were at the fest for less than an hour, it was hot, and we didn’t know anyone there so we didn’t stop and engage with anyone else. I stood in a short line for food, and a longer one for merch - DW did not. Evidently that’s all it took. Again, I can’t prove this, just my best guess. Definitely my own fault, back to much more caution, but it won’t really diminish quality of life at all.

I'm sorry to hear that after all you have done to try and keep yourself safe Covid caught up to you. I hope the symptoms are minimal and there are no other complications.
Since the beginning and before vaccines we have been strict with our response to Covid much like you have. Our luck is holding as we continue to wear masks everywhere, avoid even small crowds, and don't go indoors except for groceries, and dr appt. Fortunately we like outdoor activities like bike riding and walking on the beach or hiking in the woods. Attending venues like sports events, concerts, and festivals have not interested us for years. A huge selection of music both past and present is available to stream for listening on the stereo equipment and the 60" TV provides many sports channels of all kinds of sports. It also is great for my wife to play video games. My wife also suggested years ago before we retired to landscape the backyard with a large pergola, garden, and hot tub where we can enjoy the birds and other wildlife while we have breakfast or dinner.
So Far So Good.

Cheers!

 

[Alan]

All the best Midpack, I hope you recover quickly and have no long term effects. I don't think you were stupid at all in attending the event where you think you caught it.

 

[Chuckanut]

Hoping you are well soon. I haven’t been to festivals or concerts but have done plenty of other things. I think it’s just a matter of time until we all get it unfortunately.

Given that the Ro is approaching that of chicken-pox and the vaccines for corona virus are not as effective as those for chicken-pox, you are probably right.

 

[Midpack]

I'm sorry to hear that after all you have done to try and keep yourself safe Covid caught up to you. I hope the symptoms are minimal and there are no other complications.
Since the beginning and before vaccines we have been strict with our response to Covid much like you have. Our luck is holding as we continue to wear masks everywhere, avoid even small crowds, and don't go indoors except for groceries, and dr appt. Fortunately we like outdoor activities like bike riding and walking on the beach or hiking in the woods. Attending venues like sports events, concerts, and festivals have not interested us for years. A huge selection of music both past and present is available to stream for listening on the stereo equipment and the 60" TV provides many sports channels of all kinds of sports. It also is great for my wife to play video games. My wife also suggested years ago before we retired to landscape the backyard with a large pergola, garden, and hot tub where we can enjoy the birds and other wildlife while we have breakfast or dinner.
So Far So Good.

Cheers!

Thanks to you and all others on your well wishes, I am certainly much better now 3 days after symptoms first hit, and better each day. Will test again on Friday, fingers crossed. And I'll be back out in the world Monday, but with a mask or distanced around anyone else.

We were more careful than most, but I guess after taking all the recommended precautions and then some, after avoiding Covid for 27 months - we relaxed, and I got bit. I won't be fooled twice, so we're revert to our prior practices, and expect life will be that way for a few more years.

 

[Irishgirlyc58]

I hope you continue to feel better as the days go by.
FWIW- I don’t think you were stupid at all. You went to an event that was outside. You are vaccinated/boosted.
I would have thought it was relatively safe too.

We are planning a trip to Disneyland in a few months and this is a good reminder to wear a mask while there.

It would be nice if they could develop a vaccine that keeps us from getting Covid.
But I know it’s difficult. That’s why public health officials have long been worried about coronaviruses. They are difficult to prevent.

 

[Koolau]

I hope you continue to feel better as the days go by.
FWIW- I don’t think you were stupid at all. You went to an event that was outside. You are vaccinated/boosted.
I would have thought it was relatively safe too.

We are planning a trip to Disneyland in a few months and this is a good reminder to wear a mask while there.

It would be nice if they could develop a vaccine that keeps us from getting Covid.
But I know it’s difficult. That’s why public health officials have long been worried about coronaviruses. They are difficult to prevent.

I really do not understand why, this far into the pandemic, we don't have new, better vaccines. We've put all our eggs in one basket and it appears the basket has a hole in it. I'm very thankful that we have vaccines and that they were developed and produced so rapidly. It's great that we've reduced the mortality dramatically. Still, I'm not hearing of new efforts to get a next generation of vaccines. Maybe I missed it. YMMV

 

[pacergal]

Yep, covid is not going away, just getting sneakier and more contagious!
Hope you recover with no problems.

We continue to mask, all the time, when out and about, but have started going into more stores for shopping anytime, rather than waiting until later in the evening. Avoid eating inside at restaurants, avoid crowds, even outside. I haven't been to the local Saturday Market yet, miss those super fresh fruits and veggies!
Masking here is variable but usually 25-50%
Double boosted and plan to get the annual one if available in the future.

 

[Sojourner]

We were not masked unfortunately...like I said, stupid. For some reason we "assumed" the fact that we kept moving the whole time, except while in two lines briefly, would mean we wouldn't be exposed to any infected person for more than a moment. Again, stupid.

I think the biggest lesson we can all learn from this is, don't hesitate to wear a well-fitted mask in any situation where you're around lots of people. I had been starting to go maskless in places like grocery stores and other large, indoor spaces in recent months, but no more. Being diligent with masking is an easy way to dramatically reduce the risk of catching or spreading this virus. Thanks for sharing this very timely cautionary tale with us, OP.

 

[Midpack]

I think the biggest lesson we can all learn from this is, don't hesitate to wear a well-fitted mask in any situation where you're around lots of people. I had been starting to go maskless in places like grocery stores and other large, indoor spaces in recent months, but no more. Being diligent with masking is an easy way to dramatically reduce the risk of catching or spreading this virus. Thanks for sharing this very timely cautionary tale with us, OP.

That was all I hoped for this thread, thanks. Still way too soon to let your guard down...I learned the hard way.