I'm not particularly stressed about omicron, but I did order some new N95 masks

[captain queeg]

I ordered a box off the internet last year when it was hard to find those kind of items like masks and hand sanitizer. I don’t remember where I got them the box didn’t mention N95 and I’ve always suspected they are sub par. They pretty much match the kinds that many institutions have by their front door for people entering. I’ve also gotten a couple cotton masks since they are more comfortable, but I avoid crowded places and don’t really go out much and am fully vaxed. I’m not worried at present, but it’s starting to look like this whole Covid think is going to be around a long time and figure I’d stock up a little while stuff is available. While it’s looking like omicron is not that dangerous, what about the next variant, or the one after that? Perhaps if we didn’t have such a large contingent of stupid and selfish people we could have stopped Covid by now.

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I use the KN95 masks everyday, but have a few N95 masks in case I feel

that I need more protection. I also have a few face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in my Covid kit. I recently added a home test kit. It's not like I'm hoarding. It all fits in a small craft organizer which keeps it all in one place.

I'm vaxxed and will get my booster this week, but only 50% of my fellow Arkansans can say the same. Cases have been rising sharply since Thanksgiving and I fear its going to be a bad winter.

[dwayneb]

4. KN95 are a good alternative to N95

KN95s are more practical that N95 and more wearable, definitely better than a cloth mask.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a35383193/n95-vs-kn95-mask-differences/

[Arkansas Granny]

7. I had read a similar article. I also find that the KN95 is more comfortable than a cloth mask.

It fits snugly around my chin and cheeks, but doesn't suck up around my mouth and nose when I inhale.

[Johnny2X2X]

2. The disappointment from the media is palpable

The early reports that Omicron might be less dangerous seems to be crushing for the media. Like they were rooting for the end of the world because of all the great ratings it would mean for them.

[captain queeg]

3. Yeah I think you are right. But like I say what about the next one or the one after that

I can see this going on and on. It’s really unprecedented. It seems like if it keeps going we will end up getting a real bad version sooner or later. Kind of makes me think of antibacterial resistant super bugs. We still haven’t seen much of that but we keep getting warned about it happening. We’ve got it exceptional we’ll in this day and age but people have to have something to worry about and it sells.

[dwayneb]

5. Similar to flu

We go through the same thing with flu every year. COVID is the same, we should expect a continual update of vaccines to address the variants. The antiviral medications will be the biggest game changers, we are not hearing much about how these are being used.

[Johnny2X2X]

6. Natural course for viruses is to become less deadly

If Omicron is less deadly but more contagious, it's going to have an evolutionary advantage over Delta.

Covid will never go away, but it will just be like th flu in the coming years. People will get Covid sots with their flu shots going forward indefinitely.

[viva la]

8. I have to fly next week.

Will wear the super mask in the airport and plane.