Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

In 2020-21, the peak in weekly covid hospitalizations occurred 1/9/21.
In 2021-22, the peak was 1/15/22.
In 2022-23, the peak was 12/31/22.
The peak in weekly covid deaths occurred at the same time in 2020-21 and one week later in 2021-22 and 2022-23, but deaths are a lagging indicator.
Thus, if we follow last year's timetable, we're only a few weeks from the peak.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

The "surge" has been just "one month away" for the last 18 months!

Jan/Feb have been by far the largest surges every year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only ~14% Of U.S. Adults Have Gotten Latest Covid-19 Vaccine Update
What are we in for???

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/11/18/only-14-of-us-adults-have-gotten-latest-updated-covid-19-vaccine/

State data continues to show that the CDC is overestimating uptake of the new 2023-24 covid vaccine. New Mexico is reporting that 5% of its total population had taken the new shot as of Dec 10, based on actual vaccination records. That share includes children who have low vaccination rates, so it's likely that a slightly higher 8% of NM's adult population has taken the new shot. What does the CDC report on its website for New Mexico based on its self-reported NIS phone survey? The CDC says 20% of NM adults had taken the new shot as of Dec 2. The CDC's estimates of new shot uptake are significantly inflated relative to what actual state vaccination records are showing.
https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/covidvaxview/interactive/adult-coverage-vaccination.html

Do you mean that less than 14 percent is the actual percentage???

Anonymous wrote:

When you say you mask, do you mean any time you are out in public? How long do you plan to keep that up? Forever? I just don't understand it. I'm sorry, but I don't. I'm genuinely curious. And how many times have you had Covid?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only ~14% Of U.S. Adults Have Gotten Latest Covid-19 Vaccine Update
What are we in for???

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/11/18/only-14-of-us-adults-have-gotten-latest-updated-covid-19-vaccine/

State data continues to show that the CDC is overestimating uptake of the new 2023-24 covid vaccine. New Mexico is reporting that 5% of its total population had taken the new shot as of Dec 10, based on actual vaccination records. That share includes children who have low vaccination rates, so it's likely that a slightly higher 8% of NM's adult population has taken the new shot. What does the CDC report on its website for New Mexico based on its self-reported NIS phone survey? The CDC says 20% of NM adults had taken the new shot as of Dec 2. The CDC's estimates of new shot uptake are significantly inflated relative to what actual state vaccination records are showing.
https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/covidvaxview/interactive/adult-coverage-vaccination.html

Anonymous wrote:Only ~14% Of U.S. Adults Have Gotten Latest Covid-19 Vaccine Update
What are we in for???

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/11/18/only-14-of-us-adults-have-gotten-latest-updated-covid-19-vaccine/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

The "surge" has been just "one month away" for the last 18 months!

What happened to that pneumonia surge that everyone was panicking about just a few weeks ago?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Getting sick sucks and is so disruptive. A cold, the flu, Covid.

Why are people so willing to be sick?

Do you know what's worse? Living with the extreme precautions that would be necessary to prevent mild illnesses.

Heck, let's imagine a magical world where masks are 100% effective. Hands down, I'd choose covid twice a year over wearing a mask all the time in public. Easily.

DP. Obviously it’s a very individual thing. I don’t mind masks at all. I don’t know why it’s so hard to just say “to each their own.” The vitriol and energy about masking is ridiculous, and such a waste of time. Me wearing a mask does NOT mean I think we are still in 2020 or that Covid is a huge deal. Geez.

I recently completed active cancer treatment and I’m going to mask - I don’t want covid, flu, strep, etc. I don’t give a F what others do - not a teeny, tiny F.

DP - I was a committed masker for at least the first two years of the pandemic. I still mask indoors in crowded situations most of the time. Sometimes, it would be incredibly inconvenient, whether it is going on vacation, being busy at work, an important event, etc., and it's worth it to me to mask to avoid getting sick. My approach also depends on how prevalent COVID and other illnesses are in the community. With so many people sick right now, I'm happy that masking is more normalized. Before the pandemic, I was always sick from Thanksgiving through Christmas while dealing with family and work responsibilities. If wearing masks helps me avoid that, it's a small price to pay from my perspective.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

The "surge" has been just "one month away" for the last 18 months!

What happened to that pneumonia surge that everyone was panicking about just a few weeks ago?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

Thank you. It is so weird that people are downright hateful toward others making choices about their own health.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

The "surge" has been just "one month away" for the last 18 months!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Getting sick sucks and is so disruptive. A cold, the flu, Covid.

Why are people so willing to be sick?

Do you know what's worse? Living with the extreme precautions that would be necessary to prevent mild illnesses.

Heck, let's imagine a magical world where masks are 100% effective. Hands down, I'd choose covid twice a year over wearing a mask all the time in public. Easily.

DP. Obviously it’s a very individual thing. I don’t mind masks at all. I don’t know why it’s so hard to just say “to each their own.” The vitriol and energy about masking is ridiculous, and such a waste of time. Me wearing a mask does NOT mean I think we are still in 2020 or that Covid is a huge deal. Geez.

I recently completed active cancer treatment and I’m going to mask - I don’t want covid, flu, strep, etc. I don’t give a F what others do - not a teeny, tiny F.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the 14% and still have not gotten covid. My family of four all got the booster in November. We had a dinner guest over who tested positive the day after she spent the evening with us. None of us got sick. I'm immunocompromised and work in person (teach) so I figured I would get sick but haven't.

A friend of mine got the original shot only and has gotten covid 3 or 4 times since. She works from home.

I do think covid does a number on folks' immune systems, making it more likely they'll get it again after the first time.

Great anecdote! I on the other hand have only had the original two shots back in Spring '21, and have never had covid. Despite being around my kids who have each had it each twice, coworkers who have had it, and in large packed with hordes of people convention centers many times for my kid's sport.

See how that works?

Right? PP, completely ignorant, says, "I do believe." I had one initial round of Covid vaccines and have never had Covid. I work in an office, grocery shop, go to parties, the mall, travel. And I do not wear a mask, ever. Just like many viruses, including the 1918/19 flu, the virus ripped through the community, killing those who were vulnerable at very high rates. Herd immunity kicked in, the virus mutated, and became endemic. This was going to happen. It always happens, for millennia. The vaccines had nothing to do with it. Biggest scam in history.

The problem with Covid is that it is still mutating into variants that are avoiding previous immunity, so herd immunity cannot happen. The good thing so far has been that the new variants are less virulent and/or previous immunity offers some protection against severe disease.

The fact remains though that an average of 1000 Americans per week are dying of Covid, and that number will increase as we go into the winter. And long Covid is a real thing.

You PP may be like my DH, 2 of his siblings and our oldest DC - so far immune from Covid. All of those people in my family have been living their lives just like you and have numerous stories of being somewhere where everyone else got Covid, but they didn't -- I believe something in their genetics keeps them from getting sick. You should be grateful instead dismissive of the vaccine, which has saved millions of lives.

It will exponentially increase - especially after the holidays. There is a "delayed" effect and people are thinking this year is mild.

Currently, covid hospitalizations are down 33% vs the same time last year. (new weekly hospitalizations 12/9/23 vs 12/10/22)
As of mid-November, covid deaths are down 42% vs the same time last year. (new weekly deaths 11/18/23 vs 11/19/22). (Death figures are slower to come in than hospitalizations.)
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00

Given the seasonal uptick in covid that is seen every winter, it is most appropriate to make year-over-year comparisons. Both current covid hospitalizations and deaths are down notably from last November/December, indicating current Omicron strains remain mild. And these lower hospitalizations/deaths relative to last winter are occurring despite minimal uptake of the new covid booster.

Thank goodness but isn't surge season January?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Getting sick sucks and is so disruptive. A cold, the flu, Covid.

Why are people so willing to be sick?

Do you know what's worse? Living with the extreme precautions that would be necessary to prevent mild illnesses.

Heck, let's imagine a magical world where masks are 100% effective. Hands down, I'd choose covid twice a year over wearing a mask all the time in public. Easily.