Anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers are often the same people

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

I'm in lots of different facebook groups and follow lots of pages connected to various hobbies and music interests.

I've seen a distinct correlation between ant-vaxxers and those objecting to masks. Is it just an anomaly or are other people finding the same?

[Destroyedpeople]

I suppose it depends on the nature of the groups you belong to. I don't really see stuff like that as I don't belong to any anti vaxxer groups or similar.

[NameChange564738]

Not quite true, I’m an anti masker BUT I’ll do my bit by avoiding situations that require a mask.. AND IM CERTAINLY NOT AN ANTIVAXXER😃

[TennisButterfly]

I don't think so, some might be but the reasons people are anti-vax are usually to do with chemicals causing harmful side effects and believing in natural cures/treatments if the get sick.
I think most anti-maskers are worried about breathing issues, people not using mask hygienically or anxiety related.
There probably is a cross over of those who think it is to do with government control, removing freedom etc but I would think that is a minority that just like to argue against the government in any situation.

[SirSamuelVimesBlackboardMonito]

I do t like seeing masks, don't want to wear a mask (haven't yet) and will minimise the shopping I do to avoid having to wear one. I don't think they are effective, especially in the case of the 'make it from an old t shirt' or paper disposable type. Masks as chin hammocks are worse than useless and incorrect use of masks like this is more likely to transmission infection. I also have concerns about the drop in blood oxygen levels caused by wearing a mask, especially in children.

So, pretty comprehensively anti mask.

I and my children are fully vaccinated. I think vaccinations are one of the best things the human race has come up with.

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

The groups I'm in are an eclectic mix which was what prompted the question. Basically rock and folk music. Crafting, history and film

The ones I've seen seem to demonstrate a lack of care for the wider community. I don't want to, so I won't and bugger you and yours.

I can see from the replies that not everyone feels the same but vaccination saves lives and prevents the spread of disease.

Wearing a mask prevents the spread of Covid and also saves lives.

Why would anyone not do that?

Fair enough to avoid situations because you don't like them but the refusers are endangering the wider public.

[Fatted]

Nope. I am an anti-masker. Well not a militant one. I just get very frustrated with the fact that we have been allowed to wonder around for the last four months, going out and spreading our germs to all, only to be told now that we need a mask. Coronavirus was so deadly a few months ago we had to shut the entire country down. Now the government can't be arsed with paying people to be off work, we are suddenly told all we need to stop coronavirus is a scarf over your face.

I will probably wear one if I need to go to the Supermarket that I've been to every week for the last four months without a mask on. Or do anything else essential that I've been able to do for the last four months without one on. But I won't be wandering round ikea or all of the other nonessential stuff people on here have been complaining about other people not wearing masks at.

I am not an anti vaxer. Far from it. But I understand the scientific reasoning behind the need for vaccines. The order on masks just feels like a pathetic political ploy to get the country back up and running.

[ShesMadeATwatOfMePam]

I'm an anti masker but I'm the direct opposite of an anti vaxxer.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

I also have concerns about the drop in blood oxygen levels caused by wearing a mask, especially in children.

There have been a few doctors disproving this and showing that wearing a mask does not decrease oxygen levels.

[NothingIsWrong]

@BeingATwatItsABingThing

I also have concerns about the drop in blood oxygen levels caused by wearing a mask, especially in children.

There have been a few doctors disproving this and showing that wearing a mask does not decrease oxygen levels.

Because everyone reacts exactly the same. Got it.

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

The advice on masks has changed over the months. DS1 (research scientist) thinks they were always a good idea but the public were discouraged because there wouldn't be enough for the emergency services.

If it stops the spread, then they should be worn everywhere where large groups of people gather. Shops, schools, trains etc.

[ButterMeCrumpets]

Pro vaccinations.

Anti mandatory mask (not anti mask because people have the right to wear one but I wish the government hadn't taken my right away to not wear one).

[firstimemamma]

I find it funny that anyone who complains even the tiniest bits about the masks is branded dramatically as an 'anti-masker'.

[NothingIsWrong]

@DomDoesWotHeWants

The advice on masks has changed over the months. DS1 (research scientist) thinks they were always a good idea but the public were discouraged because there wouldn't be enough for the emergency services.

If it stops the spread, then they should be worn everywhere where large groups of people gather. Shops, schools, trains etc.

In schools is a terrible idea. The amount of non verbal communication needed to teach effectively is huge and masks would be a significant impediment.

I can understand why they are mandated elsewhere, but I'll just avoid those places and not spend money

[VenusClapTrap]

I only know one anti vaxxer, and she is also a vocal anti masker.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

@NothingIsWrong

www.google.com/amp/s/www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/does-wearing-face-mask-increase-co2-levels%3famp=true

Basically, as long as you don’t have a serious condition that makes breathing difficult already, you’ll be fine.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

@firstimemamma

I find it funny that anyone who complains even the tiniest bits about the masks is branded dramatically as an 'anti-masker'.

I hate wearing my mask. It’s uncomfortable and steams my glasses up. I wear it because it’s safer. I’m not an antimasker.

I hate getting/my DD getting vaccinations. They aren’t pain free and cause discomfort for several days sometimes. We still vaccinate because it’s safer. I’m not an antivaxxer.

It’s not about the people who are whinging but getting on with it. It’s the people refusing to wear them when there is no medical reason for them not to.

[Pregnantandredundant]

I don’t think it’s the same sets of people, but both anti vaxers and anti maskers are just a bit thick.

There’s so much scientific research that shows how effective masks are, and how they don’t reduce O2 levels. God knows why the government has left it until now to make them compulsory.

[NothingIsWrong]

[quote BeingATwatItsABingThing]@NothingIsWrong

www.google.com/amp/s/www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/does-wearing-face-mask-increase-co2-levels%3famp=true

Basically, as long as you don’t have a serious condition that makes breathing difficult already, you’ll be fine.[/quote]
You can't dictate how people react. There is a huge psychological component to mask wearing and people may feel that they can't breathe even if in reality it's not true.

Telling someone that of course they are getting enough oxygen won't stop their brain panicking and making them feel breathless. I have panic attacks and one of the main issues is that I feel like I can't breathe. Even when I can. I personally don't have a problem with masks and would wear one if essential, but telling people that they are obviously fine because science says so won't overule their brain if it's telling them different.

[Sittinonthefloor]

I think vaccines are great.
I’m sceptical about masks. I feel like crying every time I see someone in one, it’s such a sinister look and a jarring reminder of the crappy situation. Most people aren’t wearing them properly & I bet loads of people just reuse the same one without washing it in between. I agree that the reason we weren’t encouraged to wear them at first is because there weren’t enough - annoying but logical response from govt imo. But there have been enough for a while. I’ll wear one if I have too but I won’t be going on any shopping trips. I find them really horrible to wear - physically and emotionally. I’m a secondary teacher and it does seem odd that I won’t be wearing one at school - in a room with 100+ people a day for an hour at a time but I have to for a quick stop at a till (that has a screen). I don’t think I could teach properly in a mask though.
In short I think complaining about masks is very understandable- they are horrid! But I understand why it makes sense to wear them. The under the chin maskers give me the rage tho!

[GalesThisMorning]

There is definitely a 'type'. My personal liberty and comfort trumps all else type. Its selfish and they often seem unhinged. No one likes wearing a mask. No one wants to see their 3 month get jabbed in the leg and cry. Most of us do it because we are aware that as members of a society we need to do these things to protect others, and hope that others do the same to protect us.

The hysteria and drama is annoying though. The claims of I can't, I won't, how dare they try to make meeeee.... arggh grow up!

[Stuffofawesome]

My manager is both. Unfortunately we work with extremely vulnerable clients . He and his wife every much "because we don't want to " but also posting lots of trump style crap on FB. Utterly unprofessional and if I were one of our clients seeing that I would not trust our organisation to keep you safe

[MarshaBradyo]

I don’t think so generally but personally I am

Pro-vaccination
Ok with face covering in shops / transport but short periods and washed rather than dumped
Less so in schools due to number of hours and fiddling by children / teens

[MarshaBradyo]

Finally can’t wait to move on from them entirely when we are through this

[Sittinonthefloor]

The difference between vaccines and masks is that vaccines stop YOU getting a disease but masks require a ‘sacrifice’ to help OTHER people. I don’t think they are entirely the same groups of people. I don’t knowingly know any antivaxers though.

[VikingVolva]

I also have concerns about the drop in blood oxygen levels caused by wearing a mask

I think this is where the common point between those arguing against vaccines and against the wearing of masks meet.

It is the wilful ignoring of identification evidence of safety. There are reams of evidence which show that oxygenation has been studied and there just isn't a reduction. But the myth persists (just like vaccine myths)

I am hopeful however that it's just a reaction be being told to,do something, and after a bit of grumbling, people will just do it. Once everyone does, perhaps the telling of myths will reduce or even die out