Enough to put you off shopping

[rosie1959]

Today was the first time in a large supermarket since March. I rarely go to Aldi but I do like some of their products at Christmas time so thought it will be quiet will nip in and get them.
This poor woman had a hacking cough and was coughing all round the supermarket. Not just once but constantly Needless to say didn’t stay long. Will be giving it a miss for a while
I would have been too embarrassed to go with a cough like that as would be convinced everyone was looking at me

A lot of people are asymptomatic so you’d probably be better avoiding those not coughing to be honest. I imagine most, if not all, people coughing are coughing for a reason other than covid because of the stupid judgemental attitudes like you’ve displayed.

Coughing in the supermarket is now moderately less socially acceptable than doing a poo in the aisle.

I've been at least once at week since March and never seen anyone actually do it (cough that is).

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

But that also shows that people who are coughing for whatever reasons, even long term pre existing conditions, could also unknowingly have Covid. Because they are coughing they will be much more infectious, propelling more virus particles much more forcefully and for a greater distance. Nobody can know that their cough isn’t spreading covid.

What do you suggest we do then, never leave the house just in case?

No, not at all, it is what it is. Just pointing out that people saying their cough is harmless because it isn’t covid may not be correct. Anything that increases projection like coughing, sneezing, singing, shouting increases risk if we happen to unknowingly have a virus.

Just on the dry mouth with a mask, I've got into the habit of popping a Smint every time I put a mask on - the sweetener (can't remember the name) is the one that encourages saliva, and the mint also drowns out the stale breath thing.

I'd rather have a dry mouth and cough than have artificial sweeteners, I need something else to take away the aftertaste! I have found a Murray Mint does the job though!

@Inkpaperstars someone did tell me earlier in the year I shouldn't leave the house!

I went googling for the name of it as I remember a friend being recommended to use smints during chemo - xylitol, worlds apart from aspartame etc @PinkSparklyPussyCat

I avoid everything with sweeteners as they all leave a funny taste but I'll have a look at that, thanks @DameFanny

I’ve experienced this outside and the amount of people with hacking coughs refusing to even cover their mouth is disgusting.

The comment that cev should just stay home, it’s one of this years classics. Cev are at work, and many are customer facing, in schools or front line. I’m cev and you wouldn’t have a clue even if you saw my scars. The cashier may have been cev, or the lady stacking the shelves. This bullshit that we should just stay home is ridiculous, we can’t in many cases! Just stop it!

I will admit to scooting elsewhere if someone coughs, I don’t judge but it does make me anxious. I get very self conscious if I clear my throat so I really feel for those with chronic coughs.

I've started popping a Polo mint in to help with the dry throat but it isn't great.

Where I live (West Yorkshire), I've seen multiple people take their mask down to cough then pull it back up again

@Redcherries

The comment that cev should just stay home, it’s one of this years classics. Cev are at work, and many are customer facing, in schools or front line. I’m cev and you wouldn’t have a clue even if you saw my scars. The cashier may have been cev, or the lady stacking the shelves. This bullshit that we should just stay home is ridiculous, we can’t in many cases! Just stop it!

I will admit to scooting elsewhere if someone coughs, I don’t judge but it does make me anxious. I get very self conscious if I clear my throat so I really feel for those with chronic coughs.

Yes exactly this.

I am / was in the extremely clinically vulnerable group and I have two children that need to go to school, one of them with complex needs and a husband that works in healthcare. Not everyone who is in the vulnerable groups is 90 plus and on their own or in a care home. Peoples misconceptions are vast.