How to protect in a country that a rife

[TyotyaKlava]

Hi all, as my dad died this past Monday I’m flying to my home country on Sunday. The infection rates are high there. I’ll be visiting lots of extended family members. I am double jabbed (astra zeneca). It’s hot there at the moment so no open windows, but aircons everywhere. Apart from masks, hand washing how else I can protect myself from getting COVID? There is not going to be any distancing as I know they will all want to hug and kiss me.
I’m leaving my two young kids here with my husband for two weeks. My dad died and I’m terrified I’m going to die too in there far away from my children 😢
Thanks all

Condolences on losing your dad, the distance must have made the whole thing even harder.

Is there a reason for you to think you'll die from covid? Do you have a condition that makes you vulnerable?

No conditions really. Im 40, 17 st fit and healthy. But so was my dad.

My condolences. I think you need to put your foot down and not hug and kiss everybody. I don't any more. Not because I think I will die but because it is not the best thing to do in a pandemic.

It’s a cultural thing they will do it whether or not I want it. Especially I haven’t seen them in a few years plus they will say their condolences and they will most definitely kiss me. I don’t mind kissing my close relatives but most of them I hardly even know

As a 40 year old fit person your chances of dying are very very low. Beyond doing all the basics - washing your hands, try not to come into close contact with a lot of random people - there isn't a huge amount you can do and you can never guarantee that you won't get it.

Your risk level isn't high. There are plenty of other things that could happen to you that probably won't. That's the only way to look at it really.

If your weight is correct then unfortunately you are at risk of complications should you catch covid.

You know that to reduce risk you need to reduce close contact with people. But others will expect that of you. Can you have a conversation with them before you arrive, and explain that you would love to hug them but you don't want to contract covid, or risk any of them getting it either?

It's such a difficult situation, especially whilst coping with bereavement. Do whatever is best for you and your family.

Sorry I got confused as I use kilograms! It’s 47 kg I.e. 7st4lbs

Just to add my bmi is about 18.

What makes you think you'll die of Covid?

@clarkkentsglasses

What makes you think you'll die of Covid?

I don’t think I’ll die but there is always the possibility. I’m also worried that if I need medical care it won’t be good over there

Get a good quality mask not just a cloth one. Wear a visor to discourage face kissing.

Oh and take a good first aid kit so you can self treat any minor injuries eg insect bites or illness eg immodium so you don’t need medical treatment.

It might sound a bit daft but when hugging move you head to one side and so you’re not breathing in their air, and watch out for anyone with cold type symptoms. Sorry to hear about your dad, it must be very upsetting and a worrying time.

But some FFP3 or N95 respirator face masks, eg from Medisave.co.uk. These are much more effective and you can reuse them for domestic use (ie not a work situation).

See twitter.com/trishgreenhalgh/status/1414300686435631107?s=21

As a 40 year old fit person your chances of dying are very very low

This. Look up the stats.

Plus you’re double jabbed. At this point you’re probably far more at risk from a RTA.

I’m very sorry for your loss.

You’re slim, female (I assume), fully vaccinated, and most importantly you’re much younger than your DF. Your risk from Covid is a small fraction of his. I think you should take reasonable precautions like wearing good quality medical grade masks in public spaces, but don’t worry over much. Personally in your position. I would be willingly embracing relatives if that’s what they wanted.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I have ordered some ffp2 masks for the flights. It’s 20 of them so enough to replace them every day. And will be doing an awkward moving my face away every time a person wants to kiss me lol

I think its quite a natural reaction to worry about your own mortality when a parent dies (and this is without factoring in high Covid levels and travel etc) but you are double jabbed and healthy and young.

I'm sorry about your Dad

If you're flying back before too long would the fact that you'll need a negative Covid test before you can return help keep the huggers at bay?

Or, dare I even think of it, will they think TyotyaKlava will stay longer if she tests positive?

You could order an antibody test which might give you some peace of mind