First time commuting in a while

[jumpingjohnny]

Starting a new job tomorrow. I've not had to commute on the trains for nearly 20 years. Just wanted to use the MN hive mind...

I have a cold (of course, perfect timing for a new job). Has London caught up with Japan etc. yet and are people wearing masks on public transport when ill or will I look like a nob?

DM says she sees people in masks on public transport.
DH says I'll stand out but it doesn't really matter cuz it's public transport, there'll be worse!

You'll probably be the only person in a mask. But that's OK.

In my experience, travelling into London on a mainline and using the tubes and busses…
If you have a cold and you wear a mask to or in London you will stick out like a sore thumb and be possibly the only person. Personally I don’t judge and most people commuting mind their own business, but some people might judge or stare. Not that that matters, I’m just being honest.

Have you considered the flu jab this year? I do since commuting into London. Personal choice.

I think so long as you’re not sneezing into people, you have tissues and can manage your symptoms discretely most people won’t even notice you’re unwell. Commuters generally keep themselves to themselves. It’s only if you have a genuine emergency, and then you’ll find us commuters to be a very friendly bunch. Nobody wants drama we’re all just trying to get to work.

I see people in masks on the tube and I live in a city that has a large population of East Asian students and masks in winter aren't that unusual - saw lots of them before covid too. Just make sure you have tissues and a drink if water to help with any coughing. No one likes a train sniffer!

I see a couple of people wearing masks on my regular journey - the same ones over time so they are actively choosing, not just temporarily. I don't give it much thought and I certainly don't stare or think they stick out like a sore thumb as pp say.

And if you are visibly or audibly coldy, people will probably appreciate the gesture, even though the re-start of school means bugs are rampant right now.

In short, as Alexi Rose says, "nobody cares David!"

Have a great first day!

Thank you.

It was a non-issue as I felt completely fine this morning!