Call me crazy, but I'm still wearing a mask when traveling and I'm not getting sick

Last month I started calling myself The Crazy Lady, the one still wearing a mask. I said it in jest, but I was serious, too. In airports, on planes, on public transportation, in crowded places, or – eeek – if somebody was sneezing or coughing near me, on went my mask and I’d step away if I could.

I wear the Crazy Lady badge proudly. Why? I am really enjoying not getting sick! And it turns out science supports this stance they now call “strategic masking” because of the added protection it offers.

I hated wearing masks after being forced to don them during the Covid pandemic. And I'm quite sure most of you reading this hated wearing them too. Masks became a permanent -- yes, also dreaded -- part of all our lives. And when the requirements to wear them in public spaces such as planes, stores, and meetings was lifted, we all rejoiced. Myself included. 

That’s me, Crazy Lady to the left, and my husband Michael, all masked up and getting ready to board public transit in Europe where most everyone else is NOT wearing a mask.

Since then, though. I’ve returned to masking when I’m traveling, such as on planes, public transit, in crowded public spaces. Or, if somebody around me is sneezing, coughing or otherwise obviously ill. This for me is not just about COVID, but about flu, RSV or other bugs. Not getting sick is awesome, plain and simple. Suffering from bronchial or sinus infections, blowing my nose incessantly, not being able to sleep from coughing, or not being able to do fun stuff while traveling or when I return home is just not a good time – on that I think we can all agree.

Such a small step and I’m the Crazy Lady taking it.

Masking is de rigueur in many Asian countries. I recall traveling through or to China or Japan in the past and seeing countless numbers of people wearing masks. I wondered to myself, are they sick and protecting others, or are they protecting themselves from others? Both, it seems. It’s considered simply polite to keep your germs to yourself – I sure wish more Westerners would think about that. I’m not asking anyone to wear masks all the time like we did during the pandemic, but if you are sick, dang it, be considerate and put on your mask if you must go out.

I was recently at a meeting for a week with about 80 people. We sat in meeting rooms next to each other and on buses going to and from other locations. I had traveled there (wearing a mask on the plane) but wearing a mask while on our shuttle buses or in meetings seemed out of place and awkward. So, I did another Crazy Lady thing, quietly and without any big to-do: If I noted someone within the group was likely nursing an illness (oh, the signs are so obvious), I’d quite carefully choose tables at meals or chairs in meetings to avoid this person. I also realized we were in a room without great ventilation, so I always chose a seat at a far end that allowed me space to “escape” or stand in the back if needed – i.e., away from any of those nasty sneezes and coughs. Oh, and on buses? I was either in the front seat behind the driver (who invariably had his window open, thank you) or in the very back away from most people.

And guess what? I returned from this trip 100% well and unscathed, ready to go out and have fun again and live my life. Turns out several people there did test positive for COVID and quite a few others got sick as the week progressed or reported getting ill afterward.

Me, I stayed happily healthy. And staying healthy is worth often being the loner wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded places when traveling. And though I am sure I get more than a few odd stares, I'm also very happy doing the Crazy Lady dance and dodge in rooms and public spaces to avoid people with sniffles, sneezes and coughs who apparently aren't making protecting the health of others a priority.

Yes, you can call me Crazy Lady. And I'm fine with the label. Because I have learned that getting sick when traveling is not a mandate. That's one thing I can thank the Covid pandemic for teaching me.

— Story by Therese Iknoian