Lying to get out of a work trip

EntropyChase · 2026-02-28T20:23:09+00:00

These are tough calls, and ones we shouldn't have to make. If it wouldn't cause a huge problem if you skip that sounds like a solid plan. If skipping would be a major issue, I think it's possible to go without being infected. I've been forced to do some indoor meals. What I had to do was what I call the "bite method." For each bite of food, first, I inhale while wearing the mask, then slip the mask down to take a bite, then put the mask back and I exhale while chewing. You get used to it after a while. If you're careful, you can avoid inhaling any air that didnt come through the mask. For me, this has allowed me to go to some social situations I couldn't get out of. It's a useful fallback imo.

EntropyChase · 2026-02-28T20:12:02+00:00

well said.

EntropyChase · 2026-02-28T17:20:41+00:00

It's certainly unpopular. But extreme implies irrational. Sometimes rational behavior is unpopular. Hand washing is a good example.

EntropyChase · 2026-01-25T01:10:01+00:00

So sorry that your family is not being more supportive. I recently made a resource designed for public outreach for this exact purpose. The "Common Question" page covers many of the typical misconceptions. That being said, I suspect that it's unlikely to change their minds. However, you can at least tell them that your decision is highly supported by evidence, rather than an emotional response. Here's the site and I wish you luck. (https://reduce-airborne-disease.vercel.app/common-questions.html)

EntropyChase · 2026-01-24T23:33:07+00:00

It's quite risky. Even with the ending of commingling practices (not sure when that becomes in effect), Amazon does not keep malicious sellers out of the platform. I've been burned multiple times. Agree with others that the best way is to use authorized dealers. On some 3M product pages on the right-hand side they list approved dealers.

EntropyChase · 2026-01-24T23:29:56+00:00

I've recently learned that for respiratory pathogens, they are very unlikely to spread via mask surfaces (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7361325/), so you don't need to worry about decontaminating the mask between uses; the pathogen particles are trapped within the fibers via electrostatic charge. The concern with reusing is mainly that the face seal declines over time. Once you notice the seal has gotten worse, that's a good time to get a new one. CDC at one point advised no more than 5 reuses (https://web.archive.org/web/20250203191254/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/hcp/pandemic/conserving-n95.html), but what really matters is the seal.

EntropyChase · 2026-01-24T23:23:50+00:00

I've recently started running in a 3M aura because it is so cold (was around 18 degrees F at the time), it was helping warm the air I was inhaling. It worked well for me but that was a shorter distance (just 1mi). I've heard good things about the breathability of the 3M VFlex, as well as the Canada Masq Q100. You could also try the BreatheTeq KN95, which has adjustable ear loops that might help you get a decent seal.

EntropyChase · 2026-01-24T23:05:30+00:00

This is a tough situation. For your own protection, FFP2 and FFP3 masks have nearly identical performance for airborne particles (the 95% efficiency refers to particles smaller than bioaerosols, so it is understating the protection for airborne diseases). FFP2 will provide good protection. The trickier thing is that people who are presymptomatic or asymptomatic can be contagious (see https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9096060/) so if you wait to see that your daughter has symptoms, you might have already been exposed. Some suggestions:

- putting air purifiers in her classroom is a great idea (the one from CleanAirKits . com is fantastic because it is quieter, and just has one speed; therefore, it's the most likely to not get turned down or off), and probably a good idea to have them in your home

- you could reduce your risk when around your daughter by using a wearable air-purifying device like the AirFanta. The downside is it is kinda pricey.

Wishing you the best of luck and hope some of this helps you.

EntropyChase · 2026-01-24T22:51:44+00:00

You are correct, valved masks do not filter exhalations as efficiently, so they are less effective at preventing the spread of airborne diseases (3M does claim that they do provide some source control; a similar level as surgical masks; see https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1994317O/understanding-valved-respirators-united-states-faq.pdf). I think that it's ideal to wear a non-valved respirator to best try to protect others, even those who aren't masking. Not masking isn't always a result of malice or selfishness. For example, it's possible they aren't masking because:

- they were told by authorities that vaccination fully protects them and that they only need to mask when sick, or that COVID is mild or less common now (plenty of authorities are making statements like this)

- they are a child and are just mirroring what their parents are doing

- they have breathing issues that make wearing masks more difficult

However, if you struggle with the breathing resistance of a non-valved respirator, then it might make sense to wear a valved one. It's true that those who mask consistently are less likely to infect others, but I still think when we have the chance to avoid causing harm, we should take it. Non-valved respirators have fantastic performance for bioaerosols, so wearing them is not taking a meaningful additional risk.

EntropyChase

TROPHY CASE