Wearing mask during flu season

Davey Do · Jan 4, 2017

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to breath easier.

Welcome to AN.com, Nurse Vinnie!

Some things that help me to breathe easier are products like Traditional Medicinals's great tea called Breathe Easy. Eucalyptus is another great tea. Try some mentholated cough drops like Hall's or something similarly generic.

Easy breathing to you, Nurse Vinnie!

AJJKRN · Jan 4, 2017

Is there any way to vent/tent the sides of the mask so you're not rebreathing your own CO2?

This is my best off the top of my head, not sure if it's even possible to be retaining in your mask, suggestion that I can think of.

Wuzzie · Jan 4, 2017

Is there any way to vent/tent the sides of the mask so you're not rebreathing your own CO2?
This is my best off the top of my head, not sure if it's even possible to be retaining in your mask, suggestion that I can think of.

I think that kind of defeats the purpose of being masked.

quazar · Jan 4, 2017

Well, here's a dumb question (meaning dumb on my part): have you seen someone in employee health to ask about proper mask fitting? I don't know if that even applies in this situation, but they do the respiratory fit tests, etc., so I wonder if they could help you find a better fitting "everyday use" mask?

I also think the suggestion of Eucalyptus or cough drops was a good one. Maybe a drop of concentrated peppermint oil? Peppermint is a natural anti-emetic and might help you feel like you are breathing more "open" air.

I'm so sorry you're in such a rotten situation, but I do commend you and appreciate your compliance and protection of your coworkers and patients. :up:

AJJKRN · Jan 4, 2017

I think that kind of defeats the purpose of being masked.

The type of mask that the OP is talking about should not be an airborne mask like an N92 that has to be properly and snugly fitted by employee health, just one that fits well enough to prevent the spread of droplets from either the patient or the nurse in about a three feet radius to my knowledge.

I would assume that the front of the mask would do that job even if the area around the top of the nose or the sides weren't as snug for better ventilation as long as the mask was spread over the mouth and nostril areas effectively.

Im just curious about ways to get better ventilation even though the masks like these at my work are pretty thin and I thankfully have never had this issue.

Anyone from employee health or ID out there to advise?

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

Maybe post on the OR nurses thread, they practically live in masks.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

I am allergic to the flu shot and many of you know I have to wear a mask.

You have just joined AN and this is your first post. How would "many of us" know this about you?

I work OR and wear a mask the majority of the time I'm working. The masks are designed to let adequate air in, so if you are feeling faint, I suspect this is more psychological than pathological. That doesn't invalidate your problem, but maybe at intervals you go take 30 seconds to pull down your mask and do some calm, deep breathing. Try different masks that might be available at your facility and see if some feel better to you than others.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

You have just joined AN and this is your first post. How would "many of us" know this about you?

I took it to mean that it's pretty standard to either get the shot or wear a mask. Since she can't get the shot, many of us would understand that this means mask.

Aunt Slappy · Jan 4, 2017

Have you talked to an allergist to see if there is any version of the flu shot you can take? Example: I have a family member that is allergic to the preservatives in some versions, but there is a preservative-free alternative.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

Have you talked to an allergist to see if there is any version of the flu shot you can take? Example: I have a family member that is allergic to the preservatives in some versions, but there is a preservative-free alternative.

This is a good idea. Also, new intradermal vaccines use such smaller quantities, maybe that would be tolerable?

I had allergic reactions to flu vaccine in the past but was very set against masking all season. Thankfully I was able to tolerate it retrialling it with premeditation. I'm not saying to so this- but maybe another option to discuss with your doctor.

In the mean time- try and take 30 second breathers as you can in the break room.

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2017

Have you talked to an allergist to see if there is any version of the flu shot you can take? Example: I have a family member that is allergic to the preservatives in some versions, but there is a preservative-free alternative.

It does depend on the type of reaction as well. Some are merely side effects and some are an allergic reaction.

If it was simply mild rash/hives, you can get the flu shot and wait for awhile at the physician's office to see if there is any reaction and then be treated for the reaction.

Most reaction to the flu shot are mild and you can still get the shot.

Most flu vaccines are made using eggs, so they could cause a reaction in people with an egg allergy.

In the past, the CDC advised many people with an egg allergy to avoid getting the flu vaccine. But now, the CDC says that most people with egg allergies can safely get the flu vaccine.
Whether you can receive the flu vaccine or not depends on how severe your egg allergy is. If you've only had hives as a reaction to eggs, you can get any flu vaccine that's otherwise safe for you. If you've had other symptoms from eggs, such as swelling or lightheadedness, you should only get the flu vaccine from a healthcare provider who's trained to handle an allergic response. But if you've ever had a severe reaction to eggs, the recommendation is that you should still not get the flu vaccine.
If you have an egg allergy, talk to your doctor. They can tell you if the flu vaccine is a safe option for you.