What's with the surgical masks?

Been very sick, which has meant numerous trips to the doctor's office, where I have seen a very peculiar thing. Several times, I've seen patients (usually kids, pre-teens) being directed to don surgical masked in the doctor's office, as they presumably have something contagious -- but I see the same kid at Wal-Mart an hour later, wandering among the masses mask-less.
Why do they require these patients to wear a mask in the office -- and then let them leave WITHOUT one to spread the germs of whatever it is they have all over town?
I find that somewhat peculiar -- but I would have to guess the masks are to protect the staff, and NOT the general public.
Wonder if any medical people could respond.

...should say "don surgical masks," not "masked."

Hmm. I haven't witnessed that yet.

folks don't need to mask up at walmart... they can be themselves and let their hair down.

BeckyKnapp wrote:

Been very sick, which has meant numerous trips to the doctor's office, where I have seen a very peculiar thing. Several times, I've seen patients (usually kids, pre-teens) being directed to don surgical masked in the doctor's office, as they presumably have something contagious -- but I see the same kid at Wal-Mart an hour later, wandering among the masses mask-less.
Why do they require these patients to wear a mask in the office -- and then let them leave WITHOUT one to spread the germs of whatever it is they have all over town?
I find that somewhat peculiar -- but I would have to guess the masks are to protect the staff, and NOT the general public.
Wonder if any medical people could respond.

If you are being seen for symptoms my doctor's office asks you to put a mask on upon entering the office.

sorry...I left out "flu" symptoms.

Foul breaths

young guy wrote:

Foul breaths

That's FUNNY!

TWTL wrote:

<quoted text>
If you are being seen for symptoms my doctor's office asks you to put a mask on upon entering the office.

But to protect who -- the staff? If it's the public (i.e., other patients), why aren't they wearing masks when they're traipsing around Wal-Mart an hour after seeing the doctor?
Just think it's peculiar.

The medical staff needs to stay well to handle the patients that are sick and making patients with flu symptoms wear masks is probably mandatory if they want to wait to see the Doctor in the waiting room. Next you'll see the pagers * like at Olive Garden handed out and people sitting in their cars.
What you expect the parents to use good judgement and make the kids wear masks everywhere?
Nice thought but it isn't going to happen.

BeckyKnapp wrote:

<quoted text>
But to protect who -- the staff? If it's the public (i.e., other patients), why aren't they wearing masks when they're traipsing around Wal-Mart an hour after seeing the doctor?
Just think it's peculiar.

When I went to the doctor with flu symptoms, I was asked to don a mask upon entering to protect "anyone" in the office. Even though she did a pharyngeal swab to test for it, she was pretty certain that I didn't have H1N1, so it wasn't necessary to continue wearing a mask outside the office. Even if that kid did have the flu, there's no one, besides the parent, who could enforce keeping the kid at home or wearing a mask out in public. He probably went to the doctor with symptoms, but s/he determined it wasn't the flu, after all.

TWTL wrote:

<quoted text>
When I went to the doctor with flu symptoms, I was asked to don a mask upon entering to protect "anyone" in the office. Even though she did a pharyngeal swab to test for it, she was pretty certain that I didn't have H1N1, so it wasn't necessary to continue wearing a mask outside the office. Even if that kid did have the flu, there's no one, besides the parent, who could enforce keeping the kid at home or wearing a mask out in public. He probably went to the doctor with symptoms, but s/he determined it wasn't the flu, after all.

This is the first year I've ever seen them putting masks on the patients -- but it's also the first year I've seen them require EVERYONE to use hand sanitizer before they're allowed to go back to an exam room. You and I use the same doctor's office, so you know that, too. And I'm noticing that a lot of places are making hand sanitizer available now. Went to Kmart the other day, and they had a big container of hand sanitizer when you walked in the door.(Unfortunately -- it was empty, so it kind of defeated the purpose -- but I, like many people now, I'm sure, carry hand sanitizer in my purse, and I use it ... a LOT.)
Probably a good idea. Somebody should have thought of this before.

TWTL wrote:

<quoted text>
When I went to the doctor with flu symptoms, I was asked to don a mask upon entering to protect "anyone" in the office. Even though she did a pharyngeal swab to test for it, she was pretty certain that I didn't have H1N1, so it wasn't necessary to continue wearing a mask outside the office. Even if that kid did have the flu, there's no one, besides the parent, who could enforce keeping the kid at home or wearing a mask out in public. He probably went to the doctor with symptoms, but s/he determined it wasn't the flu, after all.

How on earth did you fit the medical mask over the mask that you need to wear, so your big kisser doesn't scare the rest of society?

My doctor's office has surgical masks but they are not requiring patients to wear them. The nurse explained that they are available for those patients who are there for routine checkups and such, and want to avoid getting sick by coming in contact with flu patients. I think it's a smart idea for those who want to avoid getting sick while at the doctor's for a physical, etc.

I've long been an advocate that such masks should be mandatory for all ugly people.

Biff wrote:

<quoted text>
How on earth did you fit the medical mask over the mask that you need to wear, so your big kisser doesn't scare the rest of society?

Hahahahaha good one biff, but if those two yahoos have to wear a mask whenever they leave their dens, it would improve BUSINESS FOR THE MASK MAKERS....hope they make those things here in the states, we could buy stock in it and make a few bucks. LMAO (You know the yahoos I mean don't you?)

twtls mask is shaped like calipigs buttocks

If it was biff that was a dental dam, for which the reason as as obvious as,..well, you know what.

Stu Pedaso wrote:

If it was biff that was a dental dam, for which the reason as as obvious as,..well, you know what.

Hey Stup, sorta pissy today aren't you? What happened, your boy friend break his promise and do the popshot in your mouth anyway.

BeckyKnapp wrote:

Been very sick, which has meant numerous trips to the doctor's office, where I have seen a very peculiar thing. Several times, I've seen patients (usually kids, pre-teens) being directed to don surgical masked in the doctor's office, as they presumably have something contagious -- but I see the same kid at Wal-Mart an hour later, wandering among the masses mask-less.
Why do they require these patients to wear a mask in the office -- and then let them leave WITHOUT one to spread the germs of whatever it is they have all over town?
I find that somewhat peculiar -- but I would have to guess the masks are to protect the staff, and NOT the general public.
Wonder if any medical people could respond.

Becky, we may not agree on much, but I do hope you feel better soon and whatever you have isn't too serious.
I've been loading up on Vitamin C, about 1,000 mg/day for the past 2 years and haven't had so much as a cold... til today. Now I'm trying to keep it at bay with more C and zicam. Not too bad yet.
Hope things get better for you.