Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases Face Masks?

I am a long-time Humira user. I have spent on average between a third to a half of each winter with some stage of a cold (getting one, full blown, or lingering cough). Then COVID came around. I’ve worked from home. My husband worked in person in a facility where universal masking was strictly enforced. We have had zero winter colds in three years, and one summer cold after spending considerable time in a tiny old museum with poor ventilation. We continue to mask indoors, and get takeout from restaurants rather than dining in.

We are increasingly the only people wearing masks, or one of a few. I don’t mind in stores. I have my first big in-person work meeting in years coming up, and I fear I’ll be the only one in a mask.

Is anyone else still wearing masks? While I know there are conflicting study results, to me the difference is obvious. No colds in three winters cannot be a coincidence.

I just wish more people wore them in busy indoor places.

Hi Mary Beth,

Your question really resonates with me. I think that if you feel that you are at high risk for severe outcomes, then it makes sense to take precautions.

I'm still wearing mask indoors in public places including markets. I also get a cold every year, except the past three years. I socialize often with my 90 & 94 year old parents, so I try to stay very safe to keep them safe. In addition to mask, I use alcohol hand spray constantly when in public. I did go a week without the hand spray and I caught COVID a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately I didn't expose my parents. paxlovid helped a lot. I still have a cough and some minor issues. Before that I would rarely (when numbers are low) we would go to restaurants and so we are unmasked while at our table. I don't see my parents for 4-5 days and take a home test when we do that.

I suspect that I would not have severe outcomes if I get COVID (again) and treat it, plus I think some socializing is important for my mental health and given the weather and social situations (ie weddings) some of that happens indoors.

it seems the studies I'm familiar with have been consistent on axSpA + TNFs & COVID, we don't show elevated risks. Our risks are similar to the general population (age, and certain health issues such as heart, diabetes, etc.).

Hope that helps.

Thank you, it does. I will add my 80 year old father had heart valve replacement surgery just weeks ago and part of the reason we are still careful is so we can visit them. We test before doing so. I just decided that since they are also at risk that it is best for me to not overthink it and just be careful. Were it not for them I probably would have done some indoor dining at quieter times this winter.

We do many things as long as we can mask indoors. (Museum, shopping, aquarium). In nicer weather we’ve gone to ball games, we went on a beach vacation for a week, zoos, hiking


I feel like I’m in some in-between place, not nearly as careful as we were before vaccines but still more cautious than many.

First, let me say that i believe that everyone needs to do what they need to do for their own circumstances.

My experience is a bit different. I can't breathe in the masks. My pulse-ox drops to 91/92, so I don't wear a mask unless I have to, and then I wear a surgical light weight one. I , too, pre-covid got a cold or 2 a year and then with covid, no colds. But because I wasn't wearing a mask, I think it was due to the 3 other things I was doing. Washing my hands more/ being mindful where i touch, not being around lots of people, and physical distancing ( I still keep my 3" personal bubble when out and about). When I get my infusion I have to wear a mask as its a cancer center, and I fully comply happily.

I do see people masking regularly when I am out shopping. So don't feel like you're the only one.