Type 1 Can somebody please please answer this question?

[kevinmartinuk_]

I am Kevin a type 1 diabetic for 12 years aged 51. I am currently using the Freestyle Libre and so happy it was made available on the NHS. My question relates to the current Covid-19 crisis. Now the lockdown is being relaxed I need to go back to work gardening with a friend of mine. So to avoid my estimated 70% chance of death should I contract the virus I need a mask. The masks needed for diabetics should be the N95 ffp3 or ffp2 variety.
These are avaialble on some diabetes websites. Here are my questions :

1. Are you buying these masks and if not what precautions are you taking?
2. How are you checking that these masks are genuine and not fake?
3. Are all the N95 ffp3 & 2 masks single use only?
4. Is it not possible to use them again by spraying or washing them with sanitiser?
5. What N95 ffp3 mask have you found to be the best and the cheapest and where can I purchase them?

Thank you in advance for answering my questions, please all take care and stay incredibly safe.

 

[becca59]

I would personally say that in working outdoors in that type of job, social distancing should be easy. Perfect job really. Washing/sanitising your hands regularly should be your priority.
We have been asked not to purchase items that are for medical staff. The amount of people I see on TV fiddling with masks and then touching their face is ridiculous. Far more dangerous than not wearing one at all.

 

[Brunneria]

Where do you get an estimated chance of death of 70%?

I think you may find this thread rather illuminating
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/covid-coronavirus-and-diabetes-the-numbers.174274/
It puts the recent media hysteria into proportion and explains why people are often interpreting their personal risk as much higher than it actually is.

You are still young. And if you are fit and active enough to work as a gardener, outside, are not obese, do not smoke, and do not have the significant co-morbidities that would have got you a Shielding letter and stopped you going to work completely, then it is HIGHLY unlikely that you have a 70% chance of death. Indeed, working outside, with appropriate social distancing, should be excellent protection from infection. Just don't share a car or van cab with your co-worker on the way to the job.

Personally, I am only wearing a mask when I go into enclosed spaces such as shops or public transport - and I continue to avoid those places, where practical.