Travel plans go awry when masking up isn’t an option

I have Cushing’s disease, so I always travel with a mask. That’s because whenever I’ve gotten sick with something like COVID-19 or norovirus, it’s taken me out for weeks and posed great risk to my health. Even a common cold has landed me in bed for several days.

That doesn’t mean I’m always wearing a mask. But I do mask up frequently, especially if I’m in a hospital, on a plane, at a concert, or in any venue with a big crowd.

Most people have stopped masking up these days, which I think is a big mistake. Masks prevent illnesses from spreading. I suspect that when some people hear anyone say, “Please mask up,” they think it means you have to constantly wear a mask, which isn’t the case. I’d say it’s important to wear a mask when you’re sick or with a large group of people. But considering the looks I get when I wear a mask, I’d settle for “Don’t judge me for wearing a mask, and wear one when you feel ill.”

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Last week, I traveled to Peru for a wedding and ended up with horrible altitude sickness. I spent the first few days throwing up, and my stomach was still aching days later. I’m also pregnant, so I have nausea and fatigue from that, too.

By the time we headed home — which entailed flights from Cusco to Lima, Lima to Atlanta, and Atlanta to Detroit — I couldn’t tolerate anything being on my face. Just the smell of a mask made me want to throw up. If you’re sick before getting on a plane, airline staff can choose not to let you on, so I was terrified of throwing up and not making our flights.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, I hadn’t boarded a plane without a mask. But this time I had to prevent myself from throwing up and feeling nauseous while fighting altitude sickness. I spent most of the three flights doubled over, trying to ease my stomach discomfort.

Yet despite my reasoning, not wearing a mask was a mistake. At home I developed a terrible cold and have spent the past few days full of congestion and constantly coughing. I’m not angry with myself, because I was in an impossible situation and did my best. These types of complications happen. That being said, I think it highlights the importance of wearing a mask when you’re sick. You never know how badly you could affect someone if you don’t.

As a tip for the future, I’m keeping a bit of fragrant oil in my everyday bag, which I can apply to my masks if I ever find myself in this situation again.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.