I just returned from a trip to NYC and back.
Covid-19 has a new variant called “Stratus”. It follows the “Nimbus” variant from earlier this summer (2025). Both are known for giving the person suffering from the illness, a “Razor Blade Throat”. No matter what, there are variants going around that could get you sick, and so as I traveled on different forms of transportation, I masked. What I immediately noticed is that almost nobody else did.
Being my Masters Degree was about dealing with Covid-19 and the aftermath of the Pandemic, I am a more knowledgeable person, in regard to how masking helps keep you safer. For the most part, I use a cloth mask, and I know it is not the best one, but it does a few things. People avoid me (which is so good), and in addition, I tend to hold my breath when someone coughs near me, or I pass the showers at the gym, when people are using it. Little things that help keep me safe.
On this particular trip, I traveled multiple places via public transportation, some of which were trains. A bus (Van Nuys Flyaway), an airport (LAX), another airport (EWR), an air train (Newark), a train (NJ Transit), a train (LIRR), an air train (JFK), and finally, a rental car. Then I did it all in reverse, when I departed NYC area. It was brutal, and took several hours to accomplish. It looks like I might have managed to make it through the entire experience, Covid-19 free (currently 5 days post trip, without symptoms).
I have not been vaccinated since last December, so I am due for a shot, but since it has been delayed until October, I traveled without a current one. On top of this trip, I have another trip coming up, and will do the same. May my Husband and I, make it through safely.
