“Mask Fatigue Is Real” — But Can We Really Ditch Them Yet? Expert Answers It For You

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If there's one item that has overstayed its welcome in our daily lives, it's the humble mask. What started as a necessary layer of protection has slowly become a source of eye rolls, muffled conversations, and that universal moment of panic when you realise you've left it in the car. For many people, 'mask fatigue' is now part of the vocabulary, right up there with Zoom burnout and revenge travel.

But while most of us are tempted to toss the mask into the deepest drawer and never look back, the real question is: can we actually afford to ditch them yet? We spoke to Dr Manjunath PH, Consultant - Interventional Pulmonologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, who explained mask fatigue and what you can do about it.

Why Mask Fatigue Feels So Real

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Over the last few years, masks have become second nature. And yet, the very thing that kept us safe has also brought along a few side effects. Here are some of them listed by Dr Manjunath:

• Breathing feels heavier during long commutes or crowded days.
• Skin irritation has turned 'maskne' into an unwanted trend.
• Communication struggles, from muffled speech to missing half a smile, have made simple interactions oddly exhausting.
• And of course, the fogged-up glasses that have driven millions to adjust their eyewear fifty times an hour.

So yes, mask fatigue isn't imagined; it's a genuine result of prolonged behavioural change and the emotional weight that came with it.

But Here's the Catch: The Risk Isn't Over

Even though hospitalisations and large outbreaks have reduced, viruses haven't signed a peace treaty with humanity. COVID-19 variants continue to circulate. "Flu seasons are sharper in some years. And every now and then, clusters of respiratory infections remind us that our air isn't always as clean as we'd like to believe," explained Dr Manjunath.

"The bigger concern is that many people now have weaker immunity to certain seasonal viruses simply because we weren't exposed to them for a long stretch during the pandemic years. So while the urge to stop masking is understandable, the context matters, he added."

When You Can Safely Skip the Mask

You don't need a mask glued to your face all day, every day. There are plenty of realistic situations where going mask-free is absolutely fine:

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Open outdoor spaces with good ventilation
Small gatherings with trusted people
Exercise routines in well-aired environments
Short errands in spacious stores during non-peak hours
In these settings, your risk is naturally lower, and wearing a mask can feel unnecessarily restrictive.

When a Mask Still Makes Sense

There are, however, times when keeping a mask handy is a smart adult decision, kind of like carrying an umbrella during monsoon season:

• Crowded indoor spaces like malls, theatres, and metros
• Hospitals or clinics, where infection density is naturally higher
• When you're unwell, even if it's just a mild cough
• Around young children or older adults with weaker immunity
• During seasonal flu waves or sudden city-wide spikes

Think of masks now as situational gear, something you use when the moment calls for it, rather than a permanent fixture.

A Quick Reality Check

"If you've been healthy for months, the temptation to drop masks entirely will be strong. But an unexpected viral fever, a sudden cough before a big event, or a child falling sick right before exams can quickly remind you that small precautions still have value," said Dr Manjunath.

Masks are no longer symbols of fear. They're practical tools, much like hand sanitisers, seatbelts, or mosquito repellent. You don't need them all the time, but you're glad to have them when you do.

The Way Forward

Dr Manjunath concluded, "We're in a more comfortable space than we were before, but the smarter approach lies somewhere in the middle, not strict masking, not total abandonment, but thoughtful use. Mask fatigue is absolutely real, and it's okay to feel tired of it. But keeping one in your bag or pocket, and wearing it in high-risk situations, is still a small but powerful act of self-care. And if that means fewer sick days, fewer clinic runs, and fewer last-minute cancellations, it's a trade-off most of us can live with."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.