earlier this week i had an appointment with my physiotherapist. as usual, i had booked the first appointment of the day, and, as usual, i arrived before her. when she showed up, she directed me to the treatment room, mentioned that she would be getting a mask and would be right in. she's not the mask wearing type. as she wasn't hacking or sniffling i figured the risk wasn't too high, so i asked her to keep the door open for my appointment. she mentioned that the doctors told her she wasn't infectious, but didn't know what she had. we talked for a few minutes about my issues, her in a surgical and me in an n95. then she started coughing. and that's when i said i would be leaving. she was apologetic. i asked if she could write something up for me that i could bring to my gp for an upcoming appointment, she agreed, and i left the room. as i walked towards reception, she yelled out after me: "sorry for getting you infected". which she shortly followed up with "well, i hope i didn't infect you", and then i numbly made my way back home. these situations feel so violating, especially when you're putting your trust and health in the hands of a supposed expert. i'm so tired of dealing with the ignorance and flippant attitudes people have towards the (easily preventable) spread of airborne illnesses. it's also a lesson learned for me; i should immediately listen to my gut if things feel off...