COVID-19: “Just” a Virus?

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Full confession friends, early in COVID-19’s infancy, I allowed naysayer thinking over coronavirus hoopla to creep into my brain-space. Totally guilty of expressing my opinion on how people have gone bonkers with all the hoarding. Pretty sure toilet paper isn’t an anti-viral! Even felt at times the media unnecessarily raised anxiety levels and caused undue panic. And yes, I’ve flippantly blurted, “it’s just a virus”… “it’s like a really bad flu”… “calm down people”.

Stepping back from these thoughts for a moment — how armchair refereeing of me, shallow and a bit callus. Definitely unintentional if this seemed insensitive or disrespectful to the families greatly affected. Too many innocent lives lost to this mysterious virus — touted the “world’s dangerous pandemic.”

“It’s just a virus.” Who am I to make such judgements about an illness I know little about, except what I read and hear about in the news. And quite honestly, it is a bit hypocritical. Especially for someone who (deep down) really wants to throw something, anything, at those who dare speak (with opinionated “authority”) that “Lyme disease is no big deal”… “it’s hard to catch”… “easy to treat.” The list of naysayer-nonsense and judgements regarding Lyme disease is nauseating. And infuriating.

So, like most non-experts, I am in zero position to scoff at safety precautions our nation sets into motion. After all, these measures are to protect us from a virus that has swiftly created dire situations. globally. Truth be had, I find it encouraging to see how fervently current federal and state governments, scientists, pharmaceutical and other industries are working — together — to attack this pandemic.

And how amazing are our first responders and healthcare providers!!!

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Anxiety warning. The following may unintentionally increase feelings of anxiousness or uneasiness. Hope not!

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COVID-19 Unknowns

There is much yet to be learned about COVID-19, to be discovered as we live it — in real time. As with ever-evolving, persistent infectious illnesses (like Lyme and tick-borne diseases—bacterial infections), an individual’s genetics and predispositions play a major role in why these diseases are so challenging to treat. And with bacterial organisms, they mutate — creating multiple strains. This makes testing and treating such infections like an unfortunate, maddening game of whack-a-mole; with human lives caught in the middle — as symptoms, complications and suffering prolong — sometimes years, decades, often throughout a patient’s lifetime.

Is it possible for long-term COVID-19 effects? Might some patients experience chronic symptoms and complications? How quickly will COVID-19 mutate? Will testing then be unreliable? Will multiple treatment combinations be necessary and/or effective? Will a vaccine (in 1-2yrs) a) realistically stave off this coronavirus if multiple strains exist, or b) possibly weaken the severity of symptoms?

None of these posed questions/unknowns are intended to flame fear, but are realistic concerns. COVID-19 quite possibly (more than likely) presents far beyond the current Global Case Map. Because of the unknowns, how truly blessed are we for the great minds of scientists working tirelessly behind the scenes within the infectious disease world. This I know… I am grateful for their work and dedication!

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Doing Our Part

Some patients infected may not be affected. There will be cases where COVID-19 will indeed be “just a virus” to run its course, merely an inconvenience. If only this could be the case for everyone. Subsets of patients remain high-risk. For them, COVID-19 will not be a simple virus. For their and all our sake, may we as a nation (and global society) continue to do our part, and take seriously all preventative measures and guidelines set forth by the powers that be. And take COVID-19 seriously. It is more than “just” a virus.

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Heavy Part Shared. Let’s Lighten Things Up!

Gonna be blunt (‘cause that’s me!). “Shelter in place”… come on people, suck it up! Most in the chronic illness community find the coronavirus prevention guidelines to be life per norm. Social distancing and isolation are generally a given. Healthy peeps are getting to see this unchosen “lifestyle“ up close and personal. Welcome inside the world of living with an invisible chronic illness (for your sake, minus the illness part).

Perhaps now there is noticeable awareness for someone to design leaving-the-house + business casual protective-bubble-wear? (lol!)

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Going out on a limb here, but guessing I’m not the only one questioning why people have to be told (and shown how) to wash their hands, to cover their cough and sneezes, and to stay home/away from others when sick? I like to think that somewhere in life these proper hygiene and common sense behaviors were/are taught, preferably when young and most impressionable — like toddler age. I’m a germaphobe and obsessive hand washer, so I really don’t get it! Nonetheless, thankfully those who needed reminding now know what to do, how, and when! Let’s hope these practices becomes common behavior, well past this current time of heightened urgency.

Perhaps, as well, employers/big companies will be more understanding, empathetic and willing to provide employees sufficient paid sick + family leave and offer more flextime + telecommuting options. We can hope!

And for all things sacred, may basic essentials make their way back onto store shelves (and Amazon!). It’s as if people have never, ever before purchased soap, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper… or food! Humans have gone completely cray-cray with the hoarding. Yes, we need to be vigilant and prepared, but not via full-out panic mode. Please think of others, especially the elderly and those less fortunate. Stop stockpiling as if it’s the end of days!

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Hope you will join in prayer, lifting up all COVID-19 patients, front-line healthcare providers and caregivers, our leaders, and the world — as they/we navigate such unchartered times. Be kind to one another, and yourself. Please try to help others in need. And I pray you ask for help, should you be in need. Unsettling times, for certain. All the more reason to lean in to our faith and Higher Power… and hold on to hope!

Sending happy vibes out to all families sheltering in place, “forced” to spend time together… in close quarters! Hope the weather allows for fresh air and sunshine breaks — enjoyed at an acceptable social distance!

Spread love, not germs. Wash. Your. Hands!

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Until my next reflection…

Be well and stay safe.

Virtual hugs,

—Terry xx

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#coronavirus #COVID19 #life #illness #hope #holdontohope #keepthefaith

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