March 2, 2022
another anniversary
Two years ago today, I wrote my first post describing the situation here in Seattle, where we were ground zero for the first infections in the US of SARS-CoV-2, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, the novel coronavirus soon to spread across the world. Little did I know that I would still be writing about COVID-19 two years later.
So much has happened since. Unimaginable grief, amazing collaboration, and a second pandemic of disinformation. I believe pandemic suffering was multiplied and increased by this Infodemic. Almost a million Americans have died but it didn’t need to be that way. True, recommendations changed as more was learned about COVID-19 and its spread. Disinformation is a powerful weapon and used by other countries to target other countries, including ours, to seed further division and trouble. This is more clear now with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The evolution of understanding meant public health recommendation changed regularly. This was capitalized by the spreaders of disinformation, starting with masking. Many people believe masks harm more than help, but we have studies that show the opposite. Good quality studies show that adequate masks like N95s, KN95s, and K94s work to prevent spread and protect the wearer. A new study shows that oxygen levels do not decrease in children while exercising even if they had asthma. Mask wearing is one of our best tools that was turned into a focus of contention. Even today.
Vaccines were another tool that got politicized. Disinformation has run rampant with rumors running wild, depending on where people sourced their news. Sadly, many of the people pushing anti-vax views are profiting off the alternative treatments they are selling. So much bad information about the safety of vaccines in pregnancy, despite the high risks for pregnant women from COVID. SARS-CoV-2 can attack the placenta, leading to stillbirths. Other data shows how hard COVID-19 is on all pregnant women. But vaccine rumors increase many women’s fear so they decline, even though the data shows great safety and protection.
Long COVID is now getting the attention it deserves and more funding hopefully will come. We haven’t counted those affected like we count the deaths. It irks me when people compare a COVID infection to the flu and dismiss its dangers. The flu doesn’t affect people long term like this. The true extent of lives forever changed by Long COVID is not clear yet, but will become more important as time goes on. Many will need ongoing care and support.
Scientists and researchers worked endlessly the last 2 years. They got some things wrong but mostly they made some amazing strides, including the vaccines, managing the very ill, finding actual treatments that work to prevent serious illness and death. Impressive science in just 2 years. Easier treatments are coming. The stock of the new Pfizer pill is increasing. The new med, Paxlovid, really is a game changer. Highly effective and taken in pill form. Biden and his administration are working to make it more available.
For me the Pandemic has kept me busy keeping up with the science and the breakthroughs. I am grateful for that. I learned that I like to write, which came as a surprise. The writing and learning has kept me focused and active and kept me from languishing too much. That gift is giving me focus to continue writing.
My biggest sadness over the past 2 years is that I believe another pandemic is occurring, along with the Infodemic. “Me” and “my rights” have become more important than care for others. Where did concern for others go? This loss of care has magnified meanness in shocking ways and ultimately caused senseless deaths. This selfishness is where my grief lies. Somehow, I want us to find kindness again. We might be able to if we start with each other.
Wash your hands, cover your nose indoors when needed, and be nice.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome_coronavirus_2
https://infodemic.blog
https://www.healio.com/news/allergy-asthma/20220227/children-with-without-asthma-maintain-oxygen-levels-while-masked-during-exercise
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/coronavirus-can-destroy-the-placenta-and-lead-to-stillbirths/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/croi/97250
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/the-covid19-vaccine-and-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.healio.com/news/allergy-asthma/20220222/covid19-revaccination-shows-low-risk-for-repeated-immediate-severe-allergic-reactions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2022/vaccine-omicron-effectiveness/?itid=hp_pandemic
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/03/02/world/covid-19-tests-cases-vaccine/biden-announces-initiative-to-pair-coronavirus-tests-with-treatment
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/explainer-why-pfizer-needs-time-to-make-covid-19-treatment/
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/white-house-unveils-new-plan-to-move-america-past-covid-crisis-says-shutdowns-school-closures-no-longer-necessary/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/02/28/long-covid-symptoms-treatment-recovery/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/02/kaine-long-covid-bill/
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/should-you-unmask-in-wa-it-depends-on-where-you-live/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/opinion/death-grief-covid.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/opinion/culture/pandemic-languishing-behavioral-activation.html
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/florida-governor-admonishes-students-for-wearing-face-masks/