The Coronavirus and Me

Summary

An elderly individual with asthma and COPD reflects on the personal impact of the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing personal responsibility, skepticism of government information, and the importance of community support and factual information.

Abstract

The author, a 72-year-old with respiratory conditions that place them at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications, shares their perspective on the pandemic. They express a calm approach to the virus, avoiding panic and hoarding, while taking practical precautions such as handwashing and social distancing. The author emphasizes the importance of reliable information from the WHO and CDC, distrusting information from social media and the US President due to past misinformation. They advocate for personal responsibility in preventing the spread of the virus and encourage open discussion about fears and experiences related to the pandemic. The author also invites others to share their stories on Medium, fostering a sense of community during these challenging times.

Opinions

The author is concerned about the risks associated with the coronavirus due to their age and pre-existing health conditions.
They disapprove of hoarding, viewing it as unnecessary and counterproductive.
Trust in government information is low, particularly due to perceived dishonesty about the pandemic.
The author values staying informed through reputable health organizations and encourages others to do the same.
There is a strong emphasis on personal actions to protect oneself and others from the virus.
The author believes in the power of community and sharing experiences to combat the sense of isolation during the pandemic.
They maintain an optimistic outlook and encourage others to remain hopeful as well.

How are you being affected?

As the spread of the coronavirus continues to grow in the United States and the rest of the world it is slowly sinking in that each and every one of us will be touched in some way by this virus. Some people are panicking, some people are denying its existence and severity and others are dealing with it calmly. We are all dealing with it our own way.

I am 72 years old, with both asthma and COPD, which puts me in the high-risk group for contracting the disease and suffering more severe complications. I try not to worry about it, but I can’t help but worry about the consequences if I am exposed to the virus. A year ago this month I was hospitalized with the flu and I will tell you I was afraid I wouldn’t make it, but I did. Those memories of struggling to breathe are still fresh in my mind. so naturally I am concerned.

I am not hoarding toilet paper, food or cleaning supplies, in case I have to be quarantined. To me hoarding is counterproductive. It only scares people unnecessarily. I have enough food and toilet paper on hand as I naturally would if I had a cold or was experiencing a snowstorm. I am washing my hands often, as well as using hand sanitizer after going to the grocery stores or other public venues. I admit I am staying away from crowds and I am keeping a safe distance from other people.

I am keeping up to date on the information regarding the virus by referring to the WHO and the CDC. I DO NOT rely on information from Social Media, nor do I listen to the President. Our government has lied about this pandemic and I do not feel that it can be trusted to tell the truth in providing the information needed by the public.

I am doing everything I can to remain healthy to protect myself and my loved ones. If I do become sick I will make sure I do not spread the virus to others and I expect others to do the same. We will get through this pandemic if we all stick together to protect ourselves and each other. Staying optimistic is important to me and hopefully, it is to you too.

I feel that it is important to learn all the facts about this disease and expose the myths of this virus. I also feel it is important for us to let our feelings be known and to discuss our thoughts and fears with others. No one should face this pandemic alone. I am asking everyone who feels the need or the desire to share your thoughts about the coronavirus to please use Medium to express how you feel. I wish I could tag everyone here, but I will mention just a few here as a prompt to publish their story. Please don’t feel slighted if I didn’t mention your name. I just don’t know how to include all of my followers. Sherry McGuinn, Kristi Keller, James Garside, James Finn, Kitty Hannah Eden, Linda A Robinson, PhD, Natalie Frank, Ph.D., Prickly Pam, Estacious(Charles White).

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