Covid Archives

Recently I have been thinking viruses will be the bane of the earthly world. I used to think it would be insects, but now decided all 925,000 identified species are most helpful to our natural world. Only with a healthy natural world will humans survive, so I am back to thinking about viruses being the disruptor of human life on this planet. Do you realize there are more than 380 trillion viruses on or in us?

Being ill fortunately never entered my mind, or body, in the first 2 decades of my life. My family doctor though warned me I was “burning the candle at both ends”. Yet during the second month of my new teaching career I had a virus which developed into mononucleosis! It overwhelmed me to think such a “bug”, darn virus, could knock me down!

I returned to my teaching position a month later appreciative of my body taking care of itself. No anti-viral drug was available, in the 1970’s, to knock out viruses, only a rested body helped oneself. Six months later I was hiking on the backside of Armstrong Mountain in NYS’s Adirondack Mountains and literally keeled over. My backpacking partner and I had a multi-day trip planned; however, I was not taking one more step that day. We had already been hiking 9 hours that day; time to quit. With tent set up, a meal eaten and a warm sleeping bag to fall into, I was asleep for 14 hours before I awoke the next day! The virus once again took advantage of a weakened immune system.

Since that year, October 1974 into April 1975, I knew it was important to care about my health. I went decades being healthy … Yet, it happened again! Dormant viral cells emerged when I finished a 2001 trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The doctor at the American Clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal knew a virus was active again and my body needed to rest. Could this virus just not leave me alone? I guess not. After my successful 2002 trek summiting Mount Kilimanjaro I was ill again. The common cold and flu are viruses too waiting for a broken down immune system. Fortunately all my years in the teaching world, around other humans each day, I was not ill to often.

Here’s my frustration with viruses. I can carry vitamins, antibiotics, aspirin, Advil, antihistamines, and all sorts of cremes along with my first aid kit of bandages, splints and gauzes. I can get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and exercise. But viruses find any weak link in an immune system and can cause havoc!

I have gone years with no medical issues, for which I am happy about. But the Covid -19 virus struck me this past year! Darn it! Do you understand why I think viruses will take over the world … or maybe it is just in my world!? This virus will be short-lived in me as I am vaccinated, pump my body up with everything healthy and rest! Still, it takes days to get back on track. This is frustrating for a person, such as myself, who would rather be outdoors with the birds, and yes indeed, the insects! Stay healthy everyone!

Extra note: Now, annual flu and Covid vaccines are available. It never means one will not get the flu or Covid. Vaccines only protect against those viruses by stimulating our bodies to produce antibodies. And if ill with either virus, hopefully ill for a shorter period of time with no need for hospitalization. Anti-viral drugs may also be available; but as always, consult with your medical practitioner for what is best for your health care. Do what is best for you and take care.

I have the luxury of time, I know! Others work hard to put food on their table, care for children and family, and want a worry-free night of sleep, especially as our Covid-19 world has increased cases and deaths across our nation. And yet so it is, I do spend much of my time thinking. Here are a few of my latest thoughts.

There was a time the “C” word created anxiety, but in 2020, which “C” word are we referring to? Family and friends diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer, surviving radiation and/or chemotherapy, do have cancer and a “C” worthy of worry. Covid-19 or coronavirus is another “C” word within our latest struggle causing us to evaluate inpatient and outpatient medical care along with prioritization of services. Another “C” word is the common cold, or is what I have a cold or not? Recently I convinced myself to contact my doctor for advice on why I was feeling as I did. I wanted my doctor caring for the other “C”- diagnosed patients before me as I was sure I would survive given time. After two video-conferenced appointments with my doctor, prescribed medication, and a 2 week period for whatever in my body to run its course, I am fine. I wish for all others to be so fortunate too.

I’m not a therapist, psychoanalyst or medical professional, but I do listen to what you say when you tell me your safety-conscious bubble continues to bump into areas of stress. I know you weren’t always judgmental. Once differing opinions lead to dynamic conversations, but now you cannot be sure if it is safe to speak your mind. Your workplace once encouraged camaraderie and teamwork, but now some employees practice current safety protocols versus others who do not. Conflict ensues, your workplace has fundamentally changed and feels different. I know we are all tired of the varying levels of quarantine, virtual learning and communicating, but what is the alternative? We do need to make our well-being the priority or we will have no people to return to the world when the virus has run its course. Remember, patience is a virtue!

Truth be told as always, patience is wearing thin with me. I cancelled my fifth trip for this year! I worked my entire career to save money and travel, and now as a retiree, I live to travel. This year has been a bust, a huge disappointment. When I cannot even drive across the state border and enjoy time without worry of the virus, it is a frustrating time! I continue to do my part in masking up and staying physically distant so you and I are healthy. I have great empathy for those who are struggling economically, medically and spiritually. I want lives to be whole again. 2021, a vaccine, and respect toward each other may help us achieve a better tomorrow so we all can move on with and in life.

Finally, on-line games seem to be one thing people always tell me they play to distract themselves from their depression. I decided to check out “Wordscapes”. It is a free, on-line game. I was determined to not put one penny into it. My goal was to play till I could not. This was an interesting experience. After each game there is an advertisement of another game or a product. It is no wonder people are clicking all over their devices to check out items. I did not; I played the game. My last two games though I did watch additional videos, since I did not want to answer research questions or do a survey, to gain clues to finish those games. I am tired of watching any advertisement whether photo or video, so I am done with this game! Overall though, it was an interesting experience. Now I understand how and why people look to these activities for distraction as they are a huge time sink and your next day is here before you know it!

Those have been a few of my latest thoughts… or more simply said …. 2020, be gone!

Tag: Covid

Will Viruses Take Over The World!?!

To Much Time To Think