As we approach the planned celebration of the New Year, my family got a chance to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. We had the entire family together for Xmas eve dinner and for the opening of presents the next morning. Turns out one of the family had contracted COVID which was verified later in the day with a test. Everyone was exposed with the two little girls unvaccinated due to their age. The rest of the family made plans for testing and appropriate quarantine procedures. Two years into the pandemic and what would never happen to us—did. So inconvenient and real need to worry about the two little girls.
Fast forward a few days with the three families isolated in their own homes taking precautions to keep everyone safe. PCR testing told us that one of the wee girls had Covid and three adults, including yours truly. The child was a bit sick on day one and two with a scratchy throat and cough. She recovered quickly. Children’s immune systems seem to work better than we old folks.
I wanted you to know that as a fully vaccinated and boosted individual I got infected. I wear my mask, I social distance, I wash my hands, to protect myself and others I may contact—it still can happen. So how sick have I become. For the first few days, I struggled with cold/flu like symptoms and a deep cough. Normal remedies kept me comfortable and on day three I am out walking in the snow and doing a bit of shoveling. This is a scary affliction as the speed with which it attacked my lungs was disconcerting to say the least. As predicted by the scientists, a healthy human being, even an older one should not require hospitalization in a breakthrough case. I am not sure which Greek alphabet letter best describes my condition, I prefer Delta to Omicron. The rest of the family remained negative until today and now both 4 year olds have the virus. She will be fine but damn, it gets your attention.
We are finding ways to pass our secluded time until we can practice the new CDC protocol and rejoin the outside world wearing our masks and observing safe distancing. We are all tired of the pandemic and the issues it creates. That said, those of us who are survivors would be well served to thank our lucky stars. We owe a great debt to our scientists, health care and front line workers, our friends and families and so many others who deserve a fully vaccinated community.
It dawns on me as I conclude, freedom is having your health. COVID Infection is likely ultimately inevitable. Get vaccinated and loudly spread the word.
Best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Mike