Respect In the Midst of the Pandemic

The effects of this pandemic has hit an all time high. Here in New York, the mortality rate is below 1%--and I don't know one person who is sick right now, other than a bad case of seasonal allergies. But what I mean by "effects" -- is that the world still looks like a huge Dexter murder setup---plastic wrapped around every wall, counter and credit card processors in the stores. Plexiglass is put up as borders and sneeze guards, and of course, people wearing masks and big face shields walking around everywhere. Companies, like the one my better half works for has a policy---no mask, no service. All employees must wear a mask at all times. No ifs, ands or buts about it. It's not the law, only a mandate, but businesses are allowed to make their own rules, rightfully so. "No shirt, no shoes, no service," --- same thing. So while the virus has simmered down a tad, we are headed into flu season. With the flu on its way and COVID still lurking in the darkness, it's the perfect storm for PANIC. 

Respect

I'm going to personally give you an example of what people need to stop doing. Stop making your friends and family feel guilty for not wanting to venture out to BBQs or come visit you right now. Stop making them feel guilty for wearing a mask. For me, it's about the 'what if' because I don't believe anything the media tells us. So instead, I prefer to err on the side of caution and wear a mask, stay home more, and not attend parties right now. Call me "sheep" all you want, but that's my personal preference. That's my right. And let me tell you---it has definitely wreaked havoc on my mental health like never before. I don't know what's worse really, because back in 2017, I almost died of the flu and was hospitalized. I had pneumonia, pleurisy and had to be on breathing treatments, like albuterol nebulizers, prednisone drips, and oxygen. When I came home, I had a slew of regimens to follow as well, with a bunch of inhalers and nebulizers to last me a lifetime. I never want to go through that again if I can help it, so I can only imagine what it's like having COVID. And then you have some people saying it's like a cold. I believe we all had it this winter through March, so given that thought, the second whirlwind of it would be mild, due to the antibodies...or would it? Nobody knows. 

You can only do what's best for you. Just because you're "so sick and tired" of not socializing anymore, does not mean you should make your loved ones feel bad for not showing up, especially if they have relatives who are immune compromised and elderly. It's selfish and pretty much rude to the point of not giving a rat's behind about anyone else other than your ability to satisfy your need for human interaction. And trust me, I know how hard it is to not interact with people. I've been so depressed these last four months, and sometimes, it can bring me to a low that I've never even seen before, but I get back up and I try again. I know that someday, this virus will be gone, or it will be a virus that we can coexist with, just as we do with the flu. 

You Do You

Recently, I had a friend tell me how she was partying last night and got to hug all of her friends she hasn't seen before. I didn't say anything other than, "I'm glad you got out. I'm happy for you." And then she said, "Well, you should try it sometime." With that, I reminded her of how her son had COVID with a 105 fever earlier this year. So I reminded her of when her son was sick with COVID.

"If I had kids, especially one who almost died of COVID, I guess I wouldn't be so 'brave' especially knowing how sick your baby boy was. I'm just trying to wait it out." 

Her response: "I choose life over fear is all. This shit crap is over...people are not sick...people are realizing they've been hornswoggled and we've been lied to on a mass scale. It's a flu and sadly people die from the flu. This flu has less than 1% mortality rate. Fuck Hell if I'm hiding anymore. My mental health is at stake. I do respect your feelings and decision though." 

My response: "I respect your decision to do that. But please respect mine because I miss my mother-in-law and my grandmother. I need to be ok and not be asymtomatic. We definitely will get together soon and I can't wait!" 

Her response: "Asymptomatic has an extremely low rate of transmission...it means you have no symptoms. Unless you're making out with that person, you won't get it. I just use reasonable common sense. I do respect your decision and I'll always support you." 

The funny part about her skewed info on asymptomatic people is that they're more likely to cause the virus without even knowing it. See, nobody knows anything. People want to play the role of "virologist" and make like they have some sort of secret info we never got. Well Karen, I never got that memo. The denial and the ability to pretend like you know more than a scientist or doctor just baffles me to no end. I love my friend, but sometimes, it's just like---you need to do you and let others live their lives the way they want. It's not that I don't want to hang out with my friend, it's just because I want to be able to see my relatives without the possibility of being contagious. And you know---I would probably have spent time with her if she wasn't partying or hugging everyone in sight. I wish I could hug my friends and family right now, but I don't have enough credible information that lets me know that it's safe. 

It all boils down to respect. Whether you think the government is lying to you or whether you think the virus is or isn't real, just know that your family and loved ones may feel and live differently than you do, and that's okay. 

For more of Deb's articles, please visit: www.debrapasquella.com
or join her on Facebook and Twitter. Check out her cooking blog at DebsCucina.com
for some of her famous recipes!