I have a compromised immune system.
I know this isn’t obvious from looking at me, and I have been extremely fortunate that my medications and dumb luck have served me so well. But make no mistake, I am one of the people at risk.
I’m not rare in that regard. Anyone you know with an autoimmune disorder (Crohn’s. Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Celiac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, etc) would be put on immunosuppressant prescriptions. That’s 50 million Americans, or one in 7 people. We just don’t always tell you.
I walk in and out of a dozen or more strangers’ homes every week. That isn’t going to end, because as people become more isolated and quarantined, telecommunications becomes even more critical. My job will not be put “on hold”. I’m playing Russian Roulette with every stop.
Yet, I am seeing this suddenly become polarized over political lines. The liberal friends I have are pointing to the estimates from Italy and the danger, while conservative friends are posting videos about 30 year olds that didn’t feel much effect and are downplaying it. I’ve seen pics of young people at a cancer ward wearing protective gear, with mocking comments.
You’re right. A healthy 30 year old won’t be very sick at all. They may not even feel it, which is even more dangerous, because they will unwittingly carry it and spread it. You might have it, and you won’t even know.
I’m usually filled with bravado. I survived swine flu, bird flu, Ebola, and I rarely take ill enough to warrant a sick day. But bravado doesn’t mean a damned thing to scientific reality. I can’t “brave” myself to Coronavirus immunity. I recognize that my current bravado may be misplaced, and that I could cough at any moment. This virus doesn’t give a shit how much of a “badass” you are.
This is not a partisan issue. This is a survival issue. You might be young… you might not be at risk. But what about your grandmother? What about the friends you never knew are immuno compromised? Are you willing to write them off, just to justify some ill-begotten political platform? Because guess what… that little virus doesn’t care what color your vote is.
We only ask common sense. Wash your hands. Don’t touch people you don’t need to. Try not to touch your face (harder than it sounds). Embrace the inner introvert, and catch up on those books on your nightstand. Stay aware.
And here’s a chunk of science for you — Not all microbes are the same. Bacteria and viruses are completely different things, with different weaknesses. Bacteria are typically eukaryotes that can be destroyed by rupturing the cell membrane, while viruses are more akin to a molecule programmed for self-replication. This makes them more robust, and not vulnerable in the same ways. Anti-bacterial soap, sanitizer, and wipes have limited effect (often no effect) on Coronaviris. You need something with an alcohol content of 60% or greater to break down the protein chains of the virus, or standard soap, which will attack the lipid layer of the virus. Please don’t place your health, and the health of everyone you meet, on an essential oil or non-alcoholic alternative. And no, having 300 rolls of toilet paper will not help, so let’s all pull back a little on panic buying.
This is not a red vs blue issue. This is not an us vs them.
This isn’t some conspiracy.
This is humanity vs a pandemic.
You don’t have to believe me. You don’t need to believe my politics, or my science. But you have to believe that someone you know is at risk… and just knowing you may cost them their life. That responsibility is yours.
That person might be me.
Take some care. Listen to the CDC. Learn basic hygiene. We’ll be fine, as long as we realize we are in this together.