COVID Yays & Nays

COVID-19 is extremely and unnecessarily politicized. Everyone has an opinion. And I also contributed to many conversations about the virus:

- its symptoms

- who contracted and/or died from it

- states where cases were high

- what anti-vaxxers were saying and doing

- how it's spreading

- where to get a COVID test and which type of test was better

- how employers were handling it and stores to avoid

- where to get a vaccine

- how to avoid contracting the virus

- what type of mask is better to wear

- how long people should quarantine

- what companies should require before allowing staff to return to work

- where to order free self-test kits, etc.

Like millions of others, I couldn't stop talking and debating about it. First, we experienced the trauma inflicted by the Delta variant among black & brown communities across America. In 2021 to be a part of the solution, I briefly worked as a COVID Tester at a local university. It was a wonderful opportunity to help the staff, teachers and students provide a safe environment for on-site learning. Then we applauded the scientific development & distribution of self-test kits, three vaccines, and booster shots. And as of Jan. 10th, there were almost 1.5 million new cases mainly due to the Omicron variant.

And after almost 2 years, I received a positive test. Regret. Disappointment. Fear. All of these emotions and more set in immediately. As soon as I received the results, I started blaming myself for recent lax decisions in my daily prevention methods. I blamed myself for taking TOO many precautions, but that's not possible. I had felt silly for wearing gloves or two masks or not going certain places. It's okay for people to disagree. It's not okay for people to ridicule those they disagree with on life-threatening issues.

So this blog will be my self-therapy treatment. I cannot continue to condemn myself because this goes completely against my positive mental attitude. I have to learn how to live with this and any potential after effects. Will I retreat to a work from home job? Will some people choose to stay away from me? How will I socialize with others now? These are real questions and possibilities. I know for a fact that I influenced at least one person to get the vaccines and booster shot. But if I can increase the count or share previously unknown information, that will make it all worthwhile. The entire dynamic has flipped because now younger people are being hospitalized because they are not vaccinated.

On Jan. 21st, the CDC released reports about the effectiveness of boosters against the Omicron variant. So if you are eligible but haven't gotten one yet, go schedule your appointment asap.