Are you now afraid of walking into a local establishment or a large get together because of fear that someone in the room will have some type of virus? Are you all of a sudden cognizant of every person in the room who may have some sort of cough or runny nose? Are you analyzing every symptom you or your loved ones have with concern that all of you will catch something that could kill you? Well then, let me welcome you to the world of cystic fibrosis. It’s scary as hell, but together we will get through it if we follow the protocols.
Having cystic fibrosis, I’ve been a germaphobe for years, constantly carrying hand sanitizer wherever I go and always have a medical safety mask within close reach. I clean all of my medical equipment after each therapy session, which is two to three times per day. I don’t grab door handles; I only shake hands with people who don’t appear sick; and I stay away from smoky bars, casinos and hotel rooms. I wear a medical mask on airplanes and at my children’s pediatrician appointments. While I’m prepared to do the right things to stay sanitary and virus-free, I realize that alone won’t save my life. I have to depend on you.
Let me explain. I keep hearing there are two groups that should be more concerned than anyone else about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Those two groups are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, especially lung disease. Yep, that includes my disease cystic fibrosis. (My children would argue that I should be worried because I’m elderly, too. At least we all still have our senses of humor.) Here’s the thing, though. They should be talking about the third group because it’s the biggest and therefore the most important. That third group is everyone else because you can be symptomless carriers of the virus and give it to people like me who could become very sick and even die.
There seems to be two courses of action from people right now: Overreacting and underreacting.
Those who are overreacting are in a sense panicking. The hoarding has gotten out of control. Take what you need but don’t overbuy. People are hoarding masks, gloves, wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper and therefore the elderly, those with underlying conditions or medical personnel who work with those who are not well are left with nothing to protect themselves (though I’m not sure how toilet paper protects anyone). A friend of mine, who recently had a double-lung transplant, is in need of a mask more than anyone else. Yet he was at his doctor’s appointment this week and they were out of masks. I could never imagine a CF clinic being out of masks. These outages are causing panic, especially amongst those in the cystic fibrosis community.
Then there are those who are underreacting. They aren’t taking the reports seriously. They are going out in large groups of people and acting like they are the bravest people in the world. The word isn’t “brave” though. It’s “selfish.” Your actions could be killing your parents, grandparents or someone who is just fighting to stay alive like me.
The only way to beat COVID-19 is to practice good habits like washing our hands, isolating our families from others and staying home whether we are sick or not. It’s important that we don’t look at these sacrifices as punishments but rather as ways to help ourselves and everyone around us.
As someone who deals with anxiety and clinical depression, mental health is something that I pay close attention to and I also worry about others who deal with it. We need to be educated about coronavirus but not overly consumed. I’m worried about my children because I don’t want to scare them. I’m sure they’ve noticed that schools are closing; we are postponing our travel plans for spring break; and every news show in the world begins and ends with coronavirus. It’s difficult to keep them from their friends right now but I know in the end it’s the right thing to do for our wellbeing.
I may not be living my life the way I normally do but that doesn’t mean I’m not living it to the fullest. It just means I’m doing it more cautiously. I still work out, just at home. I still talk to my friends, just not in person. I still believe I can take care of my cystic fibrosis and myself, just this time I need your help, too.
Can you do it? My life and many others depend on it.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Best Wishes,
Andy