azucena
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Post by azucena on May 13, 2021 6:31:42 GMT -5
Likely both of the above. And it's sort of a trauma response too, at least in my case. Thinking everyone is germy can really mess up the psyche. I've tried very hard, all of my life, to avoid the stranger = germs = danger idiocy/caste thinking and I think that I have done pretty well at it. When I was five and navigating very crowded public markets in Dar es Salaam, I worried much more about getting separated from my mom, or slipping in the muck, than I did about disease. The place was crowded with beggars, many of whom had the swollen and deformed hands that are the results of a bout with Hansen's disease (google it, it has another name) and we never shied away from them. My mom taught me to avoid the water and pass on the chickens being slaughtered in such places but that the people there were not a threat unless their hands were too close to our pockets. In the late eighties, I picked up a cigarette that was resting in a common ashtray and upon putting it to my lips, discovered that it was far wetter than normal and had to be the cigarette belonging to the visitor with AIDS (his words, we didn't use the terms PWA or HIV+ yet). I didn't panic, may or may not have taken a puff, and put it back in the ashtray and didn't mention the experience to anyone for years. I didn't get an HIV test for another decade either.
In short, I'm pretty good at handling contagion when I understand how it is transmitted. In both of the previous cases, I knew that the person with the scary disease or the physical damage from a scary disease was almost certainly not going to transmit it to me.
I'm really unprepared for thinking of strangers as dangerous or potential carriers of contagious disease and I have tried all my life to resist that type of thinking because the isolation that comes with making that decision is probably more dangerous than any disease.
So I'm pretty mystified by by what's going on now. I'm pretty sure that some of it has to do with the ease with which a person can pass on this disease without knowing it and to people who are less able to fight it off, but sometimes I wonder if it is all political.
It also doesn't help a bit to be a grocery store worker. Something very dark and ugly happened to us in March 2020 when we were told to continue showing up at work without any temperature checks, testing, hand sanitizer, plexiglass, masks, gloves, staggered scheduling, or limits on how many people could be in the store at the same time. We were utterly disposable workers and we knew it. Giving us a photocopied piece of boilerplate to put on our dashboards in case the police tried to stop us on the way to work, did not make us feel important or valued. It made us feel like chumps, or serfs, depending on how long we could survive without paychecks.
This right here is the trauma you're responding too. And I don't use that word lightly, but I think it applies to this. I was appalled watching it unfold and am appalled for you still. Covid brought out the worst in our class system, and if we don't learn from it and grow, shame on us.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on May 13, 2021 7:37:08 GMT -5
I know this may sound crazy to some, but since being vaccinated when I think about planning a trip now I worry more about leaving my elderly cat than I do about catching COVID.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on May 13, 2021 9:11:02 GMT -5
Yesterday the governor said covid is over. She never did prioritize covid properly and didn't implement enough mitigations and has never said one word of comfort to the families of the over 6000 Iowans who lost a loved one. She is a cold person. But she's pro-life so we have to vote for her.
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on May 13, 2021 9:14:32 GMT -5
I know this may sound crazy to some, but since being vaccinated when I think about planning a trip now I worry more about leaving my elderly cat than I do about catching COVID. Same. Except substitute elderly horse for the cat.
Our state is 60% vaccinated over age 16 now, some counties around us are over 70%. The governor said if we hit 70% as a state all restrictions and the mask mandate will be lifted. July 1st they're all going away no matter what.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on May 13, 2021 9:42:25 GMT -5
42% in my city have been vaccinated. I feel like it should be more by now...I live in a large city where most are pro-vaccination. My guess is we will get to herd immunity in my city but it is taking a while to get people vaccinated. In looking at my state; however, I'm not sure we will ever get more than 50% vaccinated. There are too many rural areas where people are resisting vaccination. I can't do anything about these people so I am moving on with life...it's unfortunate because I'm sure there will be "pockets" of breakouts for a good while.
In regards to traveling, I do wish the airlines would start requiring vaccination. It's not going to keep me from getting on a plane if they don't but it just seems to make good sense.
ETA: And I truly hope those that have been traumatized by this pandemic are able to get some emotional help. Living the rest of your life in fear is not a good way to live.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 13, 2021 9:52:05 GMT -5
I wonder how many people are now dealing with health issues that they couldn't get address during COVID because hospitals were shut down to all but what was deemed essential. That and people were scared to go so they were putting off things that they felt could wait. I just read on article on KETV that here they are already seeing women with more advanced breast cancer than they would have if mammograms had not been postponed due to COVID.
It'll likely be decades before we have the data that shows how many people's health was harmed indirectly by COVID. You may have people who could have worked a year ago and now found out whatever it is they have makes juggling work impossible. Or it's family members who are now having to care for people who have significant health problems and need to be available for transportation and support.
Many jobs have a policy where you can't take off for the first 90 days/during probation. I know I would not be comfortable in an interview disclosing my doctor's office just reopened and I found out I have cancer so can we negociate that?
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pulmonarymd
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Post by pulmonarymd on May 13, 2021 10:09:24 GMT -5
I wonder how many people are now dealing with health issues that they couldn't get address during COVID because hospitals were shut down to all but what was deemed essential. That and people were scared to go so they were putting off things that they felt could wait. I just read on article on KETV that here they are already seeing women with more advanced breast cancer than they would have if mammograms had not been postponed due to COVID. It'll likely be decades before we have the data that shows how many people's health was harmed indirectly by COVID. You may have people who could have worked a year ago and now found out whatever it is they have makes juggling work impossible. Or it's family members who are now having to care for people who have significant health problems and need to be available for transportation and support. Many jobs have a policy where you can't take off for the first 90 days/during probation. I know I would not be comfortable in an interview disclosing my doctor's office just reopened and I found out I have cancer so can we negociate that? An estimate early in the pandemic stated that we would see 10K more deaths due to cancer over the next 5 years as a result of delayed screening. Can't imagine that number is any better now.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on May 13, 2021 10:38:22 GMT -5
Hesitant wife has left the house to get her shot. It was interesting that at her managers meeting on Tuesday there was zero support for vaccination and how that seems to have strengthened her decision to get one. Thinking their reasoning was so poor but maybe it is just her inherent contrariness Either way it is looking good. Thanks for those positive thoughts that were sent. Will confirm later she did get shot.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2021 10:38:22 GMT -5
I know this may sound crazy to some, but since being vaccinated when I think about planning a trip now I worry more about leaving my elderly cat than I do about catching COVID. Not crazy at all. I'm a born worrier- I always need something to fret about. COVID anxiety has occupied a big piece of my brain for over a year. I know we're not through it yet but being vaccinated and still observing some precautions has diminished it a lot. Now I find my brain grasping onto other things to worry about- typically either very low probability or something that, in the grand scheme of things, isn't a big deal. Fortunately, I'm on a relationship with a good guy who, like my late husband. can good-naturedly roll his eyes or talk me down when I get too caught up in something.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on May 13, 2021 10:59:34 GMT -5
I wonder how many people are now dealing with health issues that they couldn't get address during COVID because hospitals were shut down to all but what was deemed essential. That and people were scared to go so they were putting off things that they felt could wait. I just read on article on KETV that here they are already seeing women with more advanced breast cancer than they would have if mammograms had not been postponed due to COVID. It'll likely be decades before we have the data that shows how many people's health was harmed indirectly by COVID. You may have people who could have worked a year ago and now found out whatever it is they have makes juggling work impossible. Or it's family members who are now having to care for people who have significant health problems and need to be available for transportation and support. Many jobs have a policy where you can't take off for the first 90 days/during probation. I know I would not be comfortable in an interview disclosing my doctor's office just reopened and I found out I have cancer so can we negociate that? I saw a report on BBC about 6+ months ago that if you were a patient who has had worrying symptoms for more than 2 weeks, to contact the oncologist directly. I’m guessing that primary care was so slammed with covid at the time that those who would normally get referred out to an oncologist via their GP were falling between the cracks. The last year, I have managed to get pretty much all of my regular screenings done. However, WA has not been slammed as badly as other places. I did have to punt on my mammogram this year for about a month due to vaccination. Last year, I was able to get in in early May for that. I was also able to schedule a colonoscopy in Feb. So I am guessing that this may vary by location too.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 13, 2021 11:20:42 GMT -5
I finally got into the dentist yesterday. I called late last fall, and I was only able to schedule months out to the beginning of January. Well, when that time came, coordination with my DH/kids meant I had to reschedule, which punted it into mid-May. Now I have to go in for a crown, which I can get in for mid-June, so scheduling appears to be getting better. My teeth were surprisingly good. I did try to take extra good care of them at the beginning of the pandemic, but slipped later on. The crown has been on the radar for a couple years now.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2021 11:39:10 GMT -5
I saw a report on BBC about 6+ months ago that if you were a patient who has had worrying symptoms for more than 2 weeks, to contact the oncologist directly. I’m guessing that primary care was so slammed with covid at the time that those who would normally get referred out to an oncologist via their GP were falling between the cracks. I'd also read that the NHS stopped doing colonoscopies and sending out fecal occult blood test kits. I missed one dentist appointment and ended up with a tiny cavity. Mammogram got postponed 2 months because it was originally scheduled 3 days after my first vaccine dose. I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't pointed out that enlarged lymph nodes from the vaccination might show up as weird results on a mammo. Thanks! I just saw that headline in the news today so maybe the word is getting out. People I know who work in dental offices have said they're seeing a lot of people who REALLY need intensive effort to clean up all the plaque that's built up over the last year. Dental health is realted to overall health and maybe even heart health.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on May 13, 2021 11:46:45 GMT -5
Wife: one down, one to go
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on May 13, 2021 11:53:09 GMT -5
I saw a report on BBC about 6+ months ago that if you were a patient who has had worrying symptoms for more than 2 weeks, to contact the oncologist directly. I’m guessing that primary care was so slammed with covid at the time that those who would normally get referred out to an oncologist via their GP were falling between the cracks. I'd also read that the NHS stopped doing colonoscopies and sending out fecal occult blood test kits. I missed one dentist appointment and ended up with a tiny cavity. Mammogram got postponed 2 months because it was originally scheduled 3 days after my first vaccine dose. I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't pointed out that enlarged lymph nodes from the vaccination might show up as weird results on a mammo. Thanks! I just saw that headline in the news today so maybe the word is getting out. People I know who work in dental offices have said they're seeing a lot of people who REALLY need intensive effort to clean up all the plaque that's built up over the last year. Dental health is realted to overall health and maybe even heart health. I finally went to the dentist a few weeks ago. He seemed really pleased that I had taken good care of my teeth during the pandemic. He said a lot of people seemed to let their dental health slide because they weren't going into the office, etc. People weren't brushing their teeth and flossing. Dental care has always been really important to me. I floss every night and brush twice a day. I honestly can't imagine not brushing my teeth, going to the office or not... In the last few weeks I have gone to the dentist, gyno, had a mammogram, and I have an eye appointment next week. I have not made an appointment for a general physical because I absolutely HATE having my blood drawn (I typically pass out). COVID was a great excuse for me not to have to go get a physical.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on May 13, 2021 12:06:33 GMT -5
I saw a report on BBC about 6+ months ago that if you were a patient who has had worrying symptoms for more than 2 weeks, to contact the oncologist directly. I’m guessing that primary care was so slammed with covid at the time that those who would normally get referred out to an oncologist via their GP were falling between the cracks. I'd also read that the NHS stopped doing colonoscopies and sending out fecal occult blood test kits. I missed one dentist appointment and ended up with a tiny cavity. Mammogram got postponed 2 months because it was originally scheduled 3 days after my first vaccine dose. I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't pointed out that enlarged lymph nodes from the vaccination might show up as weird results on a mammo. Thanks! I just saw that headline in the news today so maybe the word is getting out. People I know who work in dental offices have said they're seeing a lot of people who REALLY need intensive effort to clean up all the plaque that's built up over the last year. Dental health is realted to overall health and maybe even heart health. I went to the dentist for a cleaning right before things shut down. My next appointment was scheduled in Aug. and the office was open. They tried to reschedule me, and I wouldn’t let them. I had a few issues I wanted looked at, and I really need to keep on top of my mouth to protect my hips. BTW.....in my other life, most of my work was looking at links between dental and heart health (and yes, they are linked), preterm birth and my last publication I was working with an aging group looking at Alzheimer’s and dental health (the data was very promising, and I really wish I could have done more on it).
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on May 13, 2021 13:53:56 GMT -5
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on May 13, 2021 13:59:50 GMT -5
I hope enough of us are vaccinated. I can absolutely see the anti mask anti vaccine crowd locally claiming they are vaccinated to avoid wearing a mask.
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haapai
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Post by haapai on May 13, 2021 14:17:24 GMT -5
I wish peace, patience, and strength to those who are tasked with masking enforcement at my place of employment. Technically, the existing Michigan mask mandate and anything that the county has in place will trump anything that the CDC recommends, but I wouldn't want to be the person trying to explain that to anyone.
I don't look forward to a modification of the state-level mandate to wear a mask inside any indoor public space either. It's not good for anyone's soul to be casually lied to many times a day and I have no doubt that the folks trying to enter naked-faced will be disproportionately un-vaccinated.
And I want to keep my own mask on. I'm three weeks since my last shot but I'm enjoying wearing a mask. The mask hides my bitch face and wearing bitch face is ... very restful.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 13, 2021 14:21:42 GMT -5
Yay! Hoping that means I don't have to wear one much longer at work. If private businesses still require them I am not going to be an asshole about it. Just as they can refuse me service because no shoes they can if I don't still wear a mask. I really don't mind too terribly much because I am in and out so fast. Wearing it 8 hours a day on top of all the other PPE I wear knowing we're all vaccinated back here has gotten tiresome. I am still willing to wear it up front in the office area if they end up bringing people back in and don't want us mixing germs at first.
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on May 13, 2021 15:03:53 GMT -5
Yay! Hoping that means I don't have to wear one much longer at work. If private businesses still require them I am not going to be an asshole about it. Just as they can refuse me service because no shoes they can if I don't still wear a mask. I really don't mind too terribly much because I am in and out so fast. Wearing it 8 hours a day on top of all the other PPE I wear knowing we're all vaccinated back here has gotten tiresome. I am still willing to wear it up front in the office area if they end up bringing people back in and don't want us mixing germs at first. I'll bet the production workers at my company are hoping that too. I don't have to wear one at my desk, but they're stuck with the for 8-12 hours depending on their shift. Pretty much everyone in my cube area has been vaccinated and work sent out a survey a couple weeks ago trying to get a handle on where we stood percentage-wise so I'm crossing my fingers we'll get an email in the near future that we don't have to have them.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on May 13, 2021 15:09:52 GMT -5
I'm now 2 weeks past the second vax, and looking into places we might go for 2-3 days. Maybe the eastern shore, or the outer banks. Something that is a completely different environment, while we still can.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on May 13, 2021 16:14:50 GMT -5
I wish peace, patience, and strength to those who are tasked with masking enforcement at my place of employment. Technically, the existing Michigan mask mandate and anything that the county has in place will trump anything that the CDC recommends, but I wouldn't want to be the person trying to explain that to anyone.
I don't look forward to a modification of the state-level mandate to wear a mask inside any indoor public space either. It's not good for anyone's soul to be casually lied to many times a day and I have no doubt that the folks trying to enter naked-faced will be disproportionately un-vaccinated.
And I want to keep my own mask on. I'm three weeks since my last shot but I'm enjoying wearing a mask. The mask hides my bitch face and wearing bitch face is ... very restful.
You can still wear your mask.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 13, 2021 16:17:15 GMT -5
I encouraged DH that if they go back to the office full time and he gets approved for Humira that he continue to wear a mask for awhile and then at least during cold/flu season.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on May 13, 2021 16:18:23 GMT -5
I'm ready to stop masking. I certainly don't care if some continue to wear one but I really don't want to spend another 100+ degree summer in one. I would happily wear a vaccination tag around my neck in place of the mask.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on May 13, 2021 16:28:32 GMT -5
I encouraged DH that if they go back to the office full time and he gets approved for Humira that he continue to wear a mask for awhile and then at least during cold/flu season. I may continue for awhile indoors. In January 2020 my allergy doctor advised me to be careful in the gym and to possibly avoid it during the worst of flu season. Stupid autoimmune crap. I also have my doubts about the percentage locally that's vaccinated. I looked up stats, 39% fully vaccinated and 49% with one dose.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 13, 2021 16:34:40 GMT -5
The article I read said people should still wear them in grocery stores and that guidance hasn't been relaxed for healthcare. So no real change for me in the near future.
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kadee79
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Post by kadee79 on May 13, 2021 16:52:01 GMT -5
Since both DH & I have several other health issues each, we will continue to mask indoors. The one exception I may make is I really, really, really want a filet at any one of our local steak houses. I fixed one in our air fryer that was great, but it's just not the same when "I" have to cook it.
Just read earlier today that there are more blood clots showing up with the J&J vaccine. Also read that some researcher has figured out what in that vaccine is causing the clots. So if anyone is going to get that one....do your research first. Also read that mixing the vaccines...one company for first one, different company for the second...is causing more severe side effects. Just some things to keep in mind or look into as needed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2021 17:04:39 GMT -5
With rare exceptions such as yesterday's luncheon where 99.9% of the attendees were vaccinated or Covid-19 survivors, I will continue to wear a mask indoors in most circumstances. My choice, my comfort zone. It will be nice to be able to resume some activities without as much fear. And I will still require unvaccinated people riding in my vehicle or entering my home to mask. My space = my rules.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on May 13, 2021 18:01:44 GMT -5
I'm definitely still masking indoors, last summer and local commentary on FB proved what I already kind of knew - there's a lot of Kool Aid drinking Trumpers on the Cape, who hung on every word of his garbage about COVID being a hoax. that it took as long as it did to get here was likely due to all of the people who would commute into the city no longer doing so with WFH everywhere. town vax talk has been 😳 interesting, and they are all pissed that Town Hall is still closed to the public. (my old town) I bet with today's news, the cries to open up will begin anew.
but, I still WFH and that isn't going to change any time soon. likely ever, honestly. so I do have the luxury of just continuing to avoid the public for the most part.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on May 13, 2021 18:13:17 GMT -5
Hersheypark announced no masks needed immediately if you are fully vaccinated. I shouldn't have touched the comments section. Of course all the antimaskers will lie. This is why I'm not eager to go maskless in crowded situations. I know it's outdoors but I have zero faith in people to do the right thing. And Dr Fauci said if it's crowded you should still be masked.
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