Covid is bad for the immune system. And we're in a surge.

[sonia]

Covid is not done with us. It’s just getting started. We really should be paying attention. by WildIrish

The bottom line is that, even if you had a mild case and fully recovered from the initial Covid infection without getting long Covid, your immune system has been compromised. This makes it more difficult for your body to resist other pathogens, like RSV and influenza viruses, which would account for the increased rates and severity of those infections that are now being seen. There is also evidence that Covid causes permanent, long-term changes in the immune system that are similar to AIDS.

Because of the surge we're in, I have put myself on mini-lockdown for this week and next, canceling appointments and lessons and declining group events unless they're outside. It feels sad and harsh and lonely, even with the good fortune to work at home and still attend some zoom events. It's hard for me to remember how isolated and terrifying it was while we were collectively on lockdown. (I know some people object to that term, but I haven't found a better one yet.)

Part of it was the uncertainty, and now we know so much more. But somehow most of society is wantonly ignoring what we know, so that saying "no thank you" to invitations feels awkward and strange and neurodivergent.

I keep reminding myself that we're all treating global warming the same way, so it shouldn't be surprising. But it's still heartbreaking on so many levels. The Buddhists talk about how there's pain, which is necessary, and suffering, which is optional. We are causing ourselves so much suffering.

Comments

[sonia]

Thanks! Interesting article. It presumes that the medical advice is easy to follow and likely to be effective, which are huge presumptions. I would guess a large percentage of "non-compliance" is "I evaluated the evidence and side-effects for myself and no thank you."

I hadn't thought about what you bring up: "this disease can't tell me what to do." That rings true, and I think there's a whole lot of propaganda out there amplifying that around Covid, which is horrific.