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

[silveradept]

The very richest don't care about lives, unless those lives cost them enough money. For those of us who will never be the richest, racism makes the bargain look like "if I get sick, I'll get all the treatments and I'll be just fine, if they get sick, they can't get to any treatments and more of them will suffer and die." Except it really looks more like "those silly people aren't getting vaccinated at the same rate, and their hospitals can't deal with the greater influx of sick people. Sucks to be them that they didn't choose to live in a better neighborhood."

We're hoping not to catch it ourselves, but it would be nice if everyone around us was acting like they didn't, as well.