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COVID-19 stigma
A thread
I’m recovering from COVID-19. Besides being unable to taste/smell & lingering fatigue, I am thankfully doing ok.
What’s not ok is how stigmatized this airborne illness has become... so I wanted to share some thoughts (& education):
COVID-19 stigma A thread
I’m recovering from COVID-19. Besides being unable to taste/smell & lingering fatigue, I am thankfully doing ok.
What’s not ok is how stigmatized this airborne illness has become... so I wanted to share some thoughts (& education):
1.If a friend or loved one gets COVID-19, your FIRST question should be how they’re doing/how you can help.
I can’t tell you how many friends asked “how did you get it????” before checking if I was ok!
I can’t tell you how many friends asked “how did you get it????” before checking if I was ok!
2.If you’ve recently had contact with this person and are worried about exposure — it’s a totally fair question! Otherwise, the accusatory nature of “how dare you get this disease!” is just exhausting.
Especially when you’re experiencing symptoms &... actually exhausted!
Especially when you’re experiencing symptoms &... actually exhausted!
http://3.You can be the most careful person in the world and do “everything right,” but one unlucky interaction at a grocery store can expose you. And chances are, you don’t actually know exactly where you got it from. So why ask the question?
4.If you really want to help a friend, make sure they have a pulse oximeter and digital thermometer. Those were my lifelines on my sickest days. I still check my pulse ox daily.
Recommending good TV, movies or books helps, too!
Recommending good TV, movies or books helps, too!
5.Also, be prepared to test positive for weeks, or even months, after symptoms are gone. According to @CDCgov, once you’ve completed the 10-14 day quarantine and have no symptoms, you are good to resume regular activity, but may still test positive!
6.Finally, and I never thought I would compliment @NYCMayor, but the testing & trace corps is doing a phenomenal job.
They not only called to check on me daily, but even sent a care package of much needed goods, including a pulse ox and thermometer. Thanks NYC!
They not only called to check on me daily, but even sent a care package of much needed goods, including a pulse ox and thermometer. Thanks NYC!
7.I’m by no means a doctor, just someone frustrated by the stigma surrounding this infection and hopeful this information helps well-intentioned friends/loved ones as cases unfortunately increase.
And please... wear a damn mask!
And please... wear a damn mask!
