Violet Affleck, the daughter of Ben Affleck and Jenifer Garner, recently spoke out against mask bans during an LA County hearing. Her poignant statements managed to highlight the profound impact COVID-19 still has in today’s society. Her speech hit upon major concerns that many leaders and elected officials are ignoring today. Acting like COVID is over or minimizing its effects doesn't erase the fact that it is still very much with us today. Can we say that COVID, or the pandemic itself, is really over?
According to mainstream media, the short answer is yes. Based on reporting, or lack thereof, COVID-19 no longer dominates the headlines even when cases or hospitalizations increase. Even with waste water surveillance, what are our elected officials doing to mitigate things before they get out of hand?
The Aftermath
After a recent scathing cross examination by elected officials of the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director and former Chief Medical Advisor to the president, Dr. Fauci, during a testimony given to congress, we managed to vilify a person who was part of a team trying to save lives. Furthermore, we dumped every wrong decision made on someone who was not by default the head decision maker!
After dedicating almost 50 plus years of service, Dr Fauci's record was almost tarnished by a pandemic simply because he became an easy target to lay blame on. The question that remains prudent is did we manage to cause irreversible damage by spinning tales about vaccines, treatments, science, and whether COVID-19 even existed?
The Danger
The political divide and fallout after the pandemic managed to jeopardize hopes of continuing to study the disease, so that we can mitigate further crushing impacts of what occurred in 2020 and beyond. Increased propaganda and conspiracies have further eroded public trust in science. COVID-19 has been reduced to a conspiracy of killer vaccines and misleading statements such as the disease being a simple flu. Reducing this disease is a falsehood as thousands also die from flu complications as well each year.
As I observe stories of those still dealing with the mental and physical impacts of COVID-19, I can't help but wonder what we actually learned. Most recently, states have been implementing or contemplating mask bands with total disregard to immuno-compromised individuals or those who wish to protect themselves. How exactly would a mask ban work? Communicable diseases such as TB require those who test positive to wear masks to avoid spreading the infectious disease. Where would that leave us? How do you even enforce a mask ban? Lastly, why should those who are protecting themselves for health reasons be disadvantaged due to those with nefarious intentions like criminals?
We have continued to try to push COVID-19 in the rear view mirror, yet it is long from gone. People still succumb to the disease and some are still dealing with the impacts of prior infections with no answers as to why. Quality of life has suffered for some, including those who can no longer do the work they did prior to being infected, or activities they used to do. Mental impacts are also evident. It is safe to conclude that society, and the world as a whole, has some form of PTSD that is completely being ignored.The danger is not irreversible, however, the time to take action is now so that we are sufficiently prepared for future outbreaks.
The Possibility
COVID-19 destroyed lives economically, socially, and physically, yet there are lessons that we can take from it to avoid making the same repetitive mistakes. Aligning ourselves with trusted medical resources such as your primary care provider or local hospital is a first start. Not turning to just social media as a substitute for medical advice is also essential to remember. Additionally, some mainstream media outlets can depict the stories they want you to focus on, or that will drum up bigger responses. True knowledge and protection tips come from reliable trained sources that you trust in the medical field. Staying informed and aware is key.
Seeking advice from medical professionals that you know are from your community is an important way to stay healthy and safe. Reaching out to a trusted medical source can give you the peace of mind to keep yourself and loved ones safe and healthy as we navigate the future of living with COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. As Leigh Hunt said, “The groundwork for all happiness is good health.” Let’s do what we can to achieve it.
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