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Does being around people-since Covid-bother you?

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Posted 5/15/2022 8:18 PM (GMT -7)
I have a few shirts that aren't that helpful. The printing was smaller because they had more words--so people would step closer to read them.They were witty, funny, and too wordy. I don't wear those anymore. I am trying to make a point without being mean or having people step closer to read them. So the catchy ones are in a bottom drawer.

My favorites have just "Immune.Compromised" and "Immune Compromised" with a mask under neath it. It's on the front and the back, large letters. That style works the best. I find myself wearing those most of the time. My mean ones say Step Back-Immune Compromised!! and Keep Away Immune Compromised!! Both with the mask underneath. People aren't as friendly to me when I wear those.

I think the one thing that bothers me about wearing the shirts is I have to identify myself and my medical issues to the world at large--and suddenly I am in a different category. Now I am a sickly older person, or someone with a special need, or a victim of a health issue. It can bother me. My nephew said they are going to embroider a shirt that says "Immune Compromised Warrior" on it.... Because that's how he sees me. He also lectures me that people don't know unless you tell them. If you tell people 95 percent will adjust their behavior accordingly. So far he's right. The other 5 percent want to chat and find out why I'm immune compromised. Lol.. (just when I am trying to get people to stay away from me.)

Today we had a faucet go bad so we had to do an emergency Home DePot run-on a Sunday. Yikes. Not a mask in sight. My spouse wore his mask, I wore mine. I slipped the t-shirt on. My husband asked if I really needed to wear it. Frown..sigh... We went in. He went his way, I went mine. He got all these little looks....until we met up and he was beside me. Then people were stepping back alittle, smiling, and being nice. Even he noticed a difference in their behavior. They had that "why" answered. (Except that one lady that wanted to know why I was immune compromised... Jeez..But then there was the lady with 5 kids that herded them around the corner when she read my shirt...lol) So there are pros and cons...

My niece in Houston said it's actually cheaper to go into a print shop and have them done. That way you don't have to worry about buying so many and you get to see and feel the quality of the shirts. Unsure if that's true.... I thought I'd just order a few online. I don't want to ask or say anything to them--I would like to pick my own style of shirt, lettering, and colors this time ... So will be looking in my own for replacements.

Clo
Posted 5/16/2022 12:12 AM (GMT -7)
Regarding the link VJ posted above, I couldn't find anything that says vaccines only offer 12% protection and he failed to mention this
Neutralizing antibodies have been the primary focus of studies evaluating vaccines—they are much easier to study—but they are not the only part of the immune system protecting humans against disease. Other parts of the immune system, such as T cells, might be less effective at preventing infection but they are more durable than antibodies and can reduce the chance of serious illness if infected. Many experts believe this latter property is the primary function of vaccination, not preventing infection, and data shows they offer much more durable protection, including against omicron
Misconstruing data and cherry picking statistics to suit one's agenda is not scientific.
And furthermore not fair on people whose lives are saved by being vaccinated. If you don't want one, don't get one. But why stop vulnerable people from being protected? Face masks work too, plenty of data to back that up. Although they work better when everyone is wearing one.
Also do not derail this into a vaccines thread which will surely get it locked. We are discussing how we deal with our (valid) anxieties about covid in a world which is now mostly free of restrictions.
Posted 5/16/2022 3:29 AM (GMT -7)
Never ceases to amaze me that the number of Covid deaths gets so easily dismissed by some. I have heard people say that it's over inflated because most of "those people" were old or unhealthy anyway -- as if their lives were meaningless because they had existing heath conditions. I always ask this question -- would those people have lived longer if not for Covid? That's the true difference between someone dying "with" Covid and dying "from" Covid -- would their health conditions have killed them that day if they never had Covid?

Others still want to compare this to flu deaths. Most years deaths from the flu in the U.S. are between 12,000 - 52,000 /year -- or in other words it would take about 20 years of flu deaths to equal the number of Covid deaths in the last 2 years.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

Flu deaths still occur -- and the current strain that is going around in this area is pretty severe. I have had 2 nieces recently who were extremely ill and were tested for both Covid and Influenza -- both were negative for Covid but positive for flu. Both were very ill and said that they were now going to be more careful because there was no way they wanted to chance getting a worse case of Covid. (They were both vaxxed and boosted for Covid, unknown whether they had flu vax).

Long Covid is a major concern -- especially since there is still so very little is known about it yet. Long Covid can be worse than the actual Covid infection itself depending on the organs affected. Hopefully more research will be done on this so we can all have some answers about the risks involved.

Many people have legitimate concerns about Covid and how the world is trying to "live with Covid" -- especially those who are high risk. If that isn't you, this is not a thread for you. We're here trying to be supportive of each other and get tips on how to live in this dangerous world. None of us needs to be made to feel as though we are over-reacting. It's scary as hell for us and we need support and to not feel so alone in a world that doesn't seem to care anymore.

Clo -- I think that's what I am going to do -- buy my own shirts and go to a print shop and have them made. I do feel like you do about being forced to announce a health condition to the world, but if it makes people take a step back it's worth it.

Stay safe everyone!
Posted 5/16/2022 7:49 AM (GMT -7)
I know this is unreasonable and petty...but last night I thought about it and giggled in bed. Sometimes I wonder why people that are exposed to certain things don't have to wear a sign. Could you imagine someone walking around with a chicken pox sign? OMG.... People would scatter like the wind!!

My friend (elderly...over 85) had a t shirt made up that said "Chemo-immune compromised" on it. I don't know if chemo is over or under the immune Compromised part....or if it makes a difference where you put it.... She said it made people step back and not ask any other questions. So she's grateful for that. She takes methotrexate at a higher dose.... Methotrexate is a chemo drug. (I wonder if it would be cheating if I just add that onto my shirts?) She said she did add the word chemo in cause some of the ladies in her subdivision/retirement home feared she was HIV positive and things were alittle uncomfortable because some people are ignorant about things they haven't encountered before and thought she might be contagious. They hear the word virus and think it's airborne. She lives around older older people. In their mid eighties to over 90s. And she is elderly herself...she says they all have a hard time learning and understanding some things so this just makes it easier. Hmmmmmm....

She said she bought 2 shirts for under 50.00, had them made in a size larger so they fit over her other clothes she has on.. She's going back to get a light weight jacket like thing that zipes up the front...so she can just throw that on and not pull anything on over her head. (Gotta save that weekly hair do...lol) Now...I sorta like the jacket idea.

But honestly ..it broke my heart to think about her having to think about this during her sunset years. She just wants to live. She is funny and bright and has such a good heart. She doesn't want to offend anyone or be mean. She just wants to live her life...but now she feels so alone. Some of her friends and family members have died from Covid. Her call this morning made me incredibly sad. Thankfully she has all her shots and boosters. If there's a surge I am going to go get her and bring her here with me. She doesn't have anyone else.

My spouse would really like to get back to prepandemic days. Today he told me he's tired of wearing masks... AND... He really really wants to go to the neighborhood picnic in the new retirement place we bought. It's a small group. There will only be 50 to 75 people. He wants to start making friends so that when we transition it won't be too hard.

Panic attack here.... How would you guys handle it?

Post Edited (clo2014) : 5/16/2022 9:10:26 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/16/2022 8:06 AM (GMT -7)

CCinPA said...
Never ceases to amaze me that the number of Covid deaths gets so easily dismissed by some. I have heard people say that it's over inflated because most of "those people" were old or unhealthy anyway -- as if their lives were meaningless because they had existing health conditions. I always ask this question -- would those people have lived longer if not for Covid? That's the true difference between someone dying "with" Covid and dying "from" Covid -- would their health conditions have killed them that day if they never had Covid?

Others still want to compare this to flu deaths. Most years deaths from the flu in the U.S. are between 12,000 - 52,000 /year -- or in other words it would take about 20 years of flu deaths to equal the number of Covid deaths in the last 2 years.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

I came here to say basically the same thing about the flu and how certain people like to conflate flu deaths with covid deaths. Their numbers aren't even in the same ballpark.

When things are so misrepresented and even openly flaunted by a large percentage of the population then it's easy to see why the medically fragile have anxiety returning to public settings.
Posted 5/16/2022 8:25 AM (GMT -7)
Does being around people-since Covid-bother you? Please keep this thread on topic. Thanks.
Posted 5/16/2022 9:09 AM (GMT -7)
Clo -- that's a tough one. Everyone is tired of wearing masks so your hubby isn't alone in feeling that way. For you though, it's too dangerous to be without one and if he goes without he then endangers you, unless he expects you to wear a mask even in your own home. Will the picnic be outside? That would help, but being around that many unmasked people is still a huge risk for you. If you want to go to meet new people, wear your t-shirt and both of you should wear masks and sit away from others if you eat there.

My sister and brother-in-law are both in their 70s and still wear their masks whenever they go in stores. Neither has health conditions that would make them higher risk other than just their ages. He usually reminds her to put the mask on. It's not a big deal for them. And the bonus is that neither has had a cold or the flu in 2 years.
Posted 5/16/2022 9:26 AM (GMT -7)
You couldn’t get me on an airplane right now, especially now that masks are optional. Maybe if I got Evusheld, but that is a maybe.

There are an increasing number of outbreaks in the Northeast. I was supposed to go to a graduation party this coming weekend but a bunch of people tested positive so it was canceled.
Posted 5/16/2022 9:45 AM (GMT -7)

ks1905 said...
You couldn’t get me on an airplane right now, especially now that masks are optional. Maybe if I got Evusheld, but that is a maybe.

There are an increasing number of outbreaks in the Northeast. I was supposed to go to a graduation party this coming weekend but a bunch of people tested positive so it was canceled.

I just came back from Florida. I have no issues flying with or without a mask. I do plan on wearing a mask every winter. I do believe it prevents getting colds, flu, etc.
Posted 5/16/2022 12:12 PM (GMT -7)

Michelejc said...

I just came back from Florida. I have no issues flying with or without a mask. I do plan on wearing a mask every winter. I do believe it prevents getting colds, flu, etc.

Everyone's' risk tolerance is different. I do not want to be on a cramped plane for hours, I am especially concerned about taxiing and waiting in the plane without much of the cabin air going.
Posted 5/16/2022 7:31 PM (GMT -7)
There is no way I could handle a plan ride. Today I went to the pharmacy for another booster, it was very busy, I had a panic attack and had to go home. All those faces without masks. It just really scared me. This stupid COVID has messed me up. I can't even make myself go around people without breaking out in a sweat. I can feel my heart racing and I can't breathe....but let me get back into my car with the doors locked and suddenly I am better. I am so mad at myself. How did I allow this to happen?

I can go thru a drive thru-but I won't eat by others...even outside.....unless they are far far away. Let the table 6 feet away get people--I leave. I dash in to get items from the store when they first open and no one's there.... In n out....less than 15 minutes. If it's over 15 minutes I about pass out. Even yesterday at Home Depot--I had to go to the outside checkout, and at 14 minutes I was frantic to get away. I wait in my car until the guy at the gas station is gone before I pump my gas. I always carry Germx and a mask... Even in my own yard..Just in case someone comes barreling in....

There's no way I will be able to attend an outside picnic with 50 to 75 people there..... Maskless people...

I admire others that can do those things. I just am not one of them right now.

Clo
Posted 5/17/2022 7:37 AM (GMT -7)

Michelejc said...

I just came back from Florida. I have no issues flying with or without a mask. I do plan on wearing a mask every winter. I do believe it prevents getting colds, flu, etc.

NYC just raised their Covid threat level to high this morning. Seems like it is rapidly spreading around here. I'll probably go back to wearing a mask indoors.

My GI at Mount Sinai said that they are currently not recommending Evusheld for their patients. It wasn't a hard no so I could probably push the issue if I wanted to.
Posted 5/17/2022 7:48 AM (GMT -7)
I have no issues being around others or going out without a mask.
I caught covid in a place where everyone was required to wear masks at all times and every person was vaccinated. So covid can be caught anywhere.
They dropped the mask rule at my GI office recently which is also where I get my infusion and to be honest I’m relieved.
Posted 5/17/2022 8:52 AM (GMT -7)

ks1905 said...

Michelejc said...

I just came back from Florida. I have no issues flying with or without a mask. I do plan on wearing a mask every winter. I do believe it prevents getting colds, flu, etc.

NYC just raised their Covid threat level to high this morning. Seems like it is rapidly spreading around here. I'll probably go back to wearing a mask indoors.

My GI at Mount Sinai said that they are currently not recommending Evusheld for their patients. It wasn't a hard no so I could probably push the issue if I wanted to.


..............................................................................................................................................................................
I just read that. Are you in Manhattan or one of the outer boroughs? I will probably go back to wearing my mask when I'm food shopping, nail salons, etc.
Posted 5/17/2022 9:09 AM (GMT -7)

Michelejc said...
I just read that. Are you in Manhattan or one of the outer boroughs? I will probably go back to wearing my mask when I'm food shopping, nail salons, etc.

I go to the one at 17E 102nd Street that is located next to their main hospital. It is very clean and well run. I don't have to wait very long there plus my GI is there who I follow around as he moves from hospital system to hospital system.
Posted 5/17/2022 3:17 PM (GMT -7)
I'm glad I'm not the only one anxious about going out these days. I'm on Stelara, and struggle with intellectually knowing I'm not a high risk but not really feeling safe. I worry about long Covid.

Back in February I got an infection from a small cut on my finger and had to do a round of antibiotics. It's hard to think if I couldn't fight off an infection from a small cut what would Covid do to me?!
Posted 5/18/2022 12:46 PM (GMT -7)
Keith— I’m curious why your dr said they’re not recommending evushield?

I have a friend who is vaxxed and one booster who caught covid. Fairly mild symptoms. Got paxlovid and her symptoms disappeared after day 2 of treatment. But I’ve heard that some people get better and then relapse after treatment course ends.
Posted 5/18/2022 1:00 PM (GMT -7)
I think if you already had covid with mild symptoms and no lasting effects it's perfectly reasonable that you're no longer afraid of it.

For me it's like a lottery- you just don't know which version of covid you're going to get. And therefore I am scared of it. Odds of long covid are not insignificant.

One of my friends with long covid had mild symptoms, was fine for a few weeks, then decided to go for a run which seemed to trigger long covid, and has been out of action since 😞

The only thing i wonder is if being on drugs like xeljanz or remicade stops your immune system from over reacting, which is what long covid seems to be about.
Posted 5/18/2022 2:19 PM (GMT -7)
I'm still nervous being around unmasked people and crowded public places--not enough to give me any significant stress or anxiety for necessary appointments, but enough to shape decisions around non-essential activities. Today I had to take my 6yo for a medical appointment at the hospital, and I wasn't terribly nervous, but we definitely skipped an elevator with an unmasked person.

In addition to long covid, I also feel concerned about increased reports of blood clots showing up after even mild infections, including micro clots that don't show in normal testing (including d-dimer, which is a pretty useless test if you've already got UC inflammation too). With the increased clotting risk associated with IBD, this feels like a crummy additional threat to me. (On the other hand, it's made me feel thankful for the incidental anti-clotting properties of curcumin and grape seed extract.) Here's a link to reporting on one study: https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/study-finds-increased-risk-of-serious-blood-clots-up-to-six-months-after-covid-19/

My hope is that as this goes on and on, the medical field will get better at recognizing and treating what's going on with these complications that show up after initial infections. I have young kids, one of whom has their own health complexities, and if we have to learn to live with covid I at least want public health / the medical establishment to learn how to give proper care. Our health system here in western Canada is still run totally of its feet, so I don't feel confident in the care we'll receive if we need it.

But I also want to live life, right?
Posted 5/18/2022 5:57 PM (GMT -7)

FlowersGal said...
Keith— I’m curious why your dr said they’re not recommending evushield?

“Hi Keith,

I'm so glad the Stelara is working well. We are not recommending Evushield routinely for our patients. “

This was his message to me. Very generic.
Posted 5/19/2022 2:25 PM (GMT -7)
Keith,

My infectious disease doctor, PCP, and now RA have all stated they are not recommending Evushield for me at this time. When I called in and spoke to them they said they are saving it for the individuals that have buildt 0 antibodies to the vaccine--and since I have some they are recommending another booster. 👿 I wonder if it's the same for others?

So ....Today I went in for x rays and to 2 doctor's. Nope and nope. I had to ask just one more time. I felt like a someone "trying to score a drug hit". Really uncomfortable. Like what I was asking was so wrong they could not believe it. It sorta upset me-- especially since I had to navigate thru 2 lobbies full of people with out a mask to be found.... Then the 25 year old x-ray tech was all snarky about my not wanting to come in for a secondary x-ray just to confirm the first one was correct.

Not a good day. I do not like naked faces!!

Clo
Posted 5/19/2022 3:49 PM (GMT -7)
Just reading about monkeypox which is popping up around Europe. A new thing to have anxiety about 🥴
Posted 5/19/2022 4:42 PM (GMT -7)
Clo -- I had antibodies from the vaccines just not a lot. No issues with getting Evusheld. I got them at the infusion center and they said they give a lot of the shots. You should qualify for the shots. I am surprised your docs said no. I have had 4 doses of the vax.

https://www.fda.gov/media/154702/download
"Who have moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical
condition or have received immunosuppressive medicines or
treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to
COVID-19 vaccination"
Posted 5/19/2022 4:46 PM (GMT -7)
poopydoop -- I read there was a case of monkey pox in the U.S. too. I just saw the headline and decided I didn't want to read any more. I am stressed enough lol
Posted 5/21/2022 10:07 AM (GMT -7)
As things have changed in each phase of the pandemic, new variants or removing mask mandates I become nervous. I have had 4 vaccinations and received Evusheld mid April. I do make antibodies but not as much as non-immunocompromised people and the levels fall quicker. My PCP doctor got Evusheld for me (my GI was clueless) because I am a high school teacher and immunocompromised. Mid-February the mask mandate was lifted for schools and for the 1st couple of weeks many kids were wearing them but now it’s usually me and 1 or 2 other students. I do wear a kn95. I don’t wear a mask outside. The 1st few weeks around unmasked students made me very nervous but once I receive Evusheld I became a lot less nervous. I figure I would finish out the school year with a mask and then remove it for the summer and see how I feel in the fall. Lecturing in a mask is not fun but I am sure long COVID isn’t either.
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