COVID Dashboard: "The Virus and How it's Wrecking my Life".

Trump rallies by the millions and most of them NOT wearing masks--TOO LATE!!! CoVID-19 everywhere.

Florida opened all bars and ALL of them packed beyond max capacities..and NONE are wearing masks.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday -- NO restrictions. That will be the nail in USA's coffin.

Consider these the GOOD OLD DAYS. Welcome to our doom. I miss my mom but I'm glad she died before all this mess started.

DO NOT count on the vaccine working--those with natural immunity (had it and recovered) got sick again. And the strain is constantly mutating with experimental drugs thrown at it--making the virus stronger than ever.

"And the strain is constantly mutating with experimental drugs thrown at it--making the virus stronger than ever."
Cetude, that's just not true. If anything it is weaker. But believe anything you want if it justifies your position.

Harpcat, so you were wishing the gov of Oklahoma was going to die of Covid? How partisan of you. Do you have family members that don't follow the exact same protocol as you? Do you also wish the same for them?

Please put politics aside.

The last pandemic was 100 years ago. Nobody who lived through that remembers those days and America got through it. COVID-19 is not the flu - it's an animal virus that jumper to humans. We have learned so much about this virus in 12 months from not knowing anything to knowing how it operates, signs and symptoms, having more reliable tests (when we had nothing), treatment options that work - more people that go on ventilators are surviving, medications to help treat the worst cases, and soon vaccines that are 90% effective (more effective than vaccines for anything else).

Have there been mis-steps in public health? Yes, since we have never dealt with this virus before. Whoever was was a leader at this time was going to have difficulties since we weren't making PPE or medications or most of the stuff on your shelves in Walmart in this country for at least a decade Does everybody know the pubic health protocols to diminish transmitting this disease? Yes. Does everybody follow those protocols? NO! Why? Because we value personal choice and not every place is having the same degree of outbreak.

Why are some places "opening up" while others are "locked down"? Economics. If you lock down too tightly, nobody works so no needed products or services, no paychecks to buy those needed products and services, and fear becomes rampant. If you open up "too soon," careless people will do what they have always done.... nothing to protect themselves or others... and some innocents will get this disease.

We have had this disease in our family. I probably got it in January (no tests and I knew it was either viral bronchitis or viral pneumonia). Nephew and niece both had it; he has lung scarring and she doesn't. Sister who is a working RN has the antibodies and her hubby has a characteristic pneumonia last fall (again no test at that time available). So far, no fatalities which is consistent with statistics. My mom hasn't had it yet, bur her neighbors (also older and COPD) have had it and survived.

Frantic is quite accurate. I got the call last Friday that I've been dreading since March. Mom tested positive (along with 8 others in her wing). She has a number of underlying conditions so we've been holding our breath since then. After having a low grade fever on Friday, she has been asymptomatic and the doctor said he was encouraged. He also said the first 5 to 7 days are critical and things can change quickly. One thing I did learn from this is that they do a blood test as soon as someone tests positive. There is a biomarker called D-Dimer which indicates blood clotting and there has been a correlation to more severe cases if that number is high. Mom had a high number so they started her on anti-coagulants immediately. I feel like it's one step forward and two steps back and carry my phone with me wherever I go. So awful for everyone :(

In my state, the governor is closing all bars and dine-in restaurants and all school activities canceled. If the covid case numbers go up in 3 weeks the governor will be ordering a "stay at home." This is all because the bars and restaurants would not follow the protocols. Booking to full capacity...not enforcing customers to wear masks until they are seated to their tables. Larger groups of people getting together in our parks, as well as in their homes and not wearing masks or keeping socially distance. So now we are going backwards! Heavy sigh!!!

I have not read others' comments yet, but wanted to tell you about my friend's mother. She was 93 and had been living in a nursing home for several years. The first wave of Covid-19 ran rampant through the facility and a number of patients and staff became sick, with a smaller number dying. She survived, but apparently her organs were severely damaged by the disease. She didn't see her family for five months except through the window and one distanced visit on the patio after all family had tested negative.
Well, she died last week, gasping for breath, when before Covid she had no breathing problems at all. On her death certificate, the doctor (who never actually examined her and got his information from the nursing home) said she died of Alzheimer's. No! She died from the effects of Covid. Her lungs were damaged by Covid. She couldn't breath because of Covid. She would probably be alive today if it weren't for Covid. Then later, she would probably have died from Alzheimer's.
Anyone who keeps track of the official death rate from Covid should realize that it is actually much, much higher. There is something called "excess deaths," which is the difference between what would normally be expected and what is actually happening but hasn't been officially ascribed to Covid. The death toll you are hearing and reading is only the tip of the ice burg. Nursing homes don't want to appear as hotspots, so Covid deaths are often put down to the pre-existing condition. Be careful, folks. Do EVERYTHING you can to protect your family. This virus is very, very dangerous.

I hadn't heard that about the blood test Ava, that is good information to know. Our healthcare workers have so many more options for treatment now than in the beginning when there were basically none and many elders were left to die 😭. Hopefully she and everyone there will get through this.

"The last pandemic was 100 years ago." Not true.

The last pandemic was in 2009, the swine flu pandemic when 66,000,000 Americans were infected per the CDC. We are around 22M with the covid. It was much more deadly in terms of 'productive years lost' because it attacked young people with many good years ahead of them as opposed to the covid which targets old people with few or no productive years ahead of them. Can't remember school closings or complete lockdowns in 2009. Maybe that's why people think the last pandemic was 100 years ago.

A restaurant near me was profiled/highlighted on our local news regarding their "fabulous" reopening plan following the shutdown earlier this year. They were more than ready and all details had been tended to such that they were compliant with distancing and whatever else. They have since been cited at least twice for "egregious disregard for the law" or something like that. This makes me sad after all the positive media attention they got previously. It should not bother me as much as it does, but it's really bothering me. Meanwhile, other places are following rules to a "T" and they will get shut down (or otherwise restricted) just like the places that are currently getting cited. It's just not right. And, last night, I observed a woman march right into a grocery store with no mask. The teenager working the door looked terrified and did not confront her. She just looked mean - which also makes me sad. It was an obvious attempt to cause a stir and get attention - which also makes me sad. I have family member who does things like that - up to the point where police have been called on her. Just feeling a little down right now.

Mystery,

Isn’t it sad? Some people have an attitude that Covid-19 is nothing more than a cold or a bug that will run it’s course, they don’t care if they infect others.

I have seen people walk in places without a mask thinking they are entitled to go without a mask.

How hard is it to put on a stinking mask? Not hard at all!

I have also seen store employees stop people at the door and tell them that they must put on a mask. Some places are giving out disposable mask.

Certainly this has been a horrific time for the world. In the early weeks of December 2019 my sister was hospitalized with "pneumonia". This was way before Covid was discovered. Sister(my only support for our elderly parents). She ended up on a ventilator for many weeks and then to rehab. No one expected her to survive! She is left with diagnosis's of COPD and Cardiac disease. She has to carry an inhaler at all times. She had to rebuild strength, learn to walk, has memory loss and cognitive decline! Sister is 60. During her illness my father was rapidly failing due to CHF and in and out hospitals and rehab. He finally passed June 2020. Husband and I self isolate due to caring for mom(84) and his aunt(91).
Trying days but purging house some, reading more and gardening. I have rooted every vegetable we have cooked with. More cooking too. Trying to stay busy. Prayer life improved. Have listened to more music and TED talks, webinars. Some depressing days for sure but fighting it. Using masks always, hand washing and social distancing.
Both our elders are in their own homes with private caregivers who sit for no others.

My wife died from Covid in May 0f 2020 from the unhuman actions of Andrew Cuomo governor of NY when he sent the positive patients of NY hospitals to her assisted living facilities infecting over 33,000 poor dementia seniors puting them to their terrible deaths. You can see what he did on U2, it is their for every american to see how he managed the pandemic in march to June of 2020. He gave himself immunity from prosecution. I would not put anyone in a assisted living unless their is a vaccine a viable. I would not trust Cuomo on what he says and does.

I've been reading anecdotal reports that some hospitals are now reaching critical numbers and are turning away ALL people not just those who have covid. This was what we worked so hard to avoid in March, and now it seems to be... meh?

Such a crazy and stressful year for everyone. My 93 year old mother lived with me and was doing great until she wasn't. She suffered a stroke and of course was in the hospital and then to a Skilled Nursing Facility. I think they almost killed her because she was losing weight and they didn't bother to tell us until she was down 11 lbs! She hated the food and when we finally could get her moved into an AL she was down 22 lbs.! She looked like a homeless person. We were so angry that they didn't take better care of her! We went through hell trying to get her into an AL as the COVID cases kept popping up in the city we lived. We finally found a nice one in a much smaller town near her friends/family/doctors. They had no cases and still don't. It's hard not to see her but now the residents can get a family visitor for 1 hour and a negative test must be given and of course masks must be worn. What a horrible way of life for most of these elders. Many think they have been abandoned...so sad! I'm glad my mom is thriving and said she now feels great and is keeping busy and making friends. I pray we can get this without contracting this hideous and illusive disease. It kills some and others don't even know they have it. I pray everyone finds strength during this. I'm still working F/T but am lucky to have a job. I'm so tired of feeling afraid of this virus and like everyone...just want it to end. I miss seeing people, hugging, and being able to talk without a mask on, etc. I miss seeing people's smiles!

Joel,

Sorry for your loss. So many deaths in facilities. It’s terribly sad.

Has anyone heard from Stacy since they all tested positive at her place?

Alva,

I don’t know if she is tested positive. I hope not. She said that she felt awful and ordered tests for her household for $299 each.

She commented about spirit animals over on the whine thread about 18 hours ago.

I missed that CWillie. That's good. I often don't wind down to read. Sometimes don't even return. Thanks. Long as she's good enough to comment we know she's up and running. NeedHelp, unless I misunderstood her, she told me they ALL tested positive. I will pm and ask her.

Joelmi118 - I am so sorry for your loss of your dear wife. I sat helplessly watching tv as that debacle played out with horror. Actually, I suppose I still am since nothing is much different except perhaps we have become numb. I kept thinking surely better options would emerge, or surely some heath care professionals would speak out to advocate. No, never happened. Still appalled that we are in the same spot and keep thinking I am going to wake up from this nightmare.

"careinhome
9 hours ago
You sound like a TV election commercial. Dial it back."

It would be of some help if you could identify WHO you are referring to...

Even so, the 1st Amendment guarantees the right of free speech - who are you to dictate what someone says here? Yes, there are restrictions to that free speech, but no one breached those restrictions. You're entitled to your opinion as well, but the comment really had nothing to do with the topic. You don't like what others have to say, you are free to ignore it or go to some other forum.

"careinhome
7 hours ago
Harpcat, so you were wishing the gov of Oklahoma was going to die of Covid?"

"Harpcat said:

...he got Covid but of course it was mild (darn it) and he will not mandate masks and our numbers have us in red. He is an idiot. ok my rant."

Nowhere did Harpcat wish the governor to die. I understood what Harpcat was saying... Some people don't have any symptoms, some have very mild symptoms, some become very ill and some die from this virus. The problem we have is too many dismissing this virus as a hoax or a simple cold, to be brushed off. If one doesn't experience, either in themselves or someone close to them, the worst of this virus, they tend to dismiss it, which it seems this gov (and others) has done - had it, wasn't very ill and continues to refuse to take any decisive action, to try to mitigate the spread. Will everyone wearing a mask save us all? Probably not. Could it save lives? Probably. What IS the big deal in asking everyone to be responsible and respectful of others, in the hopes that wearing a little mask for as long as it takes to do our "business" somewhere might keep ourselves or others safe? It's no more of an imposition than wearing a seatbelt, or being required to wear shirts and shoes in a store (how have the deniers not taken this a step further, to wear shirts and shoes but no pants into stores??? EH?)

'disgustedtoo' ---- So Harpcat wanted something more than mild. Would that be 2 weeks of severe pain and discomfort, or maybe a ventilator, or perhaps just a lifelong disability? Anyway, to wish some one ill will just to serve a cause is just plain mean. I can understand and have empathy with those who have suffered or died from a disease or condition without having the disease or condition myself.
For me, if someone does contract the covid, I wish they have mild or no symptoms. Even if that person is Biden or Trump or Schummer or McConnell or Pelosi or fill in the blank. But that's just me and probably a vast majority of human beings.

"So Harpcat wanted something more than mild. Would that be 2 weeks of severe pain and discomfort, or maybe a ventilator, or perhaps just a lifelong disability?"

You ASSUMED Harpcat meant death in your original comment.
Now you're assuming all kinds of other scenarios.

STOP assuming.

If you have a problem with Harpcat saying (darn it), take it up offline with Harpcat. That goes for what anyone else says.

We are here to help and support one another, not dump on them. Perhaps someone will think I'm dumping on you - no, I'm just pointing out that you are making assumptions.

Imho, personally I will go under anesthesia AGAIN tomorrow and then 2 weeks from that for cataract surgery (first was under anesthesia for colonoscopy). Point is no real point at all other than had 02 and my mask over top of the 02.
The Novel Coronavirus never left.

Wishing you all the best, Llama 💗

As gladimhere says:

"The way of the world. Those that feel it is a hoax and those that think it will never get them, as in the neighbors case.

The best we can do is to take all precautions for ourselves. You cannot depend on others. Stay safe all and do your part."

Currently, sadly, this IS the way of the world. It seems more true here than in other places (NOTE I said MORE, not exclusively!)

As we discuss our LO's various issues on this forum, we encourage others to understand we can only change ourselves, how we choose to deal with or react to situations. We can't change others. They have to want to change AND make the change(s). We can't force others to do what might be the right thing(s) to do.

So, the best we can do is try to protect ourselves (and in some small way protect others, even the deniers) as best we can. Today I read about a nurse in SD who reported some of those in more serious condition refused, right to the end before they passed away, that it wasn't real and refused to believe they were infected or were going to die. Very sad.

As for how it has impacted me or those I know, so far nothing medically. My son works remotely, my daughter is dispatch, so has to go in to work. Scary that on 11/7 a staff member of mom's MC was tested and they called Tuesday to tell us this person tested positive. MC residents are now on lockdown in their rooms (they were somewhat exempt due to their conditions, just spread out more at mealtimes and had staggered meals.) Exceptions are those who tend to walk about a lot during the day anyway, just working to keep them apart.

This is a first - we're not in or near the "epicenter" in our state, but figured it was just a matter of time. The number of cases are increasing here now too. They tested all the MC residents, and reported that mom was negative. That's the closest it's come for me. To date, my town has had 35 cases total, mom's (next town over) has had 34. But, the number of current cases are growing and are now at the highest daily level I've seen them.

As for the lockdown, it does stink, but even more for me. Other than no masks or virus, I've been in "lockdown" mode more or less for 2 years before the virus came along (financial issues.) Just when the situation resolved and I could move forward, along comes the virus. Plans to get the necessary fixes done on this house and visiting my kids and grandson are on hold still. I only shop about every 2 weeks, already used online delivery for cat and mom supplies. Some mom items I had to get in a store or pharmacy, but I would plan ahead and buy more than was needed to reduce outings. I was still dropping off mom's supplies, but can't visit, can't call her (no phone due to dementia and hearing issues), no window access, video visits wouldn't work with her. This stinks, as she likely doesn't have much time left. She's 97 and had a stroke early October. She is losing weight as eating has become difficult for her. She's now on hospice, so I won't need to go as often to pick up anything for her (they supply the briefs and wipes, I still get her meds.)

I do have to try to stay safe, for myself, my cats, my kids, but also for my mother. I manage all her care and finances. My bros are mostly useless and would probably screw everything up or squander it all!

It would be nice to know if I've already been exposed, but had no symptoms. I've never had the flu (or a flu shot), haven't been sick in decades and have never been "down and out" for more than a day. It isn't like I haven't been exposed. I raised 2 kids, and worked all those years, so plenty of interface with others, many who were sick all the time! I don't want to pay for the antibody tests, which aren't always accurate and also there's no proof yet, no one really knows if we will be immune if we've had it and survived or get the vaccines.

While I agree it would be nice to be able to get out and about again, what did people do back in the day, living isolated?

Llamalover47
"(first was under anesthesia for colonoscopy)"
I've lost count how many times they've bugged me about getting this done... Between the "prep", anesthesia or sedative, which means needing to find a ride, and already having a tear in the upper digestive tract, no thanks! I finally agreed to the "box" test, I even ended up getting paid to do it! Insurance has had rewards for doing certain things, and the test company sent a letter saying I'd get a gift card from them too, if I sent it in by X date! Free test AND got paid!

I do understand sometimes the scope is necessary, just hoping I never have to do that.

I'm curious about the cataract surgery - did you choose general anesthesia or they said you had to? I want to avoid that, because I had that tear previously. In reading about it, I thought there was local anesthetic and possibly a sedative....

I'm holding off for now, partly because it isn't too bad yet, partly because I oversee mom's care and finances, partly because I'd need a ride and partly because of the virus... (ride would have to be someone who doesn't live with me - none of my cats have learned to drive yet! No Toonces here! Even if they could start it and steer, two would have to work together as I only have manual shift vehicles. The only time I've seen any work together is when one brings a mouse up from the basement...)

For the past few months I have been studying up on the 1918 pandemic.... and it is running parallel with the covid 19 virus. My gosh, didn't we learn ANYTHING in those 100 years?

February 1918 was the start, it ended in April 1920. And the covid-19, even through it started in December 2019, the U.S. didn't take real notice until February 2020. The scientist were saying it would run until the Spring of 2022.

Back during the 1918 pandemic, 25k people were dying each month. Sad to say, the covid-19 has that number beat. Lately the numbers are over 1k per day, thus 30k per month.

Society acted the same way. There were people who took the pandemic seriously and others who ignored it. Yep, back then there were folks who refused to wear masks [the masks were made of glaze]..... there were folks who refused to distance themselves..... and there were Mayors of big cities who had festive parades with people packed together lining the streets. Like I mentioned before, didn't we learn ANYTHING from that pandemic?

https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/1918-flu-pandemic and click on the photos.