I want to write only one more time on the subject of COVID, as this pandemic has been front and center in our lives for the last two and a half years. I do think that we can put the pandemic in the past, but the illness remains and will likely remain indefinitely.
I have wanted to write this blog for several a couple months now since the CDC announced that they did not think one needed to wear a mask in public anymore. They stated that 95% of susceptible people had contracted the illness or had the vaccine. (That does not mean that you cannot get it again though.) Then Thursday, September 22nd, Al Mohler on the Briefing mentioned the same thing, and I felt it was time.
There still are more than 600,000 cases of COVID worldwide a week and there may again have mild peaking of the disease. I do feel that the hospitals know how to treat it, that there are antiviral medications that make the illness not as severe, and most people have had it and know what to do. The death rate in 2022 has been very low compared to 2021.
It is interesting to me that Europe is one area that still has more cases than other areas of the world. The confirmed cases in the US are about a third of the population with about 100 million of the 330 million population and we know some of the people have had it more than once. The deaths by population have been harder hit in the heartland of America than on the coasts though the coasts have had more cases.
This year there is more discussion currently regarding the flu than COVID and I do think that is right. During the pandemic, the flu cases were very low because people were wearing masks but now that it is over and subsequently, we are back to seeing other illnesses returning including influenza. I would encourage a flu shot if you are inclined to get one.
Where can we go after this?
We cannot live in fear. This only causes more illness, inflammation, and isolation.
Do maintain yourself with supplements like vitamin D, C, zinc, and quercetin all to help with immune function regularly.
Live your life, form friendships with others, invite people to dinner again, and see your family.
Wear a mask when you are sick or are concerned that others might be but please do not isolate yourself.
Do things that you want. It has shown us what is important, and we need to do them again.