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timesnew7 · 8 months

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Three Shots for Fall: What You Need to Know

Most Americans have had one or more shots of the flu and Covid vaccines. New this year are the first shots to protect older adults and infants from respiratory syncytial virus, a lesser-known threat whose toll in hospitalizations and deaths may rival that of the flu. Federal health officials are hoping that widespread adoption of these immunizations will head off another “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses, like the one seen last winter. For people with insurance, all of the vaccines should be available at no cost. “This is an embarrassment of riches,” said Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccines program at Boston Children’s Hospital and an adviser to the Food and Drug Administration. Here’s what he and other experts say about who should receive which immunizations, and when.

What respiratory illnesses are coming our way?

The coronavirus, the flu and R.S.V. are all likely to send thousands of Americans to the hospital this year, but exactly when, and how severe the toll will be, is unknown. That’s in part because the restrictions in place during the pandemic altered the seasonal patterns of the viruses. Last winter, the flu peaked in December instead of in February, as it typically does. Covid kept up a steady number of infections and deaths most of the season, with a peak in January. Compared with its pattern before the pandemic, R.S.V. peaked several weeks earlier last year, and it circulated for longer than usual. But this year, it is now beginning to pick up in the South, suggesting that the virus may return to its prepandemic patterns. R.S.V. is the least familiar of the three viruses, but increasingly it is recognized as a major respiratory threat, particularly to older adults, immunocompromised people and young children. “R.S.V. has a burden of disease similar to flu in older adults — it can make you very, very sick,” said Dr. Helen Chu, a physician and immunologist at the University of Washington.

Which vaccines should I seek out?

Everyone should have at least the flu and Covid shots this fall, experts said. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, but is most important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5, and people with weak immune systems. Updated Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna are now endorsed by the F.D.A. and the C.D.C. (A third, from Novavax, is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.) The recommendations: Americans aged 5 and older may receive one dose, at least 2 months after their last dose of any Covid vaccine. Children aged 6 months through 4 years who have already been vaccinated may receive one, or two, doses of the new vaccines. The timing and number of doses depends on the previous vaccine received. Unvaccinated children aged 6 months through 4 years may receive three doses of the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or two doses of the new Moderna vaccine. Federal health officials aren’t talking about a primary series of shots followed by boosters. (Officials aren’t even calling the shots “boosters” anymore.) Instead, they are trying to steer Americans toward the idea of a single annual immunization with the latest version of the vaccine. “Like a seatbelt in a car, it’s a good idea to keep using it,” Dr. Camille Kotton, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and an adviser to the C.D.C., said of the Covid vaccine.

What about R.S.V.?

Two vaccines are now available for adults aged 60 and older: Abrysvo, by Pfizer, and Arexvy, by GSK. They are not universally recommended; patients may choose to get them in consultation with their doctors. The vaccines, which may have rare but serious side effects, are mostly likely to benefit older people with such underlying conditions as heart disease and asthma. Abrysvo and Arexvy are not yet approved for most Americans younger than 60. The C.D.C. now recommends another new shot against R.S.V. — Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody — to protect infants less than 8 months old, as well as infants 8 months to 19 months old if they are at risk for severe illness. In August, the F.D.A. approved Abrysvo for pregnant women as a way to protect infants from the virus. The vaccine, to be given in the last weeks of pregnancy, may prevent severe respiratory illness in infants up to 6 months. While risks posed by any of these respiratory viruses increase with age, remember that “65 is not a magical cutoff point,” Dr. Chu said. “Even those with no pre-existing conditions can become quite sick with all three of these viruses.”

When should I get the vaccines?

You should get the shots early enough to build immunity against the pathogens, but the timing may depend on your particular circumstances. If you do not want or are unable to make multiple trips to a clinic or pharmacy to space the shots apart, experts recommend getting the shots together. But if at all possible, it may be wise to time the shots to provide maximum protection. Covid is already on the rise, so getting that shot as soon as possible makes sense. Flu may not peak until December, so getting the flu vaccine in October may be wisest — your antibodies will not have waned so much by the time the virus comes most prevalent. Adults aged 50 and older should also get the vaccine for shingles, if they haven’t already, and those 65 and older should sign up for the pneumococcal vaccine. But those vaccines don’t need to be given in the fall and can be scheduled for different times, Dr. Chu said.

Is it safe to get these vaccines all at once?

Getting the Covid and flu shots all at once does not significantly affect the protection or produce worse side effects compared with getting either one alone, according to a recent study by Israeli scientists. “F.D.A. and C.D.C. systems monitor vaccine safety year round and will remain in place,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement to The Times. “If any new potential safety signals are identified, the F.D.A. and C.D.C. will conduct further assessment and inform the public.” Some research suggests that the R.S.V. and flu vaccines produce lower levels of antibodies when given together than when delivered one at a time. But those levels are probably still high enough to protect people from the viruses, experts said. Because the R.S.V. vaccine is new, however, there is little information on how it might interact with the other two vaccines. There is also limited data on the safety of the two R.S.V. vaccines. Clinical trials recorded six cases of neurological problems, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, compared with none in the placebo groups. But the numbers were too small to determine whether the cases were a result of the inoculations. More clarity will come from surveillance while the vaccines are administered on a large scale, Dr. Chu said. Christina Jewett contributed reporting. Read the full article

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secretly-a-cold-blooded-murderer · 3 years

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Five Thousand Miles

Warning: Angst, descriptions of covid patients’ suffering, hospitals

A/n: I researched a lot about what covid patients go through in a hospital and their treatments but still took a couple creative liberties so I apologise if the descriptions aren’t accurate. Do tell me how you liked it!

Summary: Y/n tests positive for covid-19 and has to be hospitalised. Her boyfriend, Harry is five thousand miles away from her.

“Harry, I’m scared,” Y/n confessed as she readied herself, struggling with wearing her mask and gloves while also balancing her phone to continue talking to her boyfriend on FaceTime.

“It’ll be alright, you are taking every precaution you can. Plus, you have to get out of the house sometime, you can’t survive on air alone. Trust me, baby, you can do this.”

Harry’s voice was keeping her grounded, she wanted to continue talking to him but knew it would be impossible to shop and talk to him at the same time, so she nodded at him, “You’re right. Okay, I’ll call you when I get back. Safely.”

Taking a deep breath, she went out the door to a world of germs, people, and newly acquired viruses.

Being in the middle of a pandemic alone wasn’t her favourite situation to be in. It felt better when she had company, people who would help her buy the essentials. As soon as situations eased up a bit, her quarantine partners left New York to be with their families. She was all alone now.

Looking at all the empty streets, Y/n was left with a weird sensation. The city that never slept had never been quieter. She was so used to being woken up by car horns and car alarms in the morning that during the first few weeks of lockdown, she found it hard to wake before noon. This quiet was almost poetic, like the stuff of post-apocalyptic films. Y/n wasn’t sure if the silence comforted her or terrified her.

There were more people in the store than she had expected, though all in their masks, she breathed in relief. She went straight to the personal hygiene section, remembering the most important item on her list, only to find that the store was all out of toilet papers, the one thing films didn’t guess would be a big problem. She rolled her eyes at the selfish people who had panic-bought more stuff than they would have needed.

She tried every store near her neighbourhood, and eventually was able to get the last set in the final shop she visited. Tired from driving all over the city in search of toilet papers, she went to the check-out line to finally buy her stuff.

Standing in her place, Y/n noticed the people in the store, few whose foreheads were furrowed, their eyes darting around making sure they were maintaining the mandated distance from others, panic evident on their mask-covered faces. Some others appeared plain bored. Already used to the new routine and just wanting to get it over with.

She was so lost her observations, she almost didn’t hear it, the woman behind her in the line coughed loudly, making people jump farther apart than the required six feet.

“It’s just allergies,” the woman announced in a nasal voice, rolling her eyes at people’s reaction.

As Y/n’s turn came at the check-out counter, she found herself frozen to the ground, she didn’t know why but the cough threw her off. It felt weird to react the way she did, but she could not make herself move. She was nervous. She wanted to laugh at herself for feeling this way because of a measly cough, but it wasn’t so simple and right now all she felt was fear.

“Oh for god’s sake,” the woman moved forward, pushing her aside and placed her items at the counter. Even the employee there seemed wary, but knew he had to comply to keep his job.

It was only after the woman left, was Y/n finally able to move, she shook her head as if to shake the incident away from her mind and finally paid for her items.

She ran all the way home, even though she knew she shouldn’t have. She couldn’t help herself, she just wanted to move away from the public and into the safety of her home as soon as she could.

As she entered her house, Y/n felt her chest tighten, as though someone was sitting on it, she couldn’t breathe properly. It felt like she was breathing through a squished straw.

In between her wheezing, she searched around for her inhaler in her side bag. She felt her breath coming back a few seconds after she breathed in the medicine. She fell to her knees in exhaustion and took in a few more breaths to calm down.

She then picked herself up and embarked on an extensive set of tasks- Taking off her gloves and mask, removing her shoes at the entrance of her house, washing her hands. But, this somehow didn’t seem enough to her, so she went ahead and took another shower, just to be extra sure.

While in the shower, she cursed her asthma. It wasn’t usually a big hurdle in her life, but now, everything was a hundred times worse. This was the first time she had feared for her life. Her anxiety was at an all-time high and all she had to keep her sane was her daily FaceTime calls with Harry.

Opening her laptop to do her work, she checked the numbers again- seventy thousand new cases. She sighed and closed her laptop, not having the motivation to do any work. She scrolled through her social media to distract herself only to be shoved more news about the coronavirus, she let out a groan of frustration and switched off her phone, deciding to take a nap instead.

Only she couldn’t sleep. She thought back to all the plans she made with Harry, promising him to be there next to him while he toured the globe. She laughed at the situation and how no one in a million years could have guessed the current world state.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep, but she must have as she woke up with a jolt in her bed after a strange dream. She shook her head and looked out her window to see the sky dark. She switched on her phone, it was 8 pm. She cursed to see three missed calls from Harry and one from her friend, Sarah.

Preparing herself, she called Harry.

“Where were you, I called like three times?” His voice was deeper than usual, she guessed he had just woken up because of her call. She calculated it to be 4 am in London, where Harry was. She felt bad for waking him up like that.

“I know, I switched off my phone and fell asleep. Sorry,” she grimaced.

Harry hummed in acknowledgement, “how you doing?”

She could hear rustling on the other side and imagined a sleepy Harry sitting up in his bed, his hair messy from his sleep, “Just missing ya’.”

“I know, I hate that I had to leave you like that, wish you could come with me,” there was a hint of a whine in Harry’s voice which made Y/n smile.

“Wish I had a visa for England, I really wanted to come too,” and she meant that. At least that way, she wouldn’t have to be alone.

“I’ll video call you tomorrow, it’s late here, or rather early,” what he was saying next was obscured by his yawn. She sighed, she missed him too much.

“Yeah sure, see you tomorrow, bye.”

“Bye.”

When the call disconnected, she messaged Sarah to ask what the call was about, who didn’t respond. She shrugged her shoulders and went down to the kitchen to start preparing for dinner.

It started with a headache. She didn’t ponder much on it and instead only took medicine to curb the pain enough to continue working.

It was when she felt a certain roughness in her throat, did she pay attention. Her cough worsened within days, she was having a hard time breathing normally. It felt like a less severe but constant asthma attack. She took her temperature, which showed her to be having a fever at 101°F.

It took her some time to even process what was happening to her, she initially wondered if it could be the flu or something non-covid, but she knew she couldn’t take the chances. Harry was the first person she informed.

“What are you saying?!” Harry was frantic, his forehead creased as he ran his fingers through his hair, messing them up.

“I have a fever, a cough, and I’m having difficulty breathing,” counting the symptoms on her fingers, she informed him again.

“It could be the flu, Y/n you didn’t even go outside. How could it be anything else?”

“H, I did go out to buy supplies, didn’t I? Maybe I got infected there somehow. We shouldn’t be kidding ourselves. I have to at least get tested.” You didn’t want to show him just how scared you were, but it was hard to keep your voice from cracking.

“I am scared, H,” you let the tears out. Your shoulders shook while you tried to wipe your tears as they were leaking from your eyes.

Harry closed his eyes, not being able to see you sobbing, “I know baby, but I know you’ll be strong. I will take the next flight to LA. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He promised, his mouth set in a hard line as a strong look of determination crossed his face.

She shook her head with as much strength she could muster, “No Harry, you shouldn’t keep travelling, plus, you can’t stay with me and I don’t want you staying at some hotel. It’s not safe.”

“Bu—”

“—I won’t hear another word about it. I have Sarah, and you have your work to take care of. I will be fine.”

She knew Harry wanted to say more, object to her claims, she would not be fine. But he knew it would be of no use, once she had made up her mind, it would be impossible to change it. So, he settled for a low nod.

“Keep me updated, I’ll also talk to Sarah. She better be there for it all. You should now call your doctor, see what’s the next step.”

Y/n nodded, smiling that Harry understood. She didn’t want to trouble him. She also wanted to pretend for a few more seconds that this was not a big deal.

She called Dr Gupta, her heart was beating at an all-time high and her energy was at an all-time low. She barely had enough breath to tell her doctor about her situation who booked an appointment for her to go to the nearest covid testing facility.

She took a deep breath, wore her protective gear and drove to the testing lab which was a ten-minute drive from her place. She was already out of breath by the time she reached the place.

When she was done with her test, she felt worse than she had before. Sarah called to check in on her, but Y/n didn’t have the energy to talk so Sarah video-called her, seeing Y/n’s face would have to be enough for her at that point.

Sarah’s eyes softened, seeing her best friend heaving, eyes shut and groaning due to her chest pain. But she knew, more than anything, her best friend was scared.

“I hope with everything that I am that the test comes back negative,” her voice was tinged with worry and genuine hope.

Y/n could only nod.

The call came two days later, Y/n sat up in her bed, she had been dreading this moment these past days, with Harry and Sarah to distract her.

The test came back positive.

She fell back into her bed, cushioned by her pillow and started shaking uncontrollably as she sobbed.

She felt insanely dehydrated by the time she stopped crying, she didn’t even get to call either of her friends. She stood up with a groan, and following one slow step after the other, she went to the bathroom to wash her now tear-stained face.

The call she made to Harry wasn’t an easy one. She knew he would take the news worse than she had, and her reaction was not a light one.

“I prayed. I promise I prayed Y/n,” his words were almost indecipherable in between his cries. His every tear followed the other with a ferocity never before noticed by Y/n.

Her own tears followed suite, she was so sure she had finished up all her tears, but she was proven wrong. Soon, the only conversation happening between the two was through their sobs.

She wanted to curse all the gods, she didn’t want to go through the pains of having this disease and she didn’t want to do it alone. Even though she had Harry and Sarah standing right beside her, knowing they would not be able to meet her in person, she had never felt more alone.

“I don’t feel good, H,” she confessed. Breathing was becoming difficult day by day, she would rather have an asthma attack twice a day than having this constant pressure on her chest and throat. She knew she had to tell him, “I have to get admitted to the hospital first thing in the morning tomorrow, they say my covid could be worsened because of my asthma,” she let out in between a series of coughs stopping her after every word.

Harry nodded, his heartbeat rising. He cursed himself for leaving his girlfriend alone in the country. If he hadn’t left, she would not be going through this, “I’ll tell Sarah, you go rest,” he promised, seeing it get increasingly difficult for her to even sit up in her bed.

If Y/n was scared before, then the hospital made it thousand times worse. It was a scary sight, the covid ward was in an isolated area of the hospital, the doctors and nurses were in full PPE kits, the patients were lined up next to each other separated by curtains. She passed a room with ICU written on the glass door. With what she could see, she noticed several other patients, some with masks covering their nose, probably providing oxygen. Others seemed in worse conditions, they were intubated via ventilators.

Seeing them facing the same crisis together, although away from their families, but forming a new family of sorts in solidarity to their conditions gave her little comfort. Those who wore the nasal masks and thus still had the ability to talk were speaking to each other, even reading something from their phones to those who were on ventilators. Covid had seemed like a situation she would have to go through alone, her initial views though were changing.

She was admitted to the regular covid ward, with the rest of the non-critical patients and would be observed overnight. She was assisted with oxygen through a nasal mask, just like the people around her, she had noticed.

“Hey, I’m Cecilia, call me Cece,” a thirty-something woman introduced herself from beside you. The curtain was partially open, allowing Y/n to see only her face.

“Y/n, nice to meet you,” she called back, smiling as much her energy would allow.

“Never guessed this is how I would be spending my lockdown,” she laughed lightly, pointing to her mask. She then followed it up with a cough, groaning with the strain.

Y/n felt bad for her, only to be subjected to the same.

These were going to be some long days. Though she did feel better knowing she would not be facing this alone. She looked around the room, at probably twenty patients around her, in the same situation as her, if not in worse conditions. She then thought back to the people in the ICU and what they must be subjected to.

Her phone brought her attention to itself, it was Harry FaceTiming her; putting on a smile, she picked up the call.

“Hey handsome,” she suggestively raised her eyebrows, not wanting to worry him any further.

Harry did not even notice her words, he was too busy gawking at her nasal mask, “what is that?” worry coating his voice.

“Oh just my new accessory, you like it?” although Y/n wanted to look nonchalant, the pain in her voice could not be hidden, she sighed, “They are giving me oxygen through this.”

Harry’s eyebrows were knitted together in worry, Y/n wanted to make him feel better. She could not rest knowing her love was out there worrying about her, “Look I made a friend,” she turned the camera to Cece laying next to her six feet apart, “Cece, say hi to my boyfriend, Harry.”

She had forgotten her boyfriend was a big deal but was reminded of it by Cece’s gasp, “Harry freaking Styles ohmigod ohmigod,” Cece squealed, making Y/n forget for a second that she was not a teenager.

“Hullo love,” Harry greeted her in his ‘fan voice’, a smile graced her lips. “Hope you beat covid and get better soon.” Cece’s smile made Y/n realise how long these people had gone without having a reason to smile and how desperately they needed it.

Cece’s squeal garnered the attention of the people around them. Noticing the pop icon on the phone screen, conversations started flowing between everybody. Introductions were made, friendships were formed and smiles were passed around, along with Y/n’s phone. So, she asked a nearby nurse if they could access a bigger screen so everyone could see and talk to her boyfriend.

When the staff hooked up a screen, Harry gave all the patients an impromptu concert. Y/n had not smiled in days the way this concert had made her. She expected fear, anxiety, deaths and instead got friends, laughter, and music.

When Harry was done performing for his audience, he gave her a brief look. “I love you,” she whispered to him, smiling when he returned the words.

The next day, she was woken up by the noises around her, she panicked for a moment, not recognising the place she was in; but calmed when she regained her senses and noticed the blue curtains of the hospital, several machines and the people they were attached to.

She made a short conversation with Cece but had to stop because she was getting out of breath. With every passing moment, her chest pain too was increasing. She did keep listening to people chat around her. Some were on calls with their family, others were busy reading books and listening to music. She kept getting shouts of gratitude from the people in the ward for Harry the previous night.

For the next two days, that kept her going. She learned about her fellow patients, Jonathan was 59 years old, his son was an engineer and he couldn’t have been more proud; Jaya was a 42-year-old woman with bronchitis and wanted to visit Paris at least once in her life. Marc was a 50-year-old diabetic who was in a band in the 80s, they were planning a reunion show. She met countless people, each with their own stories.

At about 10 am on a Thursday, her situation worsened. The doctors had come for a routine checkup, only to see that her oxygen levels were dropping steadily and she needed immediate assistance.

She was shifted to the ICU ward. She had to be intubated and thus was given a board and marker to write anything if she wanted.

“—Yes sir, she was shifted to the ICU this morning—”

“—We can’t say much right now, but we’ll inform you if anything changes—”

“—Okay, take care, Sir.”

Y/n heard bits and pieces of the conversation her doctor was having with Harry, although since she was on medication, she couldn’t register much of it. The nurses brought her phone to her, a silhouette moving on the screen.

“Hey baby, how are you feeling?”

Y/n pondered how to describe the immense pain burning through her respiratory passage and the lack of oxygen eating away her lungs and not give him nightmares. So, she offered him a tired thumbs up.

Harry watched his girlfriend cough, her face contorting in pain and could not control his tears, he didn’t want to think about the worst-case scenario but could not stop his mind from going there. He knew how low the chances were of people on ventilators coming back. But he had to remain positive, someone had to. She needed him to be strong for her. So, he wiped away his tears, put on his best brave face and talked to her.

He called her every three hours. Giving updates to her about his day, talking to her about whatever he could. He talked enough to compensate for the silence on her part. She smiled through every sentence, even though he could not see it, even though it wasn’t visible on her face, even though she didn’t have the power to, she smiled.

And she listened. So she didn’t have to focus on Josephine dying next to her or Augusta who was a hair length’s distance away from dying the previous day. Even though doctors told her that her situation was worsening, she listened because that became the only thing keeping her from giving up.

As her pains didn’t go away, and her condition worsened further, she was given sedatives and was thus mostly asleep. Which she was thankful for, for she couldn’t take it anymore, she just wanted to rest.

Dr Garcia came by routinely to check on her, talking to her about the outside world, gave her the gossips being passed around the hospital. Even though she was barely awake to listen to any of it, she was thankful for the kind doctor providing a calm lull while doing her job.

“Mr Styles, I’m afraid her condition isn’t getting any better. She should have shown atleast some improvements,” Dr Garcia informed Harry in a heavy voice.

On the other side of the line, Harry didn’t know what to do, it felt like someone was pulling away the floor under him. “What happens now?” He asked, praying for some hopeful news.

“We really can’t say much, each case is different, but it would be better uhm,” the doctor was thinking through her words, wanting to be as considerate as possible, “is there any family of hers that would want to talk to her?”

Harry almost let out a sob as he realised what the doctor was implying ‘is there anyone who would want to give her a final goodbye?’

“No, Y/n’s family passed away in an accident when she was 16, it’s just me and Sarah,” he explained, his voice on the verge of cracking, it was becoming harder to get words out of his mouth. He didn’t want to talk anymore, he just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry.

“Oh, I understand,” Dr Garcia nodded, feeling sorry for the young girl who had stolen the hearts of everyone in the ward. She was a sweet girl, who had dreams and still held love for life even after everything she had seen. “This is not the end, Harry, she can still recover, God, I pray she does, this is not the end.” She really believed the words she was saying and wanted Harry to feel the same.

He nodded, tears clouding his eyes. He too really wanted to believe that.

A beat of silence fell upon the conversation, both in deep thought, “Harry, she wrote something on her board when she was awake yesterday,” Harry’s ears pricked up, “she wrote and I quote ‘I will not give up’ with a smiley face at the end. She is a fighter, you remember that,” Dr Garcia gave her parting ways and went back to her work.

Y/n’s words were imprinted in Harry’s mind. After the call, he made himself more presentable, wiping his tears and drove up to the church near Y/n’s house. He had come back to LA after Y/n was admitted to the ICU. He couldn’t be five thousand miles away from her in that condition.

The church was almost empty, which was surprising to Harry, given the situation, but he wasn’t complaining. He walked up the aisle, his hand grazing each wooden bench as he reached the altar and kneeled. He didn’t what to pray or how to pray, but he tried anyway. He closed his eyes and called out to God; he prayed with every part in his body, with every bone, every muscle, every fibre of being for his love to get better. For her to keep fighting. And for him to gain enough strength to deal with it all.

All this time, he had been feeling so helpless, not being able to do anything to make her better. But he made peace with the fact that the only thing he could do right now was to have faith. To have faith in God to guide him and her, in Y/n to be the stubborn strong-willed woman that she was and continue fighting, he had faith in his faith and that it would not disappoint.

He stayed there, talking to God until the closing hours. He then went back to Y/n’s place and sat on the sofa, waiting by his mobile, ready for any phone call he might receive.

He was awoken the next day by his phone ringing on the coffee table next to him. He looked at the time, it was noon, he picked up.

“Congratulations Harry, she’s getting better,” the relief was evident in Dr Garcia’s voice.

Harry felt himself getting physically lighter.

“I mean there is still a long way to go, but her oxygen levels are rising, her lungs are recovering, she’ll be soon able to breathe on her own. Harry, she did it, she won,” Harry didn’t listen to the rest of what the doctor was saying, he was too busy falling in love with the love of his life. It felt like he himself had come back from the dead. He knew his faith could never disappoint.

“Thank you doctor, I’ll be waiting for the call when you tell me she’s tested negative,” he laughed, his lungs breathing in air after what felt like a lifetime.

Dr Garcia chuckled along with him and agreed, telling him Y/n would call him when she woke up.

“You know I love you right? My fighter,” Harry tightened his grip on her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Y/n’s head fell back as laughter bubbled out of her, “You just told me that like two minutes ago.”

“I know, but a few weeks ago I thought I would never get to say it to you ever again. So, I will keep reminding you every minute that I love you and that you are the strongest person I know,” he snaked his arms around her, placing his head on top of hers, “I really missed holding you.”

She breathed in Harry’s scent, slowly regaining her sense of smell, she had missed this too. She cupped his cheek with her right hand and gave him a light peck.

Harry grabbed the back of her head, keeping her lips on his, deepening the kiss. When they separated, he rested his forehead against hers, not wanting her to move even an inch away from him.

Noticing her deep breaths, he whispered in her ears, “This is the only reason I want you to be out of breath. This and well... the other one,” he smirked.

“Oh hush you,” Y/n blushed, she sucked in a breath through her teeth, “Shit man, I love you.”

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stevishabitat · 3 years

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CHICAGO — They acknowledged that they could have shown up months ago. Many were satisfied that they were finally doing the right thing. A few grumbled that they had little choice.On a single day this past week, more than half a million people across the United States trickled into high school gymnasiums, pharmacies and buses converted into mobile clinics. Then they pushed up their sleeves and got their coronavirus vaccines.These are the Americans who are being vaccinated at this moment in the pandemic: the reluctant, the anxious, the procrastinating.

In dozens of interviews on Thursday in eight states, at vaccination clinics, drugstores and pop-up mobile sites, Americans who had finally arrived for their shots offered a snapshot of a nation at a crossroads — confronting a new surge of the virus but only slowly embracing the vaccines that could stop it.

Duncan Beauchamp, 17, was vaccinated at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Conn. His father had been concerned by how quickly the vaccines were rolled out.Credit...Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times

Ever Diaz, 42, was vaccinated at the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines. He said it had been hard to get a vaccine because of his job in construction.Credit...Kathryn Gamble for The New York Times

The people being vaccinated now are not members of the eager crowds who rushed to early appointments. But they are not in the group firmly opposed to vaccinations, either.Instead, they occupy a middle ground: For months, they have been unwilling to receive a coronavirus vaccine, until something or someone — a persistent family member, a work requirement, a growing sense that the shot was safe — convinced them otherwise.

How many people ultimately join this group, and how quickly, could determine the course of the coronavirus in the United States.Some of the newly vaccinated said they made the decision abruptly, even casually, after months of inaction.

One woman in Portland, Ore., was waiting for an incentive before she got her shot, and when she heard that a pop-up clinic at a farmers’ market was distributing $150 gift cards, she decided it was time.

A 60-year-old man in Los Angeles spontaneously stopped in for a vaccine because he noticed that for once, there was no line at a clinic. A construction worker said his job schedule had made it difficult to get the shot.

Ronald Gilbert, 60, was vaccinated at a light rail station in Hawthorne, Calif. He said he didn’t really believe in the vaccines, but that with an uptick in cases it was “better to be safe than sorry.”Credit...Rozette Rago for The New York Times

Cliberman Centeno, 36, was vaccinated in Los Angeles. He said he was tired of wearing a mask.Credit...Rozette Rago for The New York Times

Many people said they had arrived for a vaccine after intense pressure from family or friends.“‘You’re going to die. Get the Covid vaccine,’” Grace Carper, 15, recently told her mother, Nikki White, of Urbandale, Iowa, as they debated when they would get their shots. Ms. White, 38, woke up on Thursday and said she would do it. “If you want to go get your vaccine, get up,” Ms. White told her daughter, who was eager for the shot, and the pair went together to a Hy-Vee supermarket.

Others were moved by practical considerations: plans to attend a college that is requiring students to be vaccinated, a desire to spend time socializing with high school classmates, or a job where unvaccinated employees were told to wear masks. Their answers suggest that the mandates or greater restrictions on the unvaccinated that are increasingly a matter of debate by employers and government officials could make a significant difference.

Audrey Sliker, 18, of Southington, Conn., said she got a shot because New York’s governor announced that it was required of all students attending State University of New York schools. She plans to be a freshman at SUNY Cobleskill this fall.“I just don’t like needles, in general,” she said, leaving a white tent that housed a mobile vaccination site in Middlefield, Conn. “So it’s more like, ‘Do I need to get it?’”

Lisa Thomas, 45, was vaccinated at the People’s Market in Portland, Ore. She first wanted to see how the vaccines affected Americans. “I do know people who have gotten it and they haven’t gotten sick, so that’s why,” Ms. Thomas said.Credit...Tojo Andrianarivo for The New York Times

Patricia White, 46, took her son Tariq, 17, right, to be vaccinated at Michele Clark Academic Preparatory Magnet High School in Chicago. Her grandson Diaunta is too young to be vaccinated.Credit...Taylor Glascock for The New York Times

Many people interviewed described their choices in personal, somewhat complicated terms.Willie Pullen, 71, snacked on a bag of popcorn as he left a vaccination site in Chicago, one of the few people who showed up there that day. He was not opposed to the vaccines, exactly. Nearly everyone in his life was already vaccinated, he said, and though he is at greater risk because of his age, he said he believed he was healthy and strong enough to be able to think on it for a while.

What pushed him toward a high school on the West Side of Chicago, where free vaccines were being administered, was the illness of the aging mother of a friend. Mr. Pullen wanted to visit her. He felt it would be irresponsible to do so unvaccinated.“I was holding out,” Mr. Pullen said. “I had reservations about the safety of the vaccine and the government doing it. I just wanted to wait and see.”

The campaign to broadly vaccinate Americans against the coronavirus began in a roaring, highly energetic push early this year, when millions were inoculated each day and coveted vaccine appointments were celebrated with joyful selfies on social media. The effort peaked on April 13, when an average of 3.38 million doses were being administered in the United States. The Biden administration set a goal to have 70 percent of American adults at least partly vaccinated by July 4.

But since mid-April, vaccinations have steadily decreased, and in recent weeks, plateaued. Weeks after the July 4 benchmark has passed, the effort has now dwindled, distributing about 537,000 doses each day on average — about an 84 percent decrease from the peak.

About 68.7 percent of American adults have received at least one shot. Conservative commentators and politicians have questioned the safety of the three vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration has approved for emergency use, and in some parts of the country, opposition to inoculation is tied to politics. An analysis by The New York Times of vaccine records and voter records in every county in the United States found that both willingness to receive a coronavirus vaccine and actual vaccination rates were lower, on average, in counties where a majority of residents voted to re-elect Donald J. Trump.

Barnet Gaston, 14, was vaccinated at Michele Clark Academic Preparatory Magnet High School in Chicago. He wanted to get vaccinated so he could spend more time hanging out with his friends, most of whom were vaccinated.Credit...Taylor Glascock for The New York Times

Anastiacia Rincon, 15, was vaccinated at the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines. She says that she got vaccinated “to protect myself and others, and I have asthma.”Credit...Kathryn Gamble for The New York Times

Despite the lagging vaccination effort, there are signs that alarming headlines about a new surge in coronavirus cases and the highly infectious Delta variant could be pushing more Americans to consider vaccination. On Friday, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said there had been “encouraging data” showing that the five states with the highest case rates — Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Nevada — were also seeing higher vaccination numbers.

In Florida, a clinic in Sarasota County was quiet, a brightly lit waiting area full of mostly empty chairs. Several people wandered in, often no more than one or two in an hour. Lately, they are vaccinating fewer than 30 people there a day.

Elysia Emanuele, 42, a paralegal, came for a shot. One factor in her decision had been the rising case numbers in the state, which she had been watching with worry.“If everything had gone smoothly, if we had shut down immediately and did what we needed to do and it was seemingly wiped out,” she said, “I think I would have been less likely to get the vaccine.”

Some people said they had heard snippets that worried them about getting shots on social media or on cable television — misinformation about vaccines has circulated widely — but they said they ultimately dismissed the rumors.In the shade of a freeway underpass in South Los Angeles, volunteers and would-be vaccine patients tried to talk over the roar of passing cars.

Charlene Bradley, 71, was vaccinated at the People’s Market in Portland, Ore. “I was kind of against it, but I promised my son I would do it,” she said. “It just took a while.”Credit...Tojo Andrianarivo for The New York Times

Cindy Adams, 52, was vaccinated at the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines. It was her workplace’s requirement to wear a mask as an unvaccinated person that changed her mind.Credit...Kathryn Gamble for The New York Times

Ronald Gilbert, 60, said he did not really believe in the vaccines and has never been a fan of needles, but with an uptick in cases he reasoned that it was “better to be safe than sorry.”

“I feel better having this now, seriously I do,” he said. “I’m going to be walking like a rooster, chest up, like ‘You got the vaccine? I got the vaccine.’”

News of the Delta variant also changed the mind of Josue Lopez, 33, who had not planned on getting a vaccine after his whole family tested positive for the coronavirus in December.

“I thought I was immune, but with this variant, if it’s more dangerous, maybe it’s not enough,” he said. “Even now, I’m still not sure if it’s safe.”

At a vaccination site at Malcolm X College in Chicago, Sabina Richter, one of the workers there, said it used to be easy to find people to get shots. More recently, they had to offer incentives: passes to an amusement park in the north suburbs and Lollapalooza.

“Some people come in and they’re still hesitant,” she said. “We have to fight for every one of them.”

Otchere Darko, 44, was vaccinated at Westchester Community College in Ossining, N.Y. He waited until he felt the vaccines had proven to be safe.Credit...Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times

Frederique Moretto, 59, was vaccinated at a Florida Department of Health site in Sarasota, Fla. She got vaccinated to visit her daughter, who is going to a school in Washington in the fall.Credit...Octavio Jones for The New York Times

Cherie Lockhart, an employee at a care facility in Milwaukee for older and disabled people, said she was worried about the vaccines because she did not trust a medical system that she felt had always treated Black people differently.

She was not anti-vaccine, she said, just stalling until something could help her be sure. Her mother ultimately convinced her.

“My mom has never steered me wrong,” Ms. Lockhart, 35, said. “She said, ‘I feel this is right in my heart of hearts.’ So I prayed about it. And, ultimately, I went with my guiding light.”

Many of the people who newly sought shots said they had wanted to see how the vaccines affected Americans who rushed to get them early.

"I do know people who have gotten it and they haven’t gotten sick, so that’s why,” said Lisa Thomas, 45, a home health care worker from Portland, Ore. “I haven’t heard of any cases of anyone hurting from it, and there’s a lot to benefit from it.”

Leslie Vences-Avena, 14, was vaccinated at a Florida Department of Health site in Sarasota, Fla. The F.D.A. approved vaccinations for children age 12 and older in May.Credit...Octavio Jones for The New York Times

Cherie Lockhart, 35, was vaccinated in Shorewood, Wis. Her mother convinced her to get the vaccine.Credit...Marla Bergh for The New York Times

For Cindy Adams, who works for a Des Moines insurance company, it was her job’s requirement to wear a mask as an unvaccinated person that pushed her into the Polk County Health Department drive-up clinic for her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Ms. Adams, 52, said she had been concerned about possible long-term effects of the vaccines. But now her husband, children and most of her extended family have been vaccinated, as have most of her co-workers.

“I just honestly got sick of wearing the mask,” Ms. Adams said. “We had an event yesterday, and I had to wear it for five hours because I was around a lot of people. And I was sick of it.

“Everyone else is healthy and hasn’t had any side effects, gravely, yet, so I decided I might as well join the crowd.”

Julie Bosman reported from Chicago. Contributing reporting were Matt Craig from Los Angeles, Elizabeth Djinis from Sarasota, Fla., Timmy Facciola from Middlefield, Conn., Ann Hinga Klein from Des Moines, Emily Shetler from Portland, Ore., and Dan Simmons from Milwaukee.

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oxylusofficial · 3 years

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The Impact of Coronavirus on Lungs

Why are the lungs important?

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to live. The air we breathe contains oxygen and other gases. Once in the lungs, oxygen is moved into the bloodstream and carried through your body, and carbon dioxide, waste gas from the metabolism, leaves the blood and enters the lungs from where it is expelled through the windpipe and nose.

Hence, the function of the lung is of utmost importance and a reduced lung function implies a reduction of the ability of the lungs to exchange gases.

To quote Tim Winton “It’s funny, but you never really think much about breathing. Until it’s all you ever think about.”

At times even breathing can be a luxury, especially during these challenging times!

The origin of all maladies

In late 2019, a new coronavirus began circulating in humans. This virus, called SARS-CoV-2, causes the illness known as COVID-19.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still very novel to us, and a lot of research is under progress as to what this virus does to a person's body — including how it affects the lungs.

Coronavirus, The Culprit

We do know that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, and that infected people can easily spread as they cough, sneeze, clear their throat, or even breathe or speak near someone else — even without having any outward symptom of carrying the virus.

That is the reason why we should all be maintaining social distance, maintain hand hygiene and wear masks while outside our homes.

The Gateway

This virus can spread easily from person to person. It mainly does this through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone with the virus talks, coughs or sneezes near you and the droplets land on you.

You may acquire SARS-CoV2 if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it.

The Battle Begins.

Having entered your body either through your eyes, nose or mouth, the virus travels to your chest. The real combat starts there. Your lungs become the battleground, sustaining injuries in the process.

The extent of damage varies from person to person. While some may experience only mild damage to the airways, others might suffer damages more severe, even life-threatening.

The Combat Continues

Once in the chest, the virus begins to attackthe airways, causing inflammation. As inflammation increases, you might feel tightness in the chest or even breathing could cause pain.

Also, this can cause chest tightness or deep pain while breathing. A dry cough with a barking sound and feels like asthma develops.

Your Lungs turn into a warzone

The battle turns into a war when the lung tissue becomes infected. It becomes swollen and filled with fluid containing dead cells. A condition clinically referred to as pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Depending on how difficult it becomes to breathe and how impaired the gas exchange at your lungs become, the situation could even become life-threatening.

This fluid build-up can affect your oxygen levels, which could eventually hamper the functioning of all other vital organs like the heart, brain and kidneys.

It is especially important to keep a close watch on the oxygen saturation levels as you might require hospitalization if the oxygen level dips. As it meansthe transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream is reduced. You will need supplemental oxygen and close monitoring in a hospital setting.

In profoundly serious cases, one may need to be placed on ventilator support in the ICU.

Does COVID-19 have long-term effects on the lungs?

This new virus has only been around for about a few months now. Research is on to know potential long-term effects it can have on a person's lungsor any organ system in the long run, be it your heart, brain, and vascular systems.

There are reports that one unique thing that people with this covid-19 infection might experience is pulmonary fibrosis resulting in scarring in 20% to 30% of the patients who require ventilation. Inthe case of regular ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome), the lung disease, your lungs would have recovered by six months.

So, it might just be too soon to tell but there could be a possibility that this disease can cause more injury to the lung and more residual fibrosis than other forms of ARDS.

Get Vaccinated.

Vaccination will significantly protect you from this disease and hospitalisation. The full protective effect develops two to three weeks after the second dose. Continue taking all precautions even after vaccination.

Prevention is in your hands.

It is in your hands indeed! Hygiene! Practising hand hygiene, following social distancing norms and keeping your body immunity high with the right kind of food, supplements and nutraceuticals like Chovsafe for Lungs is like waving a white flag and making peace.

Isn’t it wiser to prevent such a ravaging war rather than suffering its physical and mental aftermath?

Visit Us: Nutrition for Lungs ,Vitamin for lung infection ,Vitamins and minerals for lungs ,Smoking vitamin E ,Vitamins That Help With Breathing, Antioxidants for Lungs

#Vitamin for lung infection #Nutrition for Lungs #Vitamins and minerals for lungs #Vitamins That Help With Breathing #Antioxidants for Lungs

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minny5ca2018 · 4 years

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The Cost To Humanity...

When The Cost to Humanity…

This has been a turbulent time, since the onset of governments around the world by and large declaring a state of emergency during the Covid 19 event.

More than that, it’s taken its toll on human dignity and people’s lives. Some areas in the world are still forced into lockdown while others are experiencing a “second wave.”

Its effect has been varied, personal and different for everyone. I have no doubt that the virus, at one point has been real. Whether the symptoms are different from a flu or coronavirus common cold are one thing many people would disagree on.

Regardless, the outbreak has taken its toll on people through job loss, seeing businesses destroyed either from riots or economic downturn and more.

As a person who has been unemployed this entire time, it’s been hard to watch how things can change in an instant. Seeing riots, looting and general destruction in many cities has been heartbreaking.

My own job loss was before Covid but the physical environment where I worked has disappeared to work at home jobs I cannot do because of where I live. I am out of work and not sure of my future. That is how Covid has affected my life.

Many people are unemployed because of Covid, and I am no different in that. People are struggling due to that job loss, in that the human cost of Covid is high.

Whether you believe there is more to Covid than just a virus is up to each person’s thoughts and opinions. But what has struck me even more than that is how it’s affected human lives.

The lists are endless: families who in the beginning could not hug their parents or children if they lived outside their household.

Friends and colleagues who could not openly gather in their Church or other gatherings yet can go to large box stores like Costco or Wal Mart during the strictest of the lockdowns.

The family kept away from their dying relatives in hospital.

The family isolated from their parents or other family now locked down inside of a Nursing or Special Care Home.

The family not able to gather in large numbers at Easter or at Thanksgiving.

The list as I said is endless, and it’s sad.

Statistics wise, people may argue how Covid compares with other viruses and such.

That again is up for debate and numbers are numbers, but they also can be adjusted as much as testing can. Each test has a percentage of errors in those numbers.

As with all viruses or flus, Covid seemed to target high risk groups more than others: our Seniors, people with immune disorders, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and many others with underlying health problems.

In the USA, some areas placed Covid positive patients in Nursing Homes --and its cost? 😓😓

Families in some cases are isolated from each other and this is the saddest aspect.

I have a sister in a nursing care facility and unable to physically touch her family.

I have another sister in another province who also is concerned about travel outside her local area to this province.

These are just some my personal experiences how Covid has taken its toll on our human lives.

Its costs are high. It also points out the need for change – maybe our Seniors in these locations needs to be addressed at some point.

My house for example, has wider doorways and a wheelchair ramp. Difficult as it was, my aunt kept my uncle at home until his death in 2002. Same with her until she died in 2004.

Where do we go from here?

Should families in the West have seniors at home or in close proximity with adequate funding?

Note that many families in the East keep them in their homes. Just food for thought.

Time will tell.

The world is in the grip of Covid 19 for the moment. I believe that it’s more than just a virus and that is open for debate.

Only God knows that plan. He does.

This is a battle between good and evil, but #BeNotAfraid because God wins!

Amen

#be not afraid #godwins

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itsvolunteer · 3 years

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Symptoms of Coronavirus

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

Fever

Dry cough

Fatigue

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include:

Loss of taste or smell,

Nasal congestion,

Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)

Sore throat,

Headache,

Muscle or joint pain,

Different types of skin rash,

Nausea or vomiting,

Diarrhea,

Chills or dizziness.

Some of them have mild symptoms and others don’t show any symptoms.

Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include:

Shortness of breathe

Loss of appetite,

Confusion,

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,

High temperature (above 38 °C).

Other less common symptoms are:

Irritability,

Confusion,

Reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures),

Anxiety,

Depression,

Sleep disorders,

More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium, and nerve damage.

If people have mild symptoms then it’s always advised to go for a test as a precautionary cure. One can get a molecular test to detect SARS-Cov-2 and say that the person has COVID-19. PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) is the most commonly used molecular test that is collected from the throat or nose with a swab. This test is the best way to detect the virus and confirm an active infection in a person’s body. Some of them opt for a rapid diagnostic test - RDT that detects viral proteins in the human body. This test is collected from the nose or throat of the person and the results are quick but not accurate.

How long it takes for the symptoms of Coronavirus to develop?

When a person gets exposed to COVID-19 from that time onwards the symptoms begin on average of 5-6 days and can range from 1-14 days. So, most people are unaware of the fact that they are affected. Once the COVID symptoms are seen one has to isolate themselves from others to avoid the spread of the virus, especially where the testing facility is not easily available.

What to do if one has COVID-19 Symptoms?

If a person shows any signs of COVID-19, then immediately contact the Vizag Volunteers helpline center who can guide you about when and where to get a test. It’s recommended to monitor your health and stay at home, self-isolated.

Some people who suffer from asthma, breathing problem, heart problem, diabetes need to seek medical attention. Vizag Volunteers are here to direct you the right way regarding health facilities. If you need to visit the health center for testing, wear a proper face mask, face shield, and gloves while traveling to and from medical care. Maintain a safe distance of 1-meter from others and moreover try not to touch surfaces with your hands. Once you are back from testing wash your hands otherwise take a bath.

Many of them have questions about the treatments given to COVID-19 patients. Scientists all around the world are trying their best to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Optimal support is given to patients whose oxygen levels are low, more advanced respiratory support such as ventilation is provided to patients who are facing critical issues.

Dexamethasone is a Corticosteroid that helps reduce the length of time on a ventilator. This helps to save people who are facing severe and critical illness. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, like antibiotics as a cure for COVID-19. WHO is taking every proper step in developing treatments for COVId-19 and it will continue to do it until it finds a permanent solution. The progress information of the vaccine will be updated as and when new progress is seen in the trials.

Vizag Volunteers help people in the right way to understand what a person needs to do when he is affected by COVID-19. Vizag Volunteers is a group of people who are here to help the people who are in need of blood, plasma, or any COVID health-related problems. They are providing many COVID-19 service activities to the people in and around Vizag. To know more about the services go through the website and if you need any help you can contact them through the helpline number provided.

#covidー19 #plasma #Vizag Volunteers #Protection kit

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exeggcute · 4 years

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glad to know you are mostly recovered from covid! if i may ask, could you describe how where your symptoms or at what pace you got them? the information i've got from both medical / govermental sources in my country is contradictory at times. also, what would you recommend drinking if i found myself to be with covid?

first off: WATER!!! drink water!!! I mean you can probably drink whatever as long as it’s moderately healthy and you’re staying hydrated (my drink of choice while sick is red gatorade. it has to be red or it doesn’t work though) but water is always a safe bet

also I’m happy to share my experience, just know that (1) I am not a doctor, just a professional Sick Person and (2) I never officially got tested thanks to a shortage of coronavirus tests in my area, but I’m pretty damn sure my symptoms were aligned with covid-19, so take that as you will

the first thing I noticed was a sore throat... but I have sore throats allll the time because of my other health issues, so I didn’t think much of it. I did start to notice my sore throat was getting better (from a previous mystery illness that knocked me out for a few days, and which I initially thought was strep but was probably just a bad cold) before suddenly getting bad again. I also had a day where my sore throat was especially pronounced and I had that Really Tired Feeling you get when you’re sick. I guess we can call that day one, but at this point I definitely didn’t think I had corona

that night I noticed some chest tightness, which I initially wrote off as an anxiety attack (and considering my extremely anxious personality and the fact that we were battening down the hatches for a pandemic, that seemed like a fair assumption) but using my inhaler didn’t help--in fact, it made the pain worse! but it did pass eventually, more or less, and I forgot about it

(side note here that if you think you have corona, do NOT use your albuterol inhaler or any kind of steroid inhaler unless you’re having a legit asthma attack with wheezing and all the works. using your inhaler can make the corona symptoms worse, but obviously if you need to use it then it’s important to keep using it. consult your doctor. also another similar note: if you think you have it, stay away from most NSAIDs if you can, as those can also make things worse. tylenol is okay though as long as you’re careful about the dosage--not as a corona thing, you just always need to be careful with tylenol dosage. and it’ll help keep your fever down, which is important!)

then over the next day or two I noticed the chest pain flare-ups but wrote those off as well. they were short-lived and mainly seemed to happen at night, but the inhaler always made them worse. around this time I also started experiencing some general GI upset for a few days (not to get too into that...), but I have a very touchy digestive track and was taking antibiotics at the same for other unrelated reasons, so I was like “well it’s probably nothing” but was starting to get worried.

then about five days later, the chest tightness really made itself present. like, it lasted all day and was constant. I was concerned but not immediately freaking out, and it was really windy that day so I kind of chalked it up to allergies, but as a very allergic person I’ve never had chest tightness like that from allergies (and my other allergic symptoms have improved considerably since I started allergy shots, so it would be weird to have a new symptom crop up out of nowhere like that).

then the next day, and the next day, the tightness wasn’t going away. this was clearly not allergies. I started to seriously think about corona tests, and I even called my primary care doctor, but she was extremely dismissive (all she did was call in a prescription for an old allergy drug that never even worked for me in the first place) and it was downright impossible to get tested. I was freaked out, but not entirely sure.

it’s about day seven at this point, and the chest tightness is in full swing. when I first wake up, the pain isn’t really present, but after about an hour of wakefulness my chest starts to get tight, congested, and kind of has that rattle-y feeling when it’s full of mucus and crap from the postnasal drip. not much congestion otherwise, but I’m so hopped up on antihistamines at all times that I don’t really get congested in general. the best way I can describe the chest tightness is that it feels like when I exert myself and my asthma makes my chest seize up and it’s hard to catch my breath (aka every single PE class I was ever forced to take as a kid), but my inhaler doesn’t do shit. my throat is still hurting pretty bad too and I feel vaguely fevery, but I don’t have a working thermometer at home. overall I just feel shitty, like that feeling you have when you know you’re sick (and I get sick a lot so I’m pretty well-versed in that lol). for quarantine purposes, this is the day I’ve been counting as the “first day” of having obvious corona symptoms, but it was really predated by the things I described above.

several days pass like this, I keep trying to get tested and call all sorts of places but it’s all dead ends. I also develop a slight cough, which mostly comes in bursts or when I speak/eat. by day twelve I manage to get a primary care appointment, and they do an EKG to make sure it’s not cardiac pain (the EKG came back fine) and a throat swab to see if it’s something bacterial (it’s not). they do confirm I’m running a slight fever, although my body temperature is usually so low that even a fever of 99 is high for me. my primary care doc basically tells me to fuck off and stay home, which I was already planning on doing. she also didn’t even wear a mask or gloves to look into my throat, despite the fact that all the other nurses in the practice were wearing masks and gloves when they interacted with patients... so I’m not exactly full of confidence in her judgement here.

the night of day thirteen, the day after seeing my doctor, I have a night where I can’t sleep because my airway feels restricted (both in my chest and my actual throat being swollen from pain). I used my inhaler, like a fool, and when the inhaler didn’t help the first time I tried using it two more times. big mistake! I ended up lying awake gasping for air, taking huge gulps just to feel like I was getting the teeniest bit of oxygen, and feeling stabbing pain when I took these deep breaths. I was too afraid to sleep and almost made my girlfriend drive me to the ER but I hate going to the ER so instead I just tried to calm down until I got exhausted enough to fall asleep around dawn. I also kept alternating between sweating buckets and shivering to death, no matter how I kept adjusting the temperature and my blankets, so I assume I was having a crazy fever that night.

the next day, roughly day fourteen, I decided to suck it up and go to the ER to get a chest x-ray. they said my x-ray looked fine, which was encouraging (hopefully no permanent lung damage there), and they took a flu swab and a strep swab just to rule those out (both negative, of course). at least two other people were there with me in the ER complaining of similar symptoms, but they didn’t have any tests for us so the doctor just told me to go home, act as if I had it, and keep taking tylenol and drinking water. this doctor is also the one who told me to stop using my inhaler--and the fact that my inhaler kept making the pain worse is one of the things that really tips me off here that I probably had it.

things are pretty much uneventful for the next week: still having a tight chest, a fever that seems to come and go, sore throat, cough. no more crazy attacks like that one night.

by day nineteen (yesterday) I start to notice a bit of improvement in my chest pain. it’s not gone, but it’s not as bad and I’ll have slight reprieves from the tightness. today is day twenty (more or less, my numbers are a little rough here) and I actually felt okay most of the day. by the evening the tightness returned and I’m still coughing every now and then, but far less often. I think the fever is gone and my throat doesn’t hurt too bad, either! I’m well past the point of being contagious, so I actually went to the grocery store today and got a few things. I’m not totally out of the woods yet, but I think (knock on fucking wood) the worst has passed.

anyway, I hope my anecdote is helpful for you, and I hope you stay safe and healthy!

#long post #Anonymous

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drnishthasingh · 2 years

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Dr. Nishtha Singh is the best lung specialist in Jaipur and always motivates her patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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stacyqcee967 · 3 years

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20 Myths About microorganism: Busted

The Greatest Guide To How Dangerous Is The Coronavirus?

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Hidden health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, can increase your threat of establishing unsafe symptoms if you become infected with coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19). Coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) signs can vary extensively. Some individuals have no symptoms at all, while others end up being so sick that they eventually need mechanical help to breathe.

This resembles what is seen with other respiratory health problems, such as influenza. While each of follow this link these serious illness increases the danger of extreme COVID-19 signs, individuals who have several of these underlying illness are at even greater danger. Individuals of any age, even children, can catch COVID-19.

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The threat of developing unsafe symptoms increases with age, with those who are age 85 and older at the greatest risk of major symptoms. In the U.S., about 80% of deaths from the disease have been in people age 65 and older. Dangers are even greater for older people when they have underlying health conditions Take all your medications as prescribed.

Assisted living home locals are at high risk because they often have numerous underlying health issues, integrated with advanced age. And bacteria can spread out extremely easily between individuals who live in close proximity to each other. If you live in a nursing home, follow the standards to prevent infection. Inquire about defense steps for residents and visitor restrictions.

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COVID-19 targets the lungs, so you're most likely to develop serious signs if you have preexisting lung problems. Your risk of major symptoms is greater if you have these conditions: Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) Lung cancer Some lung conditions might increase your threat of serious illness from COVID-19, consisting of: Cystic fibrosis Lung fibrosis Moderate to serious asthma While some medications for these conditions can damage your immune system, it is necessary to stay on your maintenance medications to keep signs as managed as possible.

It might likewise help to avoid the things that make your asthma even worse. These asthma triggers can differ from person to person. Examples include pollen, dust termites, tobacco smoke and cold air. Strong emotions and tension can activate asthma attacks in some individuals. Others are troubled by strong smells, so make certain the disinfectant you're utilizing isn't an asthma trigger for you.

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People with numerous chronic conditions are most likely to experience harmful signs if https://naturallygreenla.com/what-is-the-best-disinfectant-spray-for-covid-19/ contaminated with COVID-19. These include type 2 diabetes, serious obesity and major heart diseases. Hypertension and type 1 diabetes may increase your threat of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Obesity and diabetes both decrease the performance of a person's immune system.

The danger of infections, including COVID-19, can be lowered by keeping blood sugar level levels controlled and continuing your diabetes medications and insulin. Your danger of severe disease is greater if you have heart problem such as cardiomyopathy, pulmonary high blood pressure, congenital heart disease, cardiac arrest or coronary artery disease. Continue to take your medications precisely as prescribed.

How Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.

Keep your hypertension managed and take your medications as directed. People who currently have cancer are at greater danger of developing more extreme illness from COVID-19. This risk can vary, depending upon the type of cancer and the type of treatment you're receiving. Sickle cell anemia is another condition that increases the risk of extreme COVID-19 signs.

It also causes agonizing obstructions in little blood vessels. Another inherited blood condition, called thalassemia, may also make you more likely to have serious COVID-19 symptoms. In thalassemia, the body does not produce enough hemoglobin and this impacts how well the red cell can carry oxygen. A healthy immune system fights the bacteria that cause illness.

Excitement About Certain Medical Conditions And Risk For Covid-19

Conditions that affect your body immune system and increase your risk of severe disease from COVID-19 include: Organ transplants Cancer treatments Your danger of severe signs from COVID-19 might be increased if you have conditions such as: Bone marrow transplant HIV/AIDS Long-term usage of prednisone or comparable drugs that compromise your body immune system If you have a weakened immune system, you may require to take additional preventative measures to avoid the virus that causes COVID-19.

You may desire to have your medications sent by mail to you, so you don't need to go to the drug store. If you have persistent kidney illness, you're at greater danger of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. You might have a higher risk of being ill with severe COVID-19 symptoms if you have chronic liver disease.

inactivate bacteria id="content-section-6">The Ultimate Guide To Common Questions About The Covid-19

Let your physician know if you feel ill. You may have a weakened immune system if you have chronic kidney disease and are having dialysis. If you have persistent liver disease, your threat of being seriously ill with COVID-19 may be greater since you may have a weakened body immune system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency situation use permission for 2 COVID-19 vaccines, the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. A vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or prevent you from ending up being seriously ill from COVID-19 if you get the COVID-19 virus. You can take additional steps to minimize your danger of infection.

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Centers for Illness Control and Avoidance (CDC) suggest following these precautions for preventing COVID-19: Avoid large events and mass events. Prevent close contact (within 6 feet, or about 2 meters) with others. Prevent anybody who is ill. Stay at home when possible and keep range between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading out in your neighborhood, especially if you have a greater danger of serious health problem.

Cover your face with a fabric face mask in public spaces, such as the supermarket, where it's tough to prevent close contact with others, particularly if you're in an area with ongoing neighborhood spread. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

#electrostatic cleaner

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whatcanieat1 · 4 years

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Obligatory Covid-19 related post (kinda)

So, as we all know, there is a pandemic at the moment. As someone with a chronic illness (and as someone whose partner has active asthma), I am concerned. I don't want to catch coronavirus and I certainly don't want my partner catching it. If we did, it would be extremely serious for us both.

I work for the NHS and so am classified as a key worker (as is my partner). Where he can work from home, I can not. I am currently at home due to an IBD flare-up (which I'll get into in a bit), but I will eventually need to go back to work. The thing is, even though my work’s Occupational Health has advised I stay away from patient interaction, my job is patient-facing, so I'm not sure what I'll be able to do when I do go back. And on top of that, what if I pick up coronavirus on my way home or from an asymptomatic colleague? There's not a lot I can do other than opt to self-isolate. This will have to be something I discuss with my manager when I return to work.

As for the flare-up, it started about three weeks ago. We had just got back from the Netherlands and I was starting to experience stomach cramps. I put this down to having tensed during the flights as I dislike flying, namely take-off and turbulence. I thought they'd go away after a bit but no, they kept getting worse. Two weeks ago, it got to a point where I was having to sit down because I would get nauseous if I was stood for too long. That's when the fatigue began to set in, to a point that my colleagues were starting to notice. They would tell me that I didn't look well and that I should go home. I didn't want to. The fact is, I haven't been at this job for a year yet and my probation period had already been extended due to two instances of sickness (both of which I was hospitalised). If I called in sick, that would be three instances within the first nine months of my employment and I didn't want to risk losing my job (despite all the reassurances from my colleagues to the contrary).

Come Friday of that week, and I am feeling awful. Thankfully, Friday afternoons are quiet for me at work so I didn't have to do a lot. I decided I would use the weekend to rest and evaluate my condition Monday morning. I think they saw it coming as my manager was not surprised when I called in. I was signed off for two weeks. That two weeks is almost up and, unfortunately, I am not feeling much better. If anything, the pain is worse. I'll be speaking to my GP again Monday to extend my sick note. It sucks but I have been advised by my GI to stay at home if I am experiencing flare symptoms. Hopefully, things will settle down soon and I'll feel well enough to return to work.

Anyway, to everyone who reads this, whether you have a chronic illness or not, stay safe.

#ulcerative colitis #colitis #Inflammatory Bowel Disease #ibd #working #wokring with ibd #flare #flare up #flare-up #coronavirus #covid-19 #work #nhs

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torriwilson · 4 years

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Pulse Oximeters May Be Helpful For People With COVID-19—Here's What to Know Before You Buy One

The at-home gadget can be valuable for observing coronavirus manifestations, alongside other respiratory conditions

You may not perceive the name, however you've likely observed a pulse oximeter previously (most likely in a specialist's office or emergency clinic setting). Much like a thermometer peruses your temperature, a pulse oximeter—a little rectangular gadget that cuts onto your finger—peruses your blood oxygen levels and pulse. Yet, in contrast to a thermometer, which numerous individuals as of now have in their homes, pulse oximeters aren't a backbone in many medication cupboards. COVID-19, notwithstanding, may change the entirety of that.

"Everyone is attempting to abstain from going out—particularly to go to the specialist," Sharon Chekijian, MD MPH, a crisis medication specialist with Yale Medicine, discloses to Health, including that those with mellow side effects are regularly asked to remain at home and counsel their primary care physicians by means of telemedicine. Yet, some of the time it's difficult to recognize milder side effects from those that warrant crisis clinical consideration—that is the place a pulse oximeter can become possibly the most important factor. "Numerous specialists have been prompting patients, particularly those with troubling indications or incessant wellbeing conditions like heart or lung issues, to purchase a pulse oximeter for home to screen their oxygen levels without journeying to the specialist or [emergency department]," says Dr. Chekijian.

Richard Levitan, MD, is one of those specialists. The crisis doctor composed an opinion piece for The New York Times enumerating his experience chipping in at New York City's Bellevue Hospital, where he saw a mind-boggling measure of basically sick patients who showed up at the medical clinic with hazardously low oxygen levels. It's in cases like these, he composed, when a pulse oximeter can help. "Across the board pulse oximetry screening for COVID pneumonia—regardless of whether individuals check themselves on home gadgets or go to facilities or specialists' workplaces—could give an early admonition framework to the sorts of breathing issues related with COVID pneumonia," he composed, including that all patients who test positive for COVID-19—and even patients who show indications however have not had testing—ought to have pulse oximetry observing for about fourteen days, since that is commonly when COVID-19 pneumonia can create.

While pulse oximeters are in no way, shape or form a need for the normal sound individual—however a few specialists may propose them to those with prior breathing issues like asthma, COPD, or other lung illnesses—they might be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise significant: All specialists aren't in concession to whether pulse oximeters are a smart thought for across the board home-observing, however this is what you have to know whether you're keen on putting resources into one.

What is a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter (likewise called a "Pulse Ox") is a gadget that estimates oxygen levels (or oxygen immersion) in your blood, as per Johns Hopkins Medicine—explicitly the fringe oxygen immersion, since it's distinguished incidentally (remotely) on the finger, toe, or ear. That is significant, per the World Health Organization, in light of the fact that your blood (explicitly proteins in your red platelets) hefts oxygen around your body and conveys it to your tissues.

Pulse oximeters additionally measure pulse rate, as far as pulses every moment—this can likewise show how well the body's tissues are "perfused" or provided with blood, and at last, oxygen.

Regarding COVID-19, a pulse oximeter can help identify or screen breathing issues related with COVID-19 or COVID-19 pneumonia. The gadgets can be particularly useful for those encountering windedness with analyzed COVID-19—either to watch out for progress or to decide when it merits a trauma center visit.

How would you utilize a pulse oximeter?

In case you're utilizing an at-home pulse oximeter, the gadget will cut onto your finger, toe, or ear cartilage. "Most usually, it is a clasp to put on your finger and it communicates frequencies of light to a sensor which precisely ascertains your blood oxygen immersion," George Fallieras, MD, clinical overseer of BioCorRx and specialist at LA Surge Hospital. That frequency is focusing on hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that conveys oxygen—and the light consumed by the blood differs with the oxygen immersion of hemoglobin, per the WHO, which at that point sends a perusing

The most ideal way direct the test is to do as such while plunking down, says Dr. Chekijian. "The best finger to utilize it on is the center finger," she includes. Make a point to remove any nail clean, abstain from utilizing on cool fingers, sit still. "In the event that your fingers are cold, you are wearing nail clean, or in the event that you are moving near, it may not get a right perusing," she clarifies. Likewise, on the off chance that you use another person's gadget make certain to purify altogether when use.

Another significant thing to check for during a perusing is that there is a following on the gadget that resembles a sine or nonstop wave, Dr. Chekijian educates. "The wave fluctuates with your relaxing. This implies the gadget is truly getting the correct signs. This is particularly significant if the perusing looks low so you don't misjudge it." If the perusing is low, yet you see a squiggly line rather than a standard sine wave, you are most likely not getting an incredible perusing.

What is an ordinary pulse oximeter perusing?

As indicated by Dr. Chekijian, for a sound individual without lung issues, a perusing between 96-100% would connote a typical degree of oxygen in the blood. The WHO brings down that by 1%, saying that anything between 95-100% is typical, and anything under 94% ought to be assessed by a clinical expert. A pulse oximeter perusing of anything beneath 90% is viewed as a "clinical crisis," per the WHO and ought to be dealt with critically.

"On the off chance that you do think you have COVID and you're utilizing the pulse oximeter to quantify your oxygen level, make certain to cause a log of the readings so you to can check whether there are any changes," Dr. Chekijian proposes. Likewise, the numbers aren't the main thing you should concentrate on. She recommends noticing how you were feeling at the hour of the perusing—like on the off chance that you felt fine or in the event that you were encountering windedness.

It's imperative to monitor the subsequent number, your pulse, as well. "That is useful to note also so you can report it to your primary care physician," says Dr. Chekijian. As per the WHO, a typical pulse in those ages 10 and more seasoned reaches between 60 to 100 beats for every moment.

Are there any drawbacks to utilizing an at-home pulse oximeter?

Likewise with any at-home test, there is consistently space for flawed readings or off base use. The WHO recognizes this, and prompts clinical experts to depend on their own clinical judgment versus a perusing on the gadget. On the off chance that you get a bizarre perusing at home (and you're not feeling sick), you can check the gadget's exactness on another sound relative—however in case you're uncomfortable with a perusing and how you're feeling, it's ideal to look for clinical consideration.

It's likewise significant not to let a decent pulse oximeter perusing to give you a misguided sensation that all is well and good in case you're feeling unwell. In case you're feeling inferior—windedness, hack, fever—and you haven't been determined to have COVID-19, it's ideal to check in with your medicinal services supplier. The uplifting news: Sometimes a decent pulse oximetry perusing can be a consolation in the event that you are feeling terrible with a COVID-19 finding, to show you aren't deteriorating.

Where would you be able to get a pulse oximeter?

That is the million-dollar question at the present time. Since they're so sought after, pulse oximeters, which are typically purchased on the web, at sedate stores, or by means of clinical gadget providers, can be elusive at this moment. "In the event that you think you need one, call ahead [to your favored store] so you don't go on a totally pointless pursuit and open yourself to superfluous hazard all the while," Dr. Chekijian desires.

Your present smartest option is to look at Amazon or different sites for accessible pulse oximeters. As indicated by Wirecutter, some portion of The New York Times, you can look at gadgets recorded on the Food and Drug Administration's 510(k) Premarket Notification Database via looking "oximeter."

For the time being, it's additionally best to adhere to at-home finger pulse oximeter gadgets—while there are some applications for cell phones that guarantee to gauge oxygen levels, ongoing examination from the Oxford COVID-19 Evidence Service Team has discovered that that none of them are dependable enough to fill in for the genuine article.

On the off chance that you can't discover a pulse oximeter because of the deficiency, and you're stressed over your levels, you can (and should) check in with your primary care physician to check whether you can get a perusing. "On the off chance that you have a feeling that you can't slow down or are short of breath with movement please visit brief center, earnest consideration, or call your primary care physician to check whether you can be seen," says Dr. Chekijian. "On the off chance that it's nightfall, call 911 or continue to the crisis division so we can check your levels for you."

The data in this story is precise as of press time. Be that as it may, as the circumstance encompassing COVID-19 keeps on developing, it's conceivable that a few information have changed since distribution. While Health is attempting to stay up with the latest as could be expected under the circumstances, we additionally urge perusers to remain educated on news and suggestions for their own networks by utilizing the CDC, WHO, and their nearby general wellbeing office as assets.

#pulse oximeter #oximeter #Pulse #oxygen

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tinakimyee · 4 years

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The gracious & might hand of God

Originally written on May 20, 2020

Just six days ago late night on May 14, I received the shocking news from Joy that my mom was in the ICU in New York because of an asthma attack that came upon her late night that led to pneumonia in her lungs, seizures with possible brain damage, a heart attack and being sedated for three days while on a ventilator. She went through this alone as my dad wasn’t home when it happened, as well as it being the COVID19 period and only patients are allowed in the hospital, with no visitors at all.

We all let out a big sigh of relief on Monday morning as we heard the good news that she was awake and off the ventilator. I was most anxious to hear an update on her possible brain damage from the seizures. There was further good news that she doesn’t seem to have been that affected by it as she recalled all the details of what happened, and was able to show emotions – very real emotions. She was extremely angry and upset at my dad for not being there when it happened, and how she felt so alone and neglected. There’s history and baggage there about how she often feels unheard and not regarded at certain time by my dad. She was fearful that she could die at any moment, as this asthma attack could happen again and again. There was a sob fest going on when my dad, mom and sister all video chatted for the first time.

As the days continued, my mom’s emotions lifted gradually. I get my anxious thoughts and worries from her, and so I can imagine how fearful and stuck she feels knowing that she will be discharged soon from the hospital, but the very reason and trigger for how her asthma attack started in the first place is still unaddressed. She insisted and demanded that my dad get her a hospital bed and an oxygen tank available at home for her. I’d want that too. Thankfully, my dad, did go out and bought her a reclining mattress that will be ready for her when she comes home. We will try to get an oxygen tank for her too. We are praying for a good asthma & allergy specialist that we can get her connected with as that seems to be the continual struggle.

In all this, I can’t say I was at absolute peace, as I felt like a yoyo as well, up and down in my emotions and thoughts. However, I can admit that I felt an underlying sense of peace and purpose in all this. I saw the opportunities to share about God, and by his grace and I took it! I can see how much easier it is when people are vulnerable and in humbling situations to hear more about God. One of those nights when I was waiting to make the midnight call again to the doctor, I picked up Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper, and was reading through it. Then I decided to send the audio version in Korean to my dad. I went back and forth trying to rationalize it away, thinking that he won’t read it anyway, or he might read it and then get offended and angry, etc. But I went for it anyway, bc if there was any moment in my dad’s life when he was showing humility and remorse, it was now. So I took it. It’s been a few days and there hasn’t been any response from him about it. But I’m happy to have obeyed in this one tiny way to be bold and share about the hope and life I have in Jesus Christ.

When I talked with my mom for the first time on the video call, we both cried a lot. As I was crying, very naturally, the words flowed from my lips about how God loves her, has been with her, and has a plan for her, and that’s why she’s still alive. I told her that for as long as she lives, I am more resolute on sharing to her about who God is. She was listening and responsive, and I said when you get out the hospital, why don’t you learn more about God again. Her response to my surprise was that that she’s gonna go to church when this is all over. I wasn’t expecting that all. I am hopeful. Not in her, but in God and what he’s doing. I have no idea yet whether she will follow through or not, but I’m hopeful that God is definitely working in her through this whole ordeal. I was convicted to help and do as much as I can while I’m here. I recalled the time, more than 10 years ago now, when my parents were going through really hard times and I encouraged my mom through a hand written card with passages from the Bible. She kept that card under the mattress and read it from time to time, and she said it gave her peace. I’m hopeful that God will work in her heart. So, I’ve been sending her some verses, the first being Psalm 23, as it was the most relevant and understandable one for her at this time. She said she read it a few times. PTL.

What I’ve been praying for my dad the most is true repentance – that he’ll be led to realize that he is a sinner and he wouldn’t rationalize it away. I have another flashback from the past when we got into a fight bc I was trying to share the gospel with him, and I was at the point of the talk where I was telling him he was a sinner. He disagreed angrily and insisted that he is not a sinner, and that he’s a good person, and started sharing some of the good things he does. My prayer is that he in fact sees this time that he is a sinner. It’s not just a mistake or a bad habit that he has, but he’ll see it for what it is: sin. And it hurts my mom, it hurts people, it hurts God. If he doesn’t see that, then he’ll “change” his ways for a little while as long as this ordeal is in his memory, but gradually as time passes, he will go back to his old ways. That kind of short lived behavioral modification isn’t the change that I would want for him. Honestly speaking, I had to fight real anger as I also felt that he was neglectful, prideful, and careless. But I fought that with the gospel, telling myself that nobody deserves to know Jesus, and that we are all like that in one way or another. And then I felt compassion and relief soon after. I didn’t want to crush him with my harsh words (which I have done in the past), but I also wanted to let him know how grave this situation is. So, I shot him a message being honest about how he needs to change, but also encouraging him in that I know he loves my mom and is trying. Lastly, I made sure to let him know that true change is only available as God changes our hearts, and that I am praying for him. Then I sent him the 1 Corinthians 13 passage, I hope he read it, and his heart was opened to the Words of Life.

My mom made it alive this time. But the truth is, she will die. Whether it’s in 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years, she will die. We all will. Therefore, keeping her alive physically isn’t my top priority – rather it is to lead her to take hold of eternal life. I felt a renewed conviction in my heart arise as my mom was recovering that for as long as my parents are alive on this earth, that I would speak generously and openly about the gospel. That would be my greatest joy and victory to see my parents and sister take hold of that eternal hope & life that is available in Jesus Christ. It’s a miracle that in just one weeks time, my mom went through an asthma attack, seizure, heart attack, and being sedated & ventilated for 3 days, to being discharged. I am so beyond grateful for that. God is good and kind. Now, I am more hopeful for the TRUE miracle that will come one day as my mom and dad take hold of eternal life with Jesus.

When I was little,and just learning about Jesus, I remember evangelizing to my dad. I told him that I want him to go to heaven with me. His response was, I’ll just hold your hand so I can go with you together. Even at that age, I knew it didn’t work that way. But looking back now, it gives me hope. It shows me that perhaps he does believe or even wants to believe that there is a heaven, and that there is a God. I pray that he will come to believe that there is a God who loves him and he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins, so that we can be forgiven and live eternally with him.

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