Every winter we’re treated to the redundant, mainland news story of a guy looking at his car with its hood up, stuck in snow, sleet, or -15˚ weather. Same story, just a different guy and car every year. We’re now seeing something similar nightly with stories about the COVID-19 vaccination process. Must we be subjected to one more visual of a needle going into someone’s upper arm? Same drill (literally)- different person, city, and site- every time we’re shown a “new” COVID story. We know what it looks like and how it’s done. So how about some different background footage as this vital, intelligent quest to vaccinate us all continues?
‘Twas sad to learn of State Senator Kalani English’s retirement last week due to lingering effects from COVID-19. The East Maui/Moloka’i/Lāna`i senator is a “long hauler”. He cited COVID-19’s effects as the reason for his premature departure. English caught the coronavirus in November, yet still suffers with long- and short-term memory issues and other cognitive problems including headaches. Stress can exacerbate symptoms. Thus, he retired after serving his communities for 20-years, routinely flying back and forth between four islands (including O`ahu).
As a fellow long hauler, I’m truly empathetic to Sen. English’s plight. I’ve had no sense of taste and just a minimal sense of smell since COVID visited me in October. Aromatherapy, acupuncture, hot peppers, listening to Tangerine Dream… I’m trying everything. Imagine suddenly not being able to smell flowers in your own yard or taste a cherished holiday meal… for months. Like Sen. English, I had mild symptoms while briefly ill- fatigue, dull headache, and no appetite for a few days. If you’re worried about a possible 48-hour reaction from the vaccination- you can handle it; the potential for suffering from “long COVID” in one of its many forms is far, far worse.
Up to a third of America’s coronavirus sufferers report COVID-related health issues six months later, meaning that more than 10-million Americans are still suffering today. 10-million… COVID-19 doesn’t care how tired we are of news stories, tier veer, distancing, wearing masks properly, or washing hands. Unvaccinated, asymptomatic carriers risk spreading mutating variants as the insidious coronavirus persists. COVID-19 doesn’t take vacations, holidays, or days off. It’s still not to be taken lightly, just because you know a guy who knows a gal who’s got a cousin who got COVID-19 and was “just fine”.
Think about it…