COVID-19 from a Type 1 diabetic’s perspective
From the research that has been done about COVID-19 thus far, those at “high risk” are the elderly, those with underlying heart and lung conditions, and diabetics. Those not taking this seriously, for whatever reason, need to come to some common sense and learn what this means for those at high risk. As a Type 1 Diabetic, this is what I have to say:
First of all, being high risk doesn’t just mean that we’re going to catch it easier than any other healthy person on the planet. What it refers to is the likelihood of a high risk person dying from this virus rather than surviving it. Frankly, it’s infuriating that those who are healthy completely disregard those of us who can die from this by going out to stores and not staying home when they should. I really applaud those who are following the guidelines of washing hands and doing what they should to prevent the spread. Those who are making it worse by not staying home and wearing gloves while you’re out in public and touching everything, I really hope that you realize what you’re doing sooner rather than later, and, I hope that you do not lose someone close to you that is at high risk because of the choices you have made.
Second, the absolute terror of being someone high risk is indescribable. We have to stay home and not leave unless absolutely necessary. I know many can empathize with this whether you are high risk or not. Staying home long term leaves us all with some disturbing feelings and too many questions left unanswered. Being high risk only makes it worse. Those high risk people who live alone have to literally risk their lives any time they have to leave or even use a delivery service for groceries or necessities. Why? Well, if you have to ask that question then I believe you haven’t been paying attention. The risk we take by going out in public is too great because of those who are not taking this seriously.
Ask yourself this: if you knew for certain that this virus would kill you if you got it by going out in public for any reason that was necessary, would you still go? If someone could bring it home, would you want to be around them? How would you protect yourself from all of the possible ways that you might contract this virus? If you were told today that you had COVID-19 and had to go back and tell everyone that you came in contact with, would you be able to or would you be ashamed of having come in contact with so many people that you couldn’t warn them of the danger you might’ve put them in? I challenge you to put yourself in those shoes and act as if the virus will kill you, should you contract it. See what behaviors you might change.
If you want to know what you can do to make a safer environment for yourself and those around you, regardless of whether or not those who come behind you are high risk or not, the first thing you should do is STAY HOME. Again: STAY HOME. Second, stop wearing gloves unless you intend to change them or clean them with alcohol each and every time you touch something with them. The gloves do not protect you or anyone else unless you are directly caring for someone who actually has the virus. Wash your hands. Wash your hands all the time. No, its not convenient at all, but it IS worth it. Lastly, stop hoarding supplies, including toilet paper. Especially those who are healthy and are not high risk.
Lastly, those who are healthy and doing their best to keep those at high risk healthy, thank you. I can’t say that enough. Especially those assisting the elderly folks that can’t care for themselves.
Overall, the importance of being aware of good hygiene, having common sense, and staying home along with following the guidelines we are given shouldn’t be taken lightly. I hope this gives some perspective to those. Most importantly, I hope that those hearing or reading this take it as seriously as possible.
The writer of this blog post will remain anonymous