Covid Got Me!
Could the smokey air last week make me feel so bad I asked? Eyes itchy, a bit less patient, even irritable, ask Betsy! Really tired. Then mid afternoon a call from friends we visited Saturday brought the hammer down: They had been exposed and one of them tested positive. We needed to get tested asap. Not so fast.
Could it be our friend had a false positive? If so, neither our upcoming travel plans need be changed, nor having to contact many we had contact with since Saturday, at lease 50 known and some unknown by name. What to do? Had to wait according Health advisors 3-7 days for symptoms or sufficient viral load to test. So, we hoped and prayed for a reprieve. Tuesday our friends initial positive was confirmed along with his wife's initial negative. Lucky Lady!
Our swab test was set for Wednesday. My symptoms had increased ~ a temp of 102F, nice naps, and a head cold gone rogue. Yes, both Betsy and I had been vaccinated in March with Moderna and been fine. All our friends Saturday had been vaccinated too. Masks were available ~ I did not wear one assuming ~ everyone was safe. However unbeknownst to any of us was that the host's realtor had been exposed and converted positive. Even with my vaccination, I was not totally exempt from infection: At best, protected from full blown symptoms. That was a huge awakening, and the start of our contact tracing.
Our health plan has been timely, supportive in information and supplies. Within a day of our results, we received a box of supplies including masks, gloves, sanitizer, disposable utensils, to help manage our margin of safety while being under the same roof. A bit like coed dorm life.
What is my takes away? There are several:
MASK UP!! Don't assume vaccination is a firewall: It is a fire break and certainly has reduced my severity so far.
Consider a contribution to global pandemic relief and prevention. Have an accurate easy to use thermometer or two on hand. We are only as safe as our resources can manage. Wearing a mask respects your protection, and honors others.
Gratefully Improving,
Rich Randolph
