The pandemic is teaching us many lessons, the biggest lesson being, it's important we work together and support each other.
Lessons
Personally, I have learned many things. Initially when we heard about the pandemic and there was talk about us catching the virus, government scientists talked about a pre-condition and those people being more susceptible to catching the virus.
Covid-19, the facts
Months in and it was becoming clear that we're all vulnerable, and we can all catch Covid, but those with a pre-condition would be worse off if they caught the virus with a worst case scenario that they could die. Having a pre-condition myself, I am hoping that is never put to the test.
The Covid vaccine does protect, but it's not protecting enough, and the protection it has reduces over time, and you can still catch and spread Covid. It is the reason the booster was first introduced. Due to the issues with the first vaccine roll out, there is now a new vaccine, but sadly the UK isn’t stocking it.
Eligibility of the new vaccine
Eligibility for the new vaccine is for the 18/50′s, so not everyone is eligible. According to the media the government placed an order, but then cancelled it. If the new vaccine doesn’t come into circulation in the UK, people shall have to rely on the current vaccines that aren't protecting enough. For people who are immunocompromised, taking the vaccine means they may only have around 40% protection, which can significantly reduce.
The Vulnerable and High Risk
For people who fall into the being vulnerable and high-risk category, nothing has been said about how the vaccine fits for them. Initially, the government were prioritising the vulnerable and high-risk to take the vaccine, vaccinated first for a vaccine they don't know really know if it fits well enough.
My Covid Struggles
Now with lifting precautionary measures, I am struggling with being given little choice as to how I live my life. My old life doesn't exist and with lifting restrictions everyone is now at risk, whether you have been vaccinated or not.
If I do want to get back into my life, I would have to ignore the fact there is a virus out there and potentially risk catching the virus. As a result I am now 'home' although around autism it feels I am 'four-walled.' When I manage to go out into a hair salon, I have to wear full PPE.
I can't guarantee my survival and if I do, I would potentially have to be hospitalised. On the infrequent occasions I go out, I mask and visor up. I cannot go to pubs, coffee shops, restaurants or the theatre.
Why not join the conversation?
Why not join the conversation? Let us know your thoughts, if you are high risk or vulnerable, how you are ‘surviving’ in the pandemic? Have you struggled, are you still struggling, have you caught Covid, have you come through Covid okay, or have you been seriously affected?
We would love to hear from you, please let us hear about YOUR stories.
The biggest thing I have noticed about the pandemic is that many people aren't choosing to work together, which is exactly why it's continuing to drag on.
People are acting like the pandemic is already over by not wearing masks, and now Maine is back in the red, as far as cases are concerned, as they are skyrocketing once again.
My girlfriend is very susceptible to this virus due to her asthma and COPD, which frustrates me to no end seeing as she's pretty much a prisoner most of the time too.
Once again it comes down to hoping and praying that people will finally choose to do the right thing.
Thanks Randy. I'm with you and I am sorry to hear about your girlfriend.
It's also not right that your girlfriend is having to stay home too, but what your response shows, is that there are many people out there like us, who are in the same predicament and that's not right.
These inequalities need to change. Everyone should be allowed to get back into their lives. These have been my biggest struggles.
Lessons are not being learned.