Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #104

[LaborDayRN]

I don't get it either. If you don't believe in or take the advice of the medical science people, why go to the building full of medical science people??? Makes no sense. jmo

I was wondering the same thing? While there are always going to be breakthrough cases, many of these cases could have been avoided with simple things like vaccines, masks, social distancing and hand washing.
As my mother used to say, "You can lead a horse to water...........but you can't make him drink!"

 

[beatrixpotter]

@LaborDayRN I am amazed at the jobs that nurses perform and I cannot imagine the stress of working your job during Covid.

I'm curious about what @Teche said about her daughter's job as well. If either of you can explain to me....

I can understand a vaginal delivery potentially aerosolizing Covid since Covid can affect any cells in the body, but I don't understand how a maskless delivery is not dangerous in and of itself. Deep deep deep breathing, grunting, heaving, vomiting and all we go through during labor; it seems so dangerous for anyone in the room, IMO. Although of course I can't imagine enduring what we endure with a mask on during labor, either.

Also, just again out of curiosity....have any of you in the field noticed any significant change in the birth rate during Covid? Higher, because couples spent so much time at home together? Lower, because people put off having babies during a scary time to be in a hospital or to have a vulnerable newborn? Nothing different?

TIA

ETA: Oops @LaborDayRN , just saw after I posted that you have retired! Congratulations!!!!

I just had a baby 6.5 months ago and I did not wear a mask. I had a lovely epidural though and mostly napped through the majority of my labor. But I was sick on a mag sulfate IV and my oxygen levels were low and consistently alarming the whole time I was there. I am sure me wearing a mask would be safer for everyone. But there is no way I could spend labor like that. I struggle in a mask after a while on a good day. And unlike many patients I actually very carefully quarantined, me and my whole family, to avoid us getting covid at the end of my pregnancy.

I did let my nurses know I was vaccinated at the time and many expressed appreciation. The only one who ticked me off was the post partum nurse who repeatedly wore a mask that was too big for her and it would fall down the whole time she'd talk. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt the first time but she wore that same mask again another day!

Edited to add: I did read the birth rate was over all down during the pandemic. Which makes sense to me. I did not intend to have a baby in a pandemic. But I guess it was meant to be! We survived and she's a happy healthy 6 months old.

 

[Tiff23fr]

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio National Guard has been deployed to Mount Carmel East to help combat a rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

A total of 70 guard members arrived to the hospital Tuesday for training and will officially begin providing assistance on Wednesday, according to a release from Mount Carmel.
….
Additionally, the National Guard will work with Mount Carmel to discuss potentially establishing a crisis surge unit designed to provide additional capacity should the space be needed, according to the release.

The deployment comes in preparation of what Mount Carmel health officials say could be the largest surge of the pandemic.

Ohio National Guard deployed to Mount Carmel East | 10tv.com

 

[LaborDayRN]

Thank you, @ilovewings

I am indeed frustrated; but also angry, getting bitter and in despair.

I'm not angry at the Coronavirus. It's doing what it's supposed to do. Even though it isn't alive, it is mindlessly replicating and mutating when necessary in order to keep itself going. That's the job of a virus.

In March 2020, I was scared and anxious. My city was the epicenter in America and no one knew anything. The doctors and scientists hadn't seen this particular virus, it was novel, and they were learning on the fly. My governor at the time seemed to know what he was doing...at the time, but as it emerged, that was not the reality.

We know so much more now. We know the efficacy of mask-wearing and we have a miracle vaccine. I had retired shortly before Covid came around and had many plans for travel and to pursue the leisure activities that bring me joy, plus spend more time with my grandchildren, and to visit my elderly and ill parents in Florida more frequently.

Just like everyone else, my dreams and hopes were put on hold. Couldn't see family, couldn't travel, couldn't go to the places and pursue the activities I'd waited so long to have time to do.

But now, nearly two years later, I am beyond the beyond. I have to run a gauntlet of unmasked and likely unvaccinated people just to leave my building. The rest of my family who live in the suburbs just have to open their doors, but still cannot do the things they wish. Like all of us.

I don't blame the doctors and scientists although the messaging keeps changing, because the virus keeps zig-zagging and throwing us all for a loop each time.

But I am livid at the people who protest against vaccines and mask-wearing. IMO they are perpetuating a crisis that actually has a solution, if we all acted upon it.

It's like having a nation of drunk drivers on the road. In my opinion.

So very well said and sadly I join in your frustration.

 

[MrX]

Thank you, @ilovewings

I am indeed frustrated; but also angry, getting bitter and in despair.

I'm not angry at the Coronavirus. It's doing what it's supposed to do. Even though it isn't alive, it is mindlessly replicating and mutating when necessary in order to keep itself going. That's the job of a virus.

In March 2020, I was scared and anxious. My city was the epicenter in America and no one knew anything. The doctors and scientists hadn't seen this particular virus, it was novel, and they were learning on the fly. My governor at the time seemed to know what he was doing...at the time, but as it emerged, that was not the reality.

We know so much more now. We know the efficacy of mask-wearing and we have a miracle vaccine. I had retired shortly before Covid came around and had many plans for travel and to pursue the leisure activities that bring me joy, plus spend more time with my grandchildren, and to visit my elderly and ill parents in Florida more frequently.

Just like everyone else, my dreams and hopes were put on hold. Couldn't see family, couldn't travel, couldn't go to the places and pursue the activities I'd waited so long to have time to do.

But now, nearly two years later, I am beyond the beyond. I have to run a gauntlet of unmasked and likely unvaccinated people just to leave my building. The rest of my family who live in the suburbs just have to open their doors, but still cannot do the things they wish. Like all of us.

I don't blame the doctors and scientists although the messaging keeps changing, because the virus keeps zig-zagging and throwing us all for a loop each time.

But I am livid at the people who protest against vaccines and mask-wearing. IMO they are perpetuating a crisis that actually has a solution, if we all acted upon it.

It's like having a nation of drunk drivers on the road. In my opinion.

I find it troubling that these discussions seem to come down to either doing the right for humanity, or being an ignorant zealot that believes the Earth is flat. The reality is that (in my estimation) the vast majority of people that are "out and about" made the conscious decision that giving up all of the things that the people on this thread have given up was simply too high a price to pay. If that is wrong and evil, then we should say it, but I think it's important to realize the people not wearing masks at the market may have made serious, difficult choices to get to that point.

I feel terrible for so many of the stories, like yours, and the choices they have led to. Hopefully this latest round burns out fast and we can all get back to normal.

 

[LaborDayRN]

I just had a baby 6.5 months ago and I did not wear a mask. I had a lovely epidural though and mostly napped through the majority of my labor. But I was sick on a mag sulfate IV and my oxygen levels were low and consistently alarming the whole time I was there. I am sure me wearing a mask would be safer for everyone. But there is no way I could spend labor like that. I struggle in a mask after a while on a good day. And unlike many patients I actually very carefully quarantined, me and my whole family, to avoid us getting covid at the end of my pregnancy.

I did let my nurses know I was vaccinated at the time and many expressed appreciation. The only one who ticked me off was the post partum nurse who repeatedly wore a mask that was too big for her and it would fall down the whole time she'd talk. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt the first time but she wore that same mask again another day!

Edited to add: I did read the birth rate was over all down during the pandemic. Which makes sense to me. I did not intend to have a baby in a pandemic. But I guess it was meant to be! We survived and she's a happy healthy 6 months old.

I'm sorry you had to deal with high blood pressure and the magnesium sulfate but I'm so glad everything else went well for you. Don't you just love a good epidural? lol
At my hospital, all of our patients are tested on admission. If they are negative they don't have to wear a mask when in their own rooms. If they are positive they go into isolation rooms with special filtration systems. Visitors must wear a mask at all times because they are not tested.
Patients, visitors and employees wear a mask in the common areas. Employees wear masks at all times. (at least this was the case prior to my retirement). Congratulations on the birth of your sweet baby girl. You'll have some great stories to share with her as she grows up.

 

[LaborDayRN]

OMG My blood pressure went up just by watching the brainless woman in the video.

L.A. woman taken into custody after allegedly hitting, spitting on another passenger on Delta flight to Atlanta | KTLA

A Los Angeles woman was taken into custody after she allegedly hit and spit on another passenger on a Delta flight last week.
...
Video shows flight crew members trying to hold back a woman who was yelling and apparently striking a passenger who was seated in the plane.
...
Different video tweeted by ATL Uncensored shows Cornwall yelling at a male passenger to put his mask on. At the time, her own mask was sitting on her chin, video showed.
...

They really need to start giving these idiots that are attacking people on planes SERIOUS fines and time in jail. No more slap on the wrists.

 

[Arkay]

The reality is that (in my estimation) the vast majority of people that are "out and about" made the conscious decision that giving up all of the things that the people on this thread have given up was simply too high a price to pay

I agree with your statement. That’s why I compare them to a nation of drunk drivers. They want to do what they want to do, and to hell with the people in their way.

What price is your state paying now with a monumentally high rate of Covid while your neighboring states are much lower?I’m sure you’d agree that’s too high a price to pay, as well.

I wish you good health, but our opinions will not align.

 

[LaborDayRN]

I find it troubling that these discussions seem to come down to either doing the right for humanity, or being an ignorant zealot that believes the Earth is flat. The reality is that (in my estimation) the vast majority of people that are "out and about" made the conscious decision that giving up all of the things that the people on this thread have given up was simply too high a price to pay. If that is wrong and evil, then we should say it, but I think it's important to realize the people not wearing masks at the market may have made serious, difficult choices to get to that point.

I feel terrible for so many of the stories, like yours, and the choices they have led to. Hopefully this latest round burns out fast and we can all get back to normal.

I'm actually thankful that in my area, wearing or not wearing a mask indoors isn't an option. We have to wear a mask while in indoor public places. If someone doesn't want to, they can always order their groceries and other goods online.

 

[Midgie2]

Jeez o Pete! You’d think after almost two years of this nonsense somebody in charge could see what was coming down the tracks for the holidays this year.

 

[ilovewings]

I think my views of federal and local government will be forever changed. Before this I viewed the U.S. as a relatively competent country and government. I assumed that most people in positions of authority had some measurable levels of competency and morals guiding their actions for our nation. I'm afraid that view has been totally annihilated at this point.

I'd say we are proving ourselves utter and complete failures. Remember that nonexistent national stockpile? We have failed on a federal level every step of the way. And for many of us our state governments have proved abject failures as well.

Nothing but political pandering left and right. I expect nothing from them at this point. It's totally on me to do what I can and prepare my family as I can. And I definitely resent it. I paid way more in taxes last year than apparently people like the President of the United States and millionaires and billionaires do. And my government does. not. care. what happens to me or my children. That is abundantly clear.

Our lack of prparedness for a pandemic has been nothing short
of shocking---astounding in fact.

 

[pocketaccent]

I find it troubling that these discussions seem to come down to either doing the right for humanity, or being an ignorant zealot that believes the Earth is flat. The reality is that (in my estimation) the vast majority of people that are "out and about" made the conscious decision that giving up all of the things that the people on this thread have given up was simply too high a price to pay. If that is wrong and evil, then we should say it, but I think it's important to realize the people not wearing masks at the market may have made serious, difficult choices to get to that point.

I feel terrible for so many of the stories, like yours, and the choices they have led to. Hopefully this latest round burns out fast and we can all get back to normal.

I think they simply decided to not care about others. I have no idea how long it took for them to arrive at those 'serious and difficult choices'. But they are a cold, arrogant, disgusting bunch of people in my eyes. I really really dislike them so much.

 

[SouthAussie]

..... but I think it's important to realize the people not wearing masks at the market may have made serious, difficult choices to get to that point.

Are you able to expand on this?

Obviously, there will be a few people that a doctor might genuinely consider to be mask-exempt.

What about the rest of the unmasked people? Is there an example of a serious, difficult choice they had to make in not wearing a mask at the market?

(I do understand that there is no mask mandate in AZ.)

 

[MrX]

I agree with your statement. That’s why I compare them to a nation of drunk drivers. They want to do what they want to do, and to hell with the people in their way.

What price is your state paying now with a monumentally high rate of Covid while your neighboring states are much lower?I’m sure you’d agree that’s too high a price to pay, as well.

I wish you good health, but our opinions will not align.

Nobody wants to be "first" when it comes to death rate, in any category.

 

[weepingangel]

Biden acknowledges COVID-19 testing crisis saying it's clearly not enough | Daily Mail Online

Clearly

 

[CSIDreamer]

What is it, exactly, they expect people to do? Home tests are becoming scarcer by the moment, available appointments for testing are days out (here, at least). jmo

ETA: And vulnerable people have to start mab's or anti-virals within days of symptoms. How are they supposed to do that if they can't even get a test???

We actually have a health dept testing site in our town. PCR only and no appointment required.

 

[Arkay]

Are you able to expand on this?

Obviously, there will be a few people that a doctor might genuinely consider to be mask-exempt.

What about the rest of the unmasked people? Is there an example of a serious, difficult choice they had to make in not wearing a mask at the market?

(I do understand that there is no mask mandate in AZ.)

I think they simply decided to not care about others. I have no idea how long it took for them to arrive at those 'serious and difficult choices'. But they are a cold, arrogant, disgusting bunch of people in my eyes. I really really dislike them so much.

I have a youngish sister-in-law, a head nurse in charge of clinical trials at a world-renowned hospital that you've probably heard of. She was diagnosed not long ago with stage 4 colon cancer. The chemo is not working and the cancer continues to spread throughout her major organs.

She is currently making a "serious and difficult choice" as to whether or not she should continue the ravages of chemotherapy, or give up and go to hospice.

IMO this is an example of a serious and difficult choice. Of course on this forum you're entitled to your opinion, but I join those who are inquiring about what would be the "serious and difficult decisions" involved in refusing to wear a mask? I have COPD and I wear two masks. It's hard to breathe but ineffably better than having a ventilator breathe for me.

I'm sorry but I cannot grasp how wearing a mask is so challenging.

 

[doublestop]

The reality is that (in my estimation) the vast majority of people that are "out and about" made the conscious decision that giving up all of the things that the people on this thread have given up was simply too high a price to pay.

I can't imagine how wearing a mask and staying home unless necessary is a higher price to pay than your own death or that of people you exposed, quite possibly one's own loved ones.

 

[ilovewings]

I was wondering the same thing? While there are always going to be breakthrough cases, many of these cases could have been avoided with simple things like vaccines, masks, social distancing and hand washing.
As my mother used to say, "You can lead a horse to water...........but you can't make him drink!"

Let me say, first of all I take issue with the term "breakthrough" infection. Think about the connotation of that term: Break through: It sounds like a very negative bad situation. You will notice when someone gets the flu after getting a flu vaccine, they don't call it a breakthrough infection. They don't call it anything because it is expected that some people will get the flu despite getting vaccinated. The term break through with respect to a person testing positive after being vaccinated, doesn't really tell you a whole lot anyway. Many of the people who tested positive after being vaccinated did not get ill. Some did. I just think the CDC should not have created that word to describe what occurred when a person tested positive after being vaccinated. Anti vaxxers really jumped on that term--- Words have consequences.

 

[pocketaccent]

I have a youngish sister-in-law, a head nurse in charge of clinical trials at a world-renowned hospital that you've probably heard of. She was diagnosed not long ago with stage 4 colon cancer. The chemo is not working and the cancer continues to spread throughout her major organs.

She is currently making a "serious and difficult choice" as to whether or not she should continue the ravages of chemotherapy, or give up and go to hospice.

IMO this is an example of a serious and difficult choice. Of course on this forum you're entitled to your opinion, but I join those who are inquiring about what would be the "serious and difficult decisions" involved in refusing to wear a mask? I have COPD and I wear two masks. It's hard to breathe but ineffably better than having a ventilator breathe for me.

I'm sorry but I cannot grasp how wearing a mask is so challenging.

I see unmasked person as someone who could sentence me to death or who could cause lifelong disability (long covid/damaged organs). It is not an unreasonable fear and is not an unscientific assumption, IMO. So I made a "serious and difficult choice" last year to always mask up, not party and got vaxxed as soon as I was eligible. My family, friends and all others. I care!

I don't know how one can arrive at the 'serious and difficult choice' of not wearing a mask. No idea.

But their 'freedumb' (thanks, beatrixpotter), and their 'freeeeeeeedom' (thanks, Lilibet) is prolonging the deadly pandemic and people are dying.