I’m not sure which variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, I have, but if it’s the Delta variant than I’m sure I have the COVID vaccine and booster shot to thank for my symptoms being so mild. It’s like I have the flu or a bad head cold. No shortness of breath and no loss of taste or smell; just a headache and overall body aches, which over-the-counter cold & flu tablets are helping relieve.
If, on the other and, it’s the new Omicron variant, then it’s effects are known to be not as severe as the Delta variant, though it’s way more contagious. Given that Omicron is currently spreading at “lightning speed” throughout the U.S., I’m thinking it’s the variant I have.
Regardless of which variant I’ve contracted, I’ll be quarantining and away from work for the next 10 days. I intend to make the most of it: reading books I’ve long been meaning to read, doing some exercise, cleaning and tidying my attic apartment, maybe starting to journal again. My friends who live downstairs have been wonderful, bringing me soup and offering to get groceries. Many others have made similar offers.
Overall, I feel very fortunate and very well taken care of. I wish everyone who contracts COVID could have it so easy in terms of symptoms. Sadly, from my work in the hospital setting, I know first-hand that this is not the case. I also know that the global COVID-19 (or coronavirus) pandemic is still very much ongoing.
So, my friends, mask up, get the vaccine if it’s available to you, and help reduce the spread.
Related Off-site Links:
Omicron Is Spreading at Lightning Speed. Scientists Are Trying to Figure Out Why – Will Stone (MPR News, December 31, 2021).
New Year's Eve Muted by Omicron; Many Hoping for Better 2022 – Associated Press via MPR News (December 31, 2021).
Health Experts Warn of "Unprecedented Number of Social Disruptions" Amid Omicron Surge – Kenny Stancil (Common Dreams, January 2, 2022).
UPDATES: Latest on COVID-19 in Minnesota: New, Active Case Counts Climbing Again – MPR News (January 3, 2022).
Omicron COVID-19 Is Spreading Around the World Like Wildfire, But Some Countries Are More Worried Than Others – ABC News (January 3, 2022).
What the Numbers Tell Us, Or Don't Tell Us, About the Omicron Surge – Mary Louise Kelly, Megan Lim and Christopher Intagliata (NPR News, January 3, 2022).
Omicron Surge Poses Political Peril for Democrats – Julia Manchester (The Hill, January 3, 2022).
Latest on COVID-19 in Minnesota: New Cases Spike as Omicron Surges – MPR News (January 4, 2022).
These Are the Numbers Health Officials Are Watching At This Point in the Pandemic – Mary Louise Kelly, Megan Lim and Christopher Intagliata (NPR News, January 4, 2022).
More Than One Million Americans Were Diagnosed With COVID Over the Long Holiday Weekend – Rachel Treisman (NPR News, January 4, 2022).
U.S. Tops One Million New Daily COVID-19 Cases – A Global Record – Aljazeera (January 4, 2022).
Why Are So Many Vaccinated People Getting COVID-19 Lately? – The Associated Press via NPR News (January 4, 2022).
As Active Cases Leap in Minnesota; Hospitals “Literally Full” – MPR News (January 7, 2022).
Minnesota Hospitals Report Hundreds of Staff Out with COVID – Catharine Richert (MPR News, January 9, 2022).
See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Renae Gage: Quote of the Day – November 30, 2021
• COVID Observations From a General Surgeon
• Richard LaFortune: Quote of the Day – August 20, 2021
• Something to Lament
• A Pandemic Year
• Out and About – Spring 2020
• A Prayer in Times of a Pandemic
• The Calm Before the Storm
• Hope and Beauty in the Midst of the Global Coronavirus Pandemic
• Marianne Williamson: In the Midst of This “Heartbreaking” Pandemic, It’s Okay to Be Heartbroken
• Sonya Renee Taylor: Quote of the Day – April 18, 2020
• Examining the Link Between Destruction of Biodiversity and Emerging Infectious Diseases
• The Lancet Weighs-in on the Trump Administration’s “Incoherent” Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Memes of the Times
Image: Michael J. Bayly.
20 comments:
So sorry to hear you’ve got COVID! Sending healing energy your way.
Sending best wishes to you, Michael! Here’s hoping you recover fast and can make the most of your isolation time. xo
Get better soon, Mr Bayly. You seem to have the strain so many are having here in Australia. . . . Wishing you a wonderful 2022.
Today is day #8 for me. Haven’t had symptoms since day #4 (just congestion and a headache) but of course still quarantining. Glad you are handling it well too.
Feel better soon, Michael! Your perspective is excellent.
So sorry to hear, Michael. A big hug and a thank you to your wonderful friends for helping out re. soup and shopping! It makes me feel so grateful to know you are surrounded by caring people. Love you, Mum.
Oh, Michael, I am so sorry to hear this. Please take care. . . . Sending you my love!
So sorry, Michael. Take care, and great to hear you have such good friends. May God keep you safe. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Take care, Michael. I am pleased your symptoms aren’t too bad. I am grateful you are surrounded by helpful people.
Oh no! Rest well, my friend.
Take care, Michael. Hope you're feeling better soon. xoxo
Thanks for sharing this, Michael. Glad your symptoms are mild and hope they stay like that. It’s spreading wildly over here in Aussie too. The Omicron variant is very contagious but thankfully not as serious unless your unvaccinated or have underlying diseases. Take care and get well soon. X🙏❤️
Hope you continue to have mild symptoms. It is shocking when you test positive, or at least it was for us. After all the effort to avoid it, when it finally zaps you there is a bit of disbelief. Took us down for about 3 weeks at the end of September. The fatigue is real. Hopefully Omicron symptoms are less severe. Sending my wishes for a speedy recovery! And sorry this is how 2022 is starting out for you.
Sorry to hear this. . . . Rest and look after yourself, Michael. . . . And by the way, 💗 “Happy New Year.” 💗
I am sorry, Michael. May your symptoms remain mild and subside quickly. 😘
I hope you are on the mend very soon! It sounds like you are being well cared for by lovely friends. Tim and I are also here to help in any way we can. Please let us know. ❤️
I believe it is a blessing that while you have continuously supported those with COVID, it has taken until now for you to get the virus, when you have had the vaccine. Thanks for what you have done for so many others. Take the time now to look out for yourself. Keep that positive focus and strength 💕
Sorry to hear your news. Take care and rest.
Be well soon, Michael. ✨ Holding you in the light.
Sorry to hear you are ill and having to quarantine. Glad to hear your case is mild and you have good support. Hope recovery is swift and full. XOXO🤞🙏💕
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