Reentry

The pandemic is waning. We have vaccines, antiviral medications and treatment plans to help those infected. We, as a society, have been trapped in a Covid world for two years. This virus has made us question what we know, question who we trust to give us information, and question our medical professionals. This virus has turned neighbor against neighbor, and broadened the political divide.

Nationwide, cities and communities are dropping their mask mandates. Stores, restaurants and attractions are operating as before. If they have the staff, businesses are open. Life, as it seems, is returning to the pre-pandemic state. People are finding new jobs, leaving their home office, and actually getting dressed. Hopefully they are forgiving their neighbor, bridging the political gap and understanding that questioning isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is done respectfully.

The problem is - if you are immunocompromised, your life isn’t going to change much. Re-entering society isn’t an option. You still have to rely on masks and hand sanitizer. What will change for the immunocompromised? Their friends and family will return to work, school, sports and other activities, while the immunocompromised watch it happen. The immune system keeps your body healthy by fighting off bacteria and viruses. Those with severely compromised immune systems, like transplant and cancer patients, do not have what the body needs to fight a good fight. A cold could be life threatening, so the immunocompromised will continue to stay home, but now they’ll be alone.

The immunocompromised, although seriously threatened by Covid, enjoyed the company of the rest of the world throughout the quarantine.

We tend to have a short memory, and we as a society, will move on. We don’t necessarily learn from history, although we say we won’t repeat it. As we transition from this pandemic, and move into our new normal, it would be nice if we remembered how it felt to be in lockdown. Let’s recall how it was to celebrate holidays via Zoom, and too long for the social gatherings we so greatly missed. Let’s remember the terrorizing fear so many felt during those early pandemic days. When we do remember these things, we can then appreciate the everyday lives of the immunocompromised.

As we reenter our lives, let’s remember those who can’t, and do what we can to make a difference.