I've made several posts since March as to my personal thoughts regarding the nation's overreaction to this pandemic and the costs of shutting down the economy versus real health risks. My wife and I have all along been poster kids for the "coronavirus doesn't scare us" position. We wear masks only as required to enter certain stores and never anywhere else. We think people driving down the road with masks on look like complete morons. We've attended numerous parties since March, dined and danced wherever possible, and even vacationed last month in Mexico.
But the Covid rascal finally caught up with us in Mexico. Immediately upon returning home we began to experience weird symptoms and went to see our physician. Bingo -- we were Covid positive! I want to say up front that I'm not promoting our lifestyle as something others should emulate. The disease is real and we actually have a 71-year old family member who died of complications due to it back in June. But folks, the guy had been sick with lung disease for over 20 years. My mother is 85 and lives with heart issues. I've not been closer to her than 6'-8' in 5 months. That's only appropriate considering her higher odds of risking death if infected. So I understand and care about at risk people getting sick.
Our experience over the last 30 days included nausea, headaches and serious fatigue. But there were no bouts of fever or coughing for either of us. We're in decent shape (she's a flat out hottie but nope I can't post a pic) and in our 60's. I don't wish Covid on anyone but it's not terrible either. Frankly the degree of discomfort over 2 weeks time was worth it to now be able to say we've experienced it and likely built up antibodies for life.
I realize this disease has killed thousands. And yes occasionally healthy people are hospitalized. But that's very rare regardless of what the media tells you. We went though it and can honestly say it's effects were easier to handle than the common flu. Why would college kids and even younger children stay at home scared shitless about the perceived risk? Their mental health is suffering folks, not to mention their checkbooks. Sure you can search and find a special situation where sadly someone died. But damn, that happens even with lightning strikes once and awhile. Imo the world doesn't need to go full retard and shut down like it's leprosy or the black plague.
One more interesting point. We know over a dozen people who have tested positive. NOT ONE OF THEM has been called by anyone associated with DHEC, CDC, etc. There has been ZERO contact tracing or questionnaires filled out by any of us. What does that tell you? While the government hyped up the official position that follow/up was critical back in the early days, now it's not even mentioned! Were this Ebola level contagious, don't you think we'd have been monitored more closely?
If you're uncomfortable with the risks, then by all means stay home! You'll look ridiculous with a mask on at a restaurant! I don't begrudge you for feeling differently -- but why call us irresponsible because we disagree? Last I heard this is still a free America. I won't be wearing a mask at a Clemson football game unless it's simply for the minute it takes to get through gate security. My conscience is at ease that I'll not infect others -- and I'm happily blessed to have caught the virus and never changed much about my life along the way.
