<Stay Alert: Don’t Wait for COVID-19 to Hit Close to Home>
Written on
What will it take to awaken society to the seriousness of this situation? The COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably real. Friends, family, colleagues, and patients are contracting the virus. The likelihood of exposure is rising, and each of us may come into contact with someone infected.
Many still harbor the belief that “this won’t happen to me.” Now is the moment to alter our mindset and confront the reality that surrounds us.
At our Texas Obgyn practice, situated in a COVID-19 hotspot, our priority is to safeguard our healthcare providers, staff, and expectant mothers. For the last four months, I have devoted my time before and after work to documenting the impact of the pandemic. My objective is straightforward: I aim to save lives.
Progress is being made. Our healthcare team and patients are adhering to mask mandates, maintaining social distance, and practicing proper hygiene. During each visit, discussions arise about the obstacles posed by the pandemic.
We hear our patients voice their concerns and wishes to protect their unborn children. Daily, I am astounded by the level of engagement from our patients, who are well-informed and following safety protocols.
COVID-19 does not pause for pregnancy. Regardless of the pandemic, new lives are emerging. Each birth signifies hope for humanity.
Recently, I attended to five women in labor who tested positive for COVID-19. They arrived one after the other. Universal testing for laboring women in our hospitals began a few weeks ago. Initially, cases were few, but now they are a daily occurrence.
The trend is escalating; three more cases appeared the following day, and three more the day after that. It seems likely tomorrow will be similar.
Media outlets report the rising daily case numbers, and while many are listening, some remain oblivious. I still encounter individuals in our community without masks. Some patients attended July 4th gatherings, family events, quinceañeras, weddings, and funerals, returning home with COVID-19.
These joyous occasions are leading to future hospitalizations.
After my 48-hour shift, I collapse into bed. Despite my exhaustion, my mind races. Although I was mentally prepared for a surge in cases in Dallas/Fort Worth, caring for five laboring COVID-19 mothers in one shift was a stark wake-up call.
Obgyn practitioners and labor and delivery nurses are not accustomed to dealing with pregnancies in the context of a pandemic. This situation is challenging for everyone involved. My nursing colleagues are courageous, professional, and dedicated, yet they are also fatigued, frightened, and struggling to cope with the tragedies brought on by the virus.
Our mission is to help women navigate through what should be the happiest moments of their lives.
We do not want to witness any more loss.
Why aren’t Americans learning from the experiences of others?
News reports daily reinforce the fact that COVID-19 remains uncontrolled. We are facing losses. At this stage, no one should be surprised if they contract the virus.
Yet many will only heed the warnings once they are personally affected. The harsh truth will hit home when they lose a loved one or find themselves intubated in an ICU.
With a population of 360 million Americans, we cannot wait for each individual to learn through personal experience. There must be a more effective approach.
Personal growth comes from learning from the experiences of others. We all make mistakes, and it is vital to learn from them to avoid repeating them. My father used to say, “never make the same mistake twice.”
To combat the virus, protect ourselves, and safeguard our families, we all must heed the lessons learned from others.
Why are COVID-19 cases on the rise?
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is currently experiencing severe impacts. Texas reopened its economy prematurely, and we are now witnessing the consequences of the July 4th weekend with an average of 1,000 new cases daily.
Despite our practice’s ongoing communication through blog posts, social media, and public service messaging, not everyone is following the guidelines.
We need total compliance. The safety of everyone depends on the actions of the most irresponsible individuals among us.
No one cares until it’s personal
Every day, the media highlights stories of those who believed COVID-19 was a hoax, a minor flu-like illness, or a political conspiracy. Recently, the San Antonio Express News reported on a 30-year-old who attended a COVID party, where individuals try to deliberately contract the virus. His last words were, “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not.”
While many find the concept of COVID parties absurd, others are experiencing pandemic fatigue. Friends and family often express sentiments like, “I would be better off catching it and getting it over with.” While I understand this perspective, the grim reality is that doctors cannot predict the outcomes of infections.
Statistically, 80% of individuals will experience mild or no symptoms, while 20% may require hospitalization, and some may die.
We cannot delay taking precautions until everyone in America has had the personal experience of losing a loved one.
Learning from others’ experiences empowers us
When behavior change is solely reliant on personal experiences, we limit our capacity for growth. When we witness someone fall, we help them up and learn to avoid the same obstacle.
When we learn about outbreaks stemming from gatherings at places of worship, political events, or themed parties, we owe it to ourselves and each other to learn from those errors.
Recently, a man assaulted a Texas bus driver with a wooden board when asked to wear a mask. Such incidents evoke feelings of disgust, anger, and resentment. However, they also present us with opportunities for personal growth. We may not be able to assist the bus driver, but we can reflect on our actions to ensure we are doing everything possible to contribute to a safer environment.
Studying and learning from others broadens our perspectives beyond our limitations. We evolve into better individuals, thus minimizing the chances of repeating mistakes and preventing future suffering.
In the context of this pandemic, learning from others could very well save lives.
Healthcare professionals are at the forefront, sharing firsthand experiences dealing with COVID-19. Please understand that we represent living evidence of the pandemic's reality.
We share our insights to help you avoid the nightmares we’ve encountered.
What should we do next to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases?
COVID-19 is a novel virus for which we lack a vaccine, effective treatments, or baseline immunity. The solution to halting its spread isn’t a secret. We all know the necessary actions: wash your hands, maintain a distance of at least six feet, and wear a mask.
Until a vaccine is developed, effective treatments are found, or we achieve herd immunity, the safest approach is for every American to live as if we are all asymptomatic carriers. The unfortunate truth is that any one of us could be spreading the virus and endangering others.
These small adjustments in our daily lives could save lives and protect expectant mothers and their babies.
Each of us must play our part.
I will wear my mask to protect you. Will you wear one to protect others?
This is the single easiest way to help during the pandemic
I wear a mask to protect you. Will you wear one to protect me?