The grim numbers are printed in this newspaper every week, how many of our fellow citizens are tested for the deadly Covid-19 virus, how many are hospitalized, how many have died.
Plain talk, here is where we are:
The Covid plague hit us early last year, no vaccine available at that time. Masks were the best weapon we had, and frequent washing of hands helped some.
Because the killer rides unseen on human breath.
An infected person spews the virus into the air with every breath, and often does not even know they have it, leaving a temporary invisible cloud floating behind them for the unmasked to walk into and breathe.
Outdoors, the wind and sun quickly destroy the virus. But indoors, it’s deadly.
Active young people spread it, and their immune systems resist it most of the time. Older folks, who often have been weakened by bad health, do most of the dying.
Sadly, the Covid-19 virus, by its very nature, is constantly mutating and forming new variants, some of which are much more harmful and more contagious than the original.
The vast pool of unvaccinated people provides not only a factory for spreading the virus but also a neverending lab for developing more dangerous variants.
Local case studies
One of my friends had smoked all his life, lungs already ruined, heart weakened by nicotine, got Covid inside a nursing home and died in just days.
Another, old and overweight, got the first Moderna shot and then got Covid. Hospitalized for several days, but survived.
Another was a lifetime smoker, heart problems, overweight, refused to be vaccinated, died quickly. Told me his doctors called it “Covid pneumonia” in both lungs.
Relative in Virginia had her lungs destroyed by Covid but got a complete lung transplant and is scheduled to go back to work this month.
Relative in Georgia, young mother in Atlanta, got it last year in March and seemed to recover, but still has problems with fatigue today. Medical experts call these the “long-haulers” who carry Covid-19 damage with them for an extended period of time.
Please get your shot
Wife and I, and most of our offspring, got the vaccine as soon as possible.
In discussion with those still un-vaccinated, I always try to get a little humor in before talk gets out of hand.
“I’ve had all my shots,” I say. “Rabies … distemper …Parvo …”
Dog owners laugh at the punchline, but I remind them I’ve also had shots, at doctor’s advice, to prevent me from getting shingles or pneumonia.
As a child, just like many of you, I had to have proof of being vaccinated for smallpox before I could begin the first grade at school.
Nobody took to the streets to protest with signs and bullhorns being vaccinated against smallpox. We simply stood in line and got our shots.
If you have not been vaccinated now’s your opportunity. Call the Cherokee County Health Department – 837-7486 – and they’ll give you an appointment to come and get it. It’s free, and they have plenty of vaccine on hand.
It’s your duty – to protect yourself and those you live with from the Monster.
Tell them I sent you – they’ll take good care of you. Thanks.
Authored by - Wally Avett
Avett first wrote for the Cherokee Scout as editor in 1969. His books are available as signed copies at the Scout office in Murphy. Call him at 837-5531 or email wallyavett@gmail.com.