Covid-19 and Chronic illness

2020, a year full of unknowns, restrictions, isolation, fear, anger and frustration. Covid-19 has and continues to affect each and every one. 

This virus has definitely affected me differently than other people my age. I would even go so far as to say, that some of the restrictions and measures haven't necessarily impacted me negatively. While I really enjoy meeting up with people and can’t deny the importance of physical interaction, having a severely impaired lung function does transform simple everyday activities into a workout. The first lockdown gave my body a very much appreciated break. Also, living with a chronic illness the past 8 years of my life has made me develop quite impressive lockdown-skills.
Whereas the thought of having to wear a mask, creating extra resistance, while already struggling with my breathing, did cause a bit of anxiety at first. Turns out it’s not that big of a deal. Wearing an FFP2 mask doesn’t exactly help with shortness of breath, but sure does reduce the risk of catching Covid, which most likely would cause a lot more shortness of breath. The current public hygiene measures aren’t just stopping coronavirus from exploding, but have the positive side effect that the common cold and influenza aren’t spreading like a wildfire. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went this long without getting “normal people sick”. Again, very much appreciated, as my lungs tend to struggle with the slightest cold.

But the negatives definitely outweigh the positives.

I belong to the high-risk-group for developing a severe Covid-19 infection. Obviously, this doesn’t mean I couldn’t have an asymptomatic or mild case, but let’s just not go there. It’s rather a gamble. Going outside and meeting up with people, using public transport and working in the medical field to complete my final year at university all come with bouts of guilt. A rush of awareness, that I’m potentially exposing myself to Covid making my stomach turn.
Shouldn’t I be self-isolating?

I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this question. I just know I’ve put a lot of energy into getting myself to the place where I am now, after spending months and months in my personal illness associated lockdown in the past. Which makes the idea of crashing and potentially losing more than I can afford quite daunting.

And while I’m in the very fortunate position to have a pulmonologist who always goes above and beyond, my physical health has been affected by the pandemic. I’ve actually felt quite lost on a couple of occasions. Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures have been put on hold, due to the high number of Covid patients needing medical attention. I know we have limited capacities, but chronic health problems become acute too.

Covid-19 and chronic illness actually behave quite similarly.
Even the right medication doesn’t cure the underlying health condition but treats and improves symptoms. In theory, you should feel better as long as you don’t stop your therapy.
Lockdown, social distancing and masks are acute therapies, no cure. As soon as you lift the restrictions the infection rate will rise. The only long-term therapy and the closest thing to a cure is the Covid-19 vaccine we’ve desperately been waiting for.

I’m still waiting for a suitable long-term treatment so that I can keep up with you, once we’ve all got the vaccine and the pandemic is over!