Q: I'm so tired of being afraid. Is this virus really that dangerous? Are things going to get better?
A: Tragically, this virus has already killed over 300,000 people in this country and many more worldwide. While some still think this is just another "flu bug," studies have shown that hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are five times more likely to die than those with influenza. Why is it so deadly?
About 20% of those with COVID-19 will develop severe disease, which usually starts with lung involvement leading to hypoxia (low oxygen levels). A fourth of these more severely ill people will become critically ill, and some will die. This can be due to respiratory failure, heart complications, secondary bacterial infections and failure of other organs. These severe complications can also include an exaggerated immune and inflammatory response and blood clots, which can affect the lungs, the heart, the kidneys and the brain (and other organs), leading to permanent damage and death. Exactly why some people get these severe complications and others don't is still not fully understood, but is being studied aggressively. Elderly people and those with chronic health problems are most likely to develop severe disease, but young and otherwise healthy people have also been affected. While treatment for this disease has improved, the risks remain real. Prevention continues to be the best approach, and the arrival of effective vaccines will undoubtedly improve the situation.
So, I urge you to not be afraid but to be smart and careful. We are used to this approach. Whenever you drive, you put on your seat belt and strap your children into their car seats, not because you're afraid, but because you are smart. When you ride your bicycle in traffic, you put on a helmet. You still go to the beach, but you keep a careful watch on your children, not because you are afraid, but because you are smart and you are careful.
We're in a season of hope and joy. We've come a long way with our ability to fight this pandemic. We know what to do. This year we have to be smart and careful. Please stay home for the holidays. Don't travel. Enjoy the time with your household members. Socialize from a distance with your friends and family by phone or computer. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask if you are around people from outside your home. Avoid social gatherings such as parties. Watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve at home with your household members. Be smart. Be careful. There is every reason to be hopeful that next year we will be able to enjoy a much more normal holiday season. Care enough about those around you who are at increased risk so you can all enjoy the holidays together in 2021.
- Paul M. Hendricks, M.D., is the Hamilton County health officer and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Contributed Photo / Dr. Paul M. Hendricks