Updated: Dec. 3, 2021
Originally Published: Dec. 3, 2021
The day I had been fearing since March 2020 finally arrived. What began as mild congestion, which I initially thought might be allergies, quickly escalated into a sensation I can only compare to being hit by a truck—then that truck backing up and running over me again and again.
Everything I had heard about COVID was accurate. I endured a headache that lingered for days, body aches that revealed new levels of discomfort I hadn’t known existed, a cough, a runny nose, and yes—complete loss of taste.
That said, my COVID experience was relatively mild. Why? Because I was vaccinated. Fully vaccinated, everyone. I never required hospitalization. My main concerns revolved around isolating, responding to contact tracers (to be as helpful as possible), and arranging groceries and takeout to keep my family fed.
As the days passed, some friends and family quickly suggested that COVID might not be as serious as it seemed since we were managing okay. Wait, what? Did you not hear that I was vaccinated?! Cue the frustration.
My COVID Experience Was Tough, But It Doesn’t Mean COVID Is “Not That Bad”
Some of my unvaccinated relatives were certain that my survival meant COVID isn’t dangerous at all.
I wish I could think that those who deny vaccines and the existence of COVID are simply uninformed. They must not have access to the same information I do. If only I could convey the science behind effective measures like masking and social distancing. But they already know. There’s no way they could have ignored the global situation for nearly two years.
Here’s the reality about those who cling to this flawed logic: no amount of reasoning will change their minds. Many rely on social media for news and believe that all science is a government conspiracy to control them.
Ultimately, it’s essential to safeguard your energy and health. My children struggle to understand why their aunts and uncles resist something that has become second nature for us. It’s challenging to explain why we see them less frequently.
The irony is striking: for every person who disregards the science and remains unscathed, there’s another individual who follows all the guidelines and still contracts the virus.
You Can Follow All the Guidelines and Still Catch COVID—There’s No Shame in That
COVID is a widespread illness that we hope will someday be as manageable as the flu. There’s no shame in catching a flu, so why did I feel different about having COVID?
As a family, we took every precaution to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. We stayed home, even when others chose to socialize. Masks became second nature; we went an entire winter without so much as a sniffle, which was a blessing. Yet, despite our efforts, it still wasn’t enough. When speaking with contact tracers and listing those we had come into contact with (including vaccinated family and schoolmates), I dreaded them knowing that COVID had infiltrated our home.
I felt guilty, as if I had brought this upon my family.
But it’s not my fault I contracted COVID. Statistically, it was bound to happen. Thankfully, our experience was relatively mild. I hesitate to share our story because it often gets twisted into an anti-vaccine narrative suggesting that COVID must not be severe. I’m here to clarify from personal experience—that is simply not the case.
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. And if you’re looking for additional perspectives, you can read about other experiences here.
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- How to handle COVID as a vaccinated individual
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In summary, my COVID journey has been a reminder of the importance of vaccination and the ongoing battle against misinformation. While my experience was manageable, it underscores the reality that COVID-19 is serious and affects everyone differently.