Does anybody else feel the stark realization

[edhopper]

Last edited Wed Apr 1, 2020, 07:47 PM - Edit history (2)

that they could very well die form this?

I am in New York(staying in place) and I have come to grips that I will probably contract the virus. If or when I do, it could kill me.

It is a sobering experience.


Addendum: I live in Queens NY, where we have the famously overwhelmed Elmhurst Hospital. If I do get ill, I might have to decide whether to die alone in a hospital corridor, waiting for a ventilator than probably won't come. Or stay and die at home with my wife.

[uponit7771]

1. I did today, ... I'm not going shopping. This is going to go on for 6 months

[central scrutinizer]

14. I'm afraid it will be 12 more months minimum

Until a vaccine is available.

[bearsfootball516]

45. At the rate it's going, it'll burn itself out.

Worst case scenario, herd immunity happens and it largely ends by mid-summer.

[uponit7771]

52. Yes, after 2 yrs looking at the R0 number. In the meantime we're screwed

[Thekaspervote]

88. This!

[Beartracks]

133. Herd immunity only happens if EVERYONE gets exposed, right?

One of my spouse's doctors thinks it will die out from the heat and humidity of summer, but summer's only coming for the northern hemisphere. Winter is coming for the southern hemisphere. And then it'll be fall and winter for us again.

Until there's a vaccine, I don't see how this virus dies off "in the wild" unless people keep taking extreme social distancing measures.


=======

[GulfCoast66]

151. It's in the 90s in Florida. Has been for weeks. Still spreading.

This is a brand new virus. We do not know what it will do.

[BComplex]

197. That's the point so many people are ignoring. Heat isn't doing away with this virus.

I think it's going to keep on until it culls the herd of humanity. I very well could be one of those culled.

[radius777]

168. No. If a critical mass of the population are exposed

and develop immunity, then this 'herd' serves as a 'blockade' to the transmission - which could still happen but much more difficult as it finds many dead ends(immune hosts), which is in contrast to when the pandemic begins where it spreads like wildfire.

Note, herd immunity is only possible if the body develops a permanent or semi-permanent immunity and if the virus does not change rapidly. The flu, for example changes every year, why we need annual vaccines.

But the opinion of the experts (such as Dr. Fauci) is that Sars-Cov-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) does not seem to mutate rapidly, is like the original SARS in this regard, so after a patient recovers would likely develop permanent immunity.

[Beartracks]

170. Earlier word was that recovered patients could indeed get sick again.

Has that changed with additional study? Does a recovered person gain immunity? And whether or not they are immune, they can still be a carrier, right?

=======

[radius777]

171. Various studies still in progress.

Here's a balanced article on the topic:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24532754-600-can-you-catch-the-coronavirus-twice-we-dont-know-yet/
But the science is still uncertain. “There is some anecdotal evidence of reinfections, but we really don’t know,” says Ira Longini at the University of Florida. It may be that the tests used were unreliable, which is a problem with tests for other respiratory viruses, says Jeffrey Shaman at Columbia University in New York.
...
The researchers then tried to reinfect two of them but failed, which suggests the animals were immune (bioRxiv, doi.org/ggn8r8). “That finding is very encouraging, as it suggests that it is possible to induce protective immunity against the virus,” says Alfredo Garzino-Demo at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean long-term immunity. There are other coronaviruses circulating among humans and although they induce immunity, this doesn’t last. “Some other viruses in the coronavirus family, such as those that cause common colds, tend to induce immunity that is relatively short-lived, at around three months,” says Peter Openshaw at Imperial College London.
...
Other infectious disease specialists are more optimistic. “The evidence is increasingly convincing that infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to an antibody response that is protective. Most likely this protection is for life,” says Martin Hibberd at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “Although we need more evidence to be sure of this, people who have recovered are unlikely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 again.”

As to the herd immunity question, it would take something like 70% of the population to have been infected (assuming immunity occurs) to stop the pandemic. But of course this is not a good solution as many would die/suffer/overwhelm medical system in the process:

https://www.sciencealert.com/why-herd-immunity-will-not-save-us-from-the-covid-19-pandemic
It's also worth thinking about the repercussions of this disastrous scenario – the best estimates put COVID-19 infection fatality rate at around 0.5-1 percent. If 70 percent of an entire population gets sick, that means that between 0.35-0.7 percent of everyone in a country could die, which is a catastrophic outcome.

With something like 10 percent of all infections needing to be hospitalised, you'd also see an enormous number of people very sick, which has huge implications for the country as well.

The sad fact is that herd immunity just isn't a solution to our pandemic woes. Yes, it may eventually happen anyway, but hoping that it will save us all is just not realistic. The time to discuss herd immunity is when we have a vaccine developed, and not one second earlier, because at that point we will be able to really stop the epidemic in its tracks.

[Moostache]

203. What if the virus does reinfect, but people upon reinfection remain asymptomatic?

Is it possible for this virus to spread itself in such a manner? I have no idea if it can or cannot...does anyone at this point really KNOW for a fact, or are we still in the gathering information phase to get to understanding?

[dhol82]

134. I think the quarantine will be raised by the end of April.

I also think that it will reappear in October.
If we are lucky, it will reappear after the elections in November.
We live in perilous times.

[uponit7771]

175. There's no signs of Italy bottoming out infection cases, we're doing the same thing they're doing

[Sugarcoated]

218. It's 90 degrees in Florida

It's full on there

[quakerboy]

112. They were saying 18, last I read.

But I think they are overestimating. Thats in the normal course of events

They were saying the time for it to be proven safe and effective, then the time to put it into production.

The government will reduce the time to verify safety, Fast tracking approval. The pressure from people on elected officials will be too much to do otherwise, as long as effectiveness appears to prove out.

And if effectiveness seems to be proving out, they will start production well before the approval to put it into use comes through. pressure from the government on the companies will be too much to do otherwise.

Thats still gonna take many months. 6+

[magicarpet]

140. They are working all over the planet for a vaccine,..

I think the answer will lie in the antibodies from those who had the Cv-19 virus and are fully recovered. They will capture the blood antibodies, match up the proper blood type, and inject the antibodies into the recipient who has not yet been inflicted by the virus.

There are anti malarial and anti retroviral drugs already out there. They are looking for a match up that will prevent this virus from attaching to the human genome.

I hate to use the work scientist, but their are many.many highly skilled and qualified bio scientist and doctors looking to solve this.

None are as fuxking stupidity as trump.

Have faith, these medical professionals thrive upon making their mark to benefit humanity - they will pull through - but remember this is a brand new virus it has not yet crossed from animal to humanity until December just passed.

Everyone is on a sharp learning curve, but the answer to this riddle will surface, but we need to keep separated in space to buy additional time so they can do their job.

Maintaining a positive energy force, and keeping mentally chipper is paramount. The human psyche and physical body to fight off disease is an astounding and wondrous thing. We must maintain a positive outlook because that is where our immune system derives its energy, force, and strength. If we respect that reality we will get through this and be stronger because we guided one another through this darkness, did battle,.. and eventually over came it.

It is imperative do not give up hope.

[uponit7771]

174. Which will still take a year to prove,

[magicarpet]

186. There is a saying,..

You gotta play the hand you been dealt.

At this moment that looks like our only recourse. It does no one any good to let this get on their nerves. You don't want to do that to yourself, and we don't want to do that to each other.

It is really best we not accentuate the negative. It will only serve to bring us down.

[uponit7771]

187. We've done that before and it killed a crap ton of babies, I don't think they're

... going to short change the process because Trump doesn't want to mass produce tests so we can isolate the sick.

[SheltieLover]

2. Yup

Wrote a holographic will a few days ago.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Most people don't die, or even get very sick. I'm trying to look at it that way.

And I'm staying in, not going anywhere, and nobody comes in.

[HotTeaBag]

24. This is why I wish that MSNBC and CNN would add a 'Hospitalized' column

to their now ever present 'Cases/Deaths' count-up.

The vast majority of people who test positive don't require medical assistance, let alone hospitalization.

I guess the number of infected and deaths are the only barometer that matter to the media - it lends itself toward panic and panic gets the eyeballs. Everything is a horse race.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

25. Depending on where you are, you probably can't get tested unless you are hospitalized

or you are a health care worker or living in a group residence. So the number of cases recorded probably does coincide to a fair degree with the number of people hospitalized. People who have the virus but aren't sick enough to require hospitalization probably aren't being counted as cases at all.

[HotTeaBag]

37. I respectfully disagree, there are most certainly not 33,700 people

in NYC that are hospitalized as a result of contracting the virus, though they have that many cases.

The number of cases (as far as I understand it) is given by the labs doing the testing - though of course I could be mistaken.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

47. It depends on the location, like I said. Where I am (MN)

they are testing only people who require hospitalization, health care workers and people in group residences. So the numbers we see as "cases" don't include many people who are sick but not hospitalized.

[diverdownjt]

68. Hey Velveteen..

Stay home...stay healthy...my wife and i are doing the same in denver.

See you all on the other side of this.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

72. As long as it takes...

[Scarsdale]

173. I was scheduled for a perm

then my beautician called to cancel. Beauty shop closed for the time being. I told her "When this is all over, if you see someone walking towards your door with a grocery sack on their head with eye holes cut in, don't be alarmed. It will just be ME." Many people are in the same boat. If only we had a REAL president, this would have been caught much sooner. I imagine when a vaccine IS introduced, he will take full credit.

[yellowdogintexas]

213. I was just telling my husband that by the time this is at least calmed down,

I will be in dire need of a haircut.

[Meowmee]

95. In my county

They are listing those numbers. Most people who have tested positive are not hospitalized and somewhat over a 1/4 of those in hospital are in the icu so far.

Current statistics: 4,138 pos, 409 in hospital, 139 in icu, 37 fatalities.

[HotTeaBag]

207. That's great that you have that information - they're not breaking it down like that here

in New Jersey. Just the number of cases per county and of course, deaths.

Clearly the information is out there, I just wish the numbers of people who are not dead actually mattered more as it would help with some of the anxiety that most everyone has when just told of the infections and death toll.

[Meowmee]

216. the fact that some are surviving or are deemed mild doesn't negate what is happening hcs overwhelmed

We are almost there here if not already. In NYC I read an article earlier that some people who were sent home with “mild” covid symptoms later went into respiratory distress and or cardiac arrest and called 911. They are not getting proper care. One woman attempted suicide with alcohol because her cancer treatments were postponed. And more I won’t post here. It is already very, very bad. We are still not testing everyone and everyone should be wearing a mask and only going out for emergences. This is way more than a disaster.

I noticed today the county site has not updated the statistics yet. But the map posted here by someone now says 5,791 pos, 44 deaths and .39% infection 1 out of 256.

[eilen]

221. Our county is reporting the recovered-those discharged home

check your county DOH website. They might have more statistics.

[Submariner]

212. As of today, in Florida you can't get tested in blue counties (PBC, Broward, Dade)

but if you live at the RWNJ Villages in Orlando and you're a MAGA nazi, everyone gets tested.

[eilen]

220. We have drive up testing in my county/city in NY.

I think you have to call first but people are coming here from other counties to get tested and I think it inflates our numbers.

[drmeow]

27. Its the pandemic equivalent to

if it bleeds, it leads.

It is ironic that Fox tried to downplay it because stoking fear is their most effective weapon - of course, this isn't fear of democrats or "illegals" but of something Fox can't blame.

[HotTeaBag]

70. To be fair to Fox, they HAD to - at least for a little while

as that was the agreed-to party line.

They must have known internally what this meant, but because it was going to affect Trump they needed to do as much damage control as they could.

[SergeStorms]

179. They "CHOSE TO", they didn't "have to".

FOX is not owned by Trump, and they could have played it straight right from the start. There is no control at FOX over each individual host, and there should be. They chose not to control the message.

There is no "being fair" to FOX. They never play fair.

[HotTeaBag]

192. Of course there's control, they'll get fired if they deviate from the message.

Which is why they never play fair.

[uponit7771]

62. +1

[AtheistCrusader]

206. I think that's the true metric people are worried about talking about.

Most people, even old people, aren't dying much from this until the ER's and ICU's are saturated. Once the medical care is at capacity, THEN people start dying a lot.

[ananda]

83. Same here.

I'm sheltering in shape, though. I exercise and go
out to walk some.

I have several indoor activities that keep me occupied,
and I play online bridge with four of my partners
(so far).

Plus I come here and share what I learn with all my
friends.

Life is good (so far).

[cannabis_flower]

196. I wish I knew

If I have been infected. I think I got it and am largely over it. I worked doing Uber at the Houston Rodeo. About 3 days later I got a dry cough, a sore throat, was achy and fatigued. The cough, aches and fatigue would come and go. I only had a little fever for a day or two. The sore throat lasted pretty much the whole time. If I had it and I'm over it, I could go out again like nothing's going on.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

198. It would be great if there were enough tests to determine whether

people who got some bug but were never sick enough to be treated or hospitalized actually had the virus, not only because they might be immune (but we don't know that for sure) but because their immunity could be studied and used to develop a vaccine. My brother and his wife both had some kind of crud in late February that sounds like it could have been CV (she even lost her senses of taste and smell). She had recently been around someone who had been out of the country. They felt lousy for about 10 days but recovered without treatment but are now wondering whether they got the bug. I think eventually that testing will be done but it won't be for awhile yet. In the meantime it's probably safer to assume you had something else.

[cannabis_flower]

199. Absolutely

That's why I wish I knew. But it was suspicious that I got sick March 12 which was after I worked had picked up about 6 or 8 cars full of people from the Houston Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff and another 5 or 6 cars full of people from the Rodeo. One of the first hospitalized patients in Houston was a sheriff's deputy who worked at the Barbecue Cookoff.

[Walleye]

4. John Prine really hits close to home.

Like family member.

[Lars39]

5. I'm so out of luck if I need a ventilator...

cancer diagnosis, so I know I won't be considered for one.

[Control-Z]

28. I don't understand what you mean.

Why wouldn't you be considered for a ventilator? Aren't some of the sickest due to being the most vulnerable in the first place?

[Lars39]

32. Extreme triage, like in Italy, excludes those with cancer background, etc.

[Control-Z]

43. Really?

OMG, that's horrible. I'm so sorry, Lars39. I'll be thinking of you and sending the best vibes I have to you. And I won't allow myself to believe you'll get hopelessly ill.

I look forward to seeing an OP in July that tells us all you're well!

[Lars39]

46. Thank you, and right back to you.

I'm really hoping we all come out ok on the other side of this.

[Hekate]

99. We have only a tiny fraction of the vents we're going to need. If you have 3 patients and one vent

...how is a doc to choose who gets it? The 80 yo grandma? The 40 yo man with a wife and kids? The baby?

It's horrible.

[duforsure]

176. I'm right there with you Lars39

I have numerous health conditions that will exclude me getting a ventilator if the demand for them aren't met, and I come down with it. I am sheltering in place hoping to escape getting it . Feel so sorry for everyone having to think about it now. I would agree if someone healthy gets a ventilator before me , and am ok with it , but that shouldn't have ever happened, and it has because of trump the hospitals are in this position now. trump knew all along, lied, accused others, blamed others , took no responsibility for anything. trumps a failure.

[Lars39]

182. Well said, duforsure.

And what’s worse is realizing everyone is not thinking about it.
It’s going to be a long cruel Spring.

[Oppaloopa]

185. I am so sorry

[blitzen]

6. Make it through the next couple months; therapies and outcomes will be better. And...

the actual death rate is probably 1 percent or less--way more people have it than officially reported.

[demtenjeep]

7. yes ME I have Crohn's so I take chemo and also during the year found out I had Diabetes II

also did years of damage to my lungs because of smoking




yea I attract shit like this.



I also am recovering from Bell's Palsey -started Feb 28

[LiberalArkie]

15. Remember: Always think on the bright side. You might not die and have to live through another 16

years of Trump.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

21. If that happened I'd figure I actually had died and was in Hell.

[marlakay]

8. When Dr Farci said 100-200,000 people might die

Before this is over and millions get it, made me freak out.

I feel more safe where I am in So Oregon but it is going to travel unless they close the highways.

[localroger]

20. Remember that's out of a population of 350,000,000

"Millions" could be one percent of the population. Of which 1% will almost certainly die, and about 1/10 will need a hospital stay.

[Dan]

54. I keep running the numbers

and out of the number of people that get infected, the death rate is now at 4.7%, up from the 3.4% of infected people about three weeks ago.

The numbers are not good, because we are really just starting - and given the Fox News crowd don't believe its' real, it might get really ugly. Especially if your consider other factors like (a) our health care system - is for profit compared to socialized available health care in other Countries; (b) density issues - which in theory will impact the percentages that I provided above; (c) effectiveness of the various State governments, given that we lack leadership at the Federal level; (d) the stupidity of Trump, if anyone can make things worse, I have 100% faith in his ability to do that; plus waiting for him to demand that information on the death rate and spread of the disease is hidden from the public (per security reasons); and (e) downright stupidity due to misinformation by the media.

I know that sources are saying about 100,000 and change might die, but the longer this goes on - without effective national leadership and (hate to say it) quarantines - the worse this will get. And even worse, when (not if, but when) our first responders start to succumb to the virus.

We absolutely have the wrong person at the helm at this time - but I guess for those that wanted to shake things up - we're getting what they asked for.



on edit: Hope I am totally wrong.

[MyMission]

149. The numbers reported are misleading

I'm a numbers person and at first I got 4-5 % death rate, across countries.

BUT then learned and understood that there are so many (more) cases that are unreported, those with mild or even severe symptoms who tested negative for flu and were never texted for 19.

I just learned about a family of 5 that was very sick last month into early March. All survived. The Dad, who works for the VA was tested and had 19. His wife, 2 kids and his 70+ yr old mom were not tested for it. 2 of them were tested for flu and it was negative.

So whether I assume only 20% of actual cases are being reported and recorded, or even 50% it does drop the death rate significantly. Yes, there are some deaths from it that aren't recorded. But there are far more cases where folks have treated themselves and recovered, and never got counted as having the virus. (Bad news, more virus cases; good news, lower death rate.)

Still, the more people who contract it the more deaths we will see. But the death rate of 4-5 % is not as clear cut as it first appears.

Hope this information eases your concern about the numbers bit.

As for your observations about 45, and the state of the federal government , I totally agree. But the many governor's stepping up to take care of the people in their states is impressive, and a stark contrast to what rump and his cronies have been and are doing.

[Dan]

157. Hope you're right, I use the figures from this site....don't trust figures provided by the Fed.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

[uppityperson]

9. Yes, high risk categories.

[Girard442]

10. Yeah. I have a large circle of friends these days.

Chances are, one or more of us will die.

Coming to grips with my own mortality is really old news, but grappling with the idea that not everybody I know will make it is killing me.

[LiberalArkie]

11. I am 72 with asthma, bad ticker. But my cardiologist and my respiratory doc say that I am

the healthiest sick person they have as a patient.

So go figure

[mikalcharles]

12. Imagine getting the virus

And being close to death and yr last thoughts are how much you hate Trump. We have to find a way to escape this Fucking black hole.

[rzemanfl]

29. I will think on that while I wash socks. n/t

[lunasun]

61. I would hate for that to be anyone's last thoughts but yes we need to escape out of the

black hole we are in and while I’m healthy I will take this opportunity to say Fuck trump and his insane and dangerous incompetence

[rampartc]

13. yes, and my wife as well

i'm in new orleans, 68 and diabetic. they will not waste a ventilator on me, nor would i want them to.

[FarPoint]

16. Yes....

I'm a Nurse... working Infusion Home care...

[50 Shades Of Blue]

17. Yes.

[silverweb]

18. Yup.

I'm in a high-risk demographic and have updated my advance directives, with a copy to everyone who should have one. I'm looking forward to my first grandchild, hopefully sometime next year, and I fully intend to be here to help raise him or her!

[Newest Reality]

19. Yes...

At 63, I may just pass away if I contact it. I am existentially exhausted anyway.

However, I am more than fine with that. It's all good. It is all impermanent and just like a dream or illusion to me. A life goes by like a flash of lightening and I have found that there never really was anything I had to hold onto, nor will need to. One starts out without and just reverts back to that, which wasn't at all bad.

It's always been a round-trip ticket, so being with that fully is rather blissful to me and profound.

May our passing be swift, peaceful and, as it has been said, like taking off an overly tight shoe. Ah!

[PWPippinesq]

53. Thank you for your perspective, Newest Reality.

So much that seemed critical and demanding a couple of months ago lost all sense of importance in the face of this existential pandemic.

[lettucebe]

22. Yes, and it's pretty terrifying

My health is not great, I'm 63. I just have to manage to stay alive until a vaccine comes along, which could be two years. Not a pleasant way to think about the future at all but with these haphazard methods, we'll be dealing with this until we do get a vaccine

[treestar]

23. I've kind of vaguely thought about it

Like wondering how bad this might get, and whether I might get it. I'm 60, sort of just on the edge of the vulnerable age. Elderly parents I am worried about, but they've stayed in. Still something could land one in the hospital, something else, but the hospital is overwhelmed.

[Bluethroughu]

26. Yes.

Been making notes on how family proceeds if my husband or I die.
Have told the kids what to do, and the notes and steps they will need to proceed.

This is terrible.

Please proceed with care everyone.

[Dan]

65. Totally understand

The wife and I updated our Wills last week, created an Emergency Contact packet which we put on the wall board in our house (for first responders), and just are somewhat resigned to the fact that if we get the virus, then there is a high probability that we both won't survive. Hate to think of that for two reasons (1) want to get a chance to vote Trump out of office and see him in jail and (2) hate the idea of leaving young son, alone.

[Bluethroughu]

181. I have been reading some good ideas here

And I should also create a first responder note, to take some of the pressure off the kids or spouse in that kind of moment.

Thank you Dan.

[eleny]

30. Actually, yesterday I wondered if the virus would wipe us all out

I prepared and we've been staying at the house mostly since early this month. But yesterday the hammer came down. I thought that any precautions we've taken might not be enough.

[malaise]

31. I discussed this with our entire family

It is very possible that we may never all get together ever again.

[2naSalit]

87. Did the same with my family.

We also have our aging mom in her 90s to consider. Her situation is not promising. The worst of it is that nobody can visit her in the nursing facility she's in and she would certainly die alone. We are hoping her dementia will keep her from realizing what's happening and that if she does pass during this nightmare, perhaps she will go in her sleep. That would be her best outcome at this point.

No matter what ends up happening, it sucks a whole bunch.

[malaise]

90. Our parents are long gone

I feel it for you - an aging mom in this situation is stressful.

[2naSalit]

98. It's been weighing heavily on me lately.

My eating and sleep habits are getting weird. I can handle too much stress for a while before I break, but I can feel the cracks forming now.

[malaise]

101. Exercise

is important and eat fresh fruit

[qwlauren35]

137. I know a lot about cracks

and I know a lot about old mothers.

My heart goes out to you. I hope you all come out on the other side, and get to hold your mother's hand once more.

[2naSalit]

144. Thanks. I am more worried for my mom and baby

sisters, one of whom just lost her husband about two weeks ago. I'm 1800 miles away and will likely not be able to be with her when the time comes but that the ones who have been instrumental in her care for the last twelve years can't be there is painful.

[GulfCoast66]

156. Sorry to hear that. You should just stop reading about it to lower your stress.

Because if you are running yourself down with stress it increases your risk. Even if it means a hiatus from DU.

Get some exercise and eat well. Try you best to limit worrying to things you personally can change.

Good luck and take care.

[ancianita]

93. Same here.

[drmeow]

33. Right now I'm more worried about

the people I work with (albeit indirectly). I work in clinical research at a university hospital and some of my researchers are on the front lines.

[raccoon]

34. It has crossed my mind. I'm pretty healthy and close to 70.

I’ve made my will.

I think if I got it I’d survive. Of course I could be wrong about that.

One day at a time.

[Pillow talk]

35. im 40. i have one lung. its not conjecture. I'm not worried. I've got to get as much done now as i

[Pillow talk]

36. can

[LizBeth]

38. Yes.

[4139]

39. I've have been predicting April 15 for my day getting the virus

[smirkymonkey]

40. I've thought about it.

I am not going out at all, but having things delivered.

Even though I am careful and wiping things down and washing my hands, it has occurred to me that I could catch it and possibly die from it. Right now, I'm not too worried as I am pretty healthy, but there is always a threat.

[dweller]

41. i was pronounced a death sentence June 2019 ...

this is just barrel #2 for me

i may survive the 1st for a few years, the 2nd maybe a day ?

thus my acerbic take on things ... but hey, i got this 🙏🏻

✌🏼

[tblue37]

42. Yes. nt

[bamagal62]

44. Yes. I had symptoms a couple of weeks ago.

And, day 4 and 5 were bad. I couldn't breathe very well and I was terrified.
I wrote down everything my kids needed to know, like passwords and responisibilites that I had that they
might not know about. I thought that there was a possibility I could die.
I'm okay now. But, because they wouldn't test me, now I worry that I didn't have it and
that I can still get it and then die.

[Mr.Bill]

48. Yes, very much so.

About a month or two ago I was contemplating the death of my father in 1990. He was only 66 years old. I am also now 66. I googled a calendar from '90 and compared it to this year's calendar and arrived at the date at which I will be one day older than he was when he died. That day is May 15th, a day now seems a lot farther away than it did a few months ago.

[CanonRay]

49. Actually, yes

I pretty much know if I get it I'm dead. My wife doesn't want to hear that, But every time they post a new high risk factor I have it. Well, I've been on borrowed time since 2008...

[Boomer]

113. Same here

I'm 65 and had open heart surgery in 2015, plus I have impaired lung function. I'm still working full-time (from home now) and at first glance I seem fine, but I can barely walk a block without breathing issues. So surviving coronavirus.... that's a gamble I'd rather not take. Which means I'm basically homebound for the next two years or more, however long it takes to come up with a vaccine.

[liberalla]

50. Yes, I've wondered if this is what will kill me...

Not obsessing, but I have thought about it. And that it could be soon (within a year or two).

[IronLionZion]

51. When GOP says a few million should die, they mean you and me

not some hypothetical other people out there somewhere. It's not just a statistic. They want you and me to die so they can profit from stocks.

It's very sobering when you think about it like that. A quick google news search, you can see the bodies being piled onto refrigerated trucks in New York City. This is real and it can happen to any of us.

[malaise]

142. This one will take out some very rich folks as well

Those who fly the most are vulnerable - like this one

Jefferies Group CFO dies of coronavirus complications
Mar 29 8:49pm:
The chief financial officer of Jefferies Group LLC, Peregrine "Peg" Broadbent, has died from coronavirus complications, the company said in a statement Sunday.

[Marie Marie]

55. Oh yes. Not paranoid - just cautiously realistic.

But, hang on and stay healthy. DU would not be the same without ALL of you.

[Chainfire]

56. Yes, the reality is hitting home

If I contract the virus, my wife will have it too. I think I will stay home, treat myself and my sweetie, and take my chances. Although, I have come to terms with my personal mortality and don't dread dying, I really don't want to die, a number, just another gray head, in a cold room, surrounded by people waiting to die and those who are too busy to care, to be tossed in a makeshift morgue, in a semi trailer, with the other folks, sacrificed on the alter of a criminal egomaniac.

I think I deserve better, but I understand that cemeteries are full of people who thought the deserved better. I think of the tune I used to sing to my children, You can't always get what you want. (they hated it )

[jberryhill]

57. You can put that to good work

If there is something you feel you need to go out for, think long and hard about how much you really need it, and can you make do without it.

[edhopper]

66. We do that

everyday. We have not been to Trader Joes for two weeks.

[Grasswire2]

58. I was awake into the wee hours wondering if I should write goodbye letters to my family members now.

Now, while I am well and staying home.

Once you are symptomatic, it's too late to get things in order.

I'm thinking about it.

[Lars39]

59. That's a good idea, Grasswire.

[jberryhill]

60. I've been getting requests to do wills

[KY_EnviroGuy]

222. I need to get one done, JB.

I've gathered names of some nearby attorneys and will chose one to minimize my exposure in public. I just want a simple one for now to minimize my two kid's time in court after I pass. Should I survive, it could be refined later. I'm doing OK right now but at 72, you understand the risk.

Just one question: What is the typical number of office visits and time duration of those visits so I could be prepared?

I would hope they would give me a list of papers over the phone they need me to bring in, to reduce the office visits.

TIA, KY

[empedocles]

75. My wife and I revised/added to our 'Letter of Instruction'

[Doodley]

63. I am more concerned that this could be the beginning of the end of the world.

Worst case scenario seems feasible. This goes on for too long and the entire global economy collapses. The resulting poverty and famine become many times more deadly than the virus itself. Uprisings, civil unrest, coups, and wars follow. Trump can't resist the use of force against our own people and other nations "like the world has never known."

[maryellen99]

80. Also worried about trump being stupid enough to nuke China over this nt

[Moostache]

82. The total collapse of the economy is assured...this may not be the only trigger though...

Climate Change is not going away because we stopped paying attention to it in the immediate...
Massive levels of state owned debts is another crisis on the horizon...run away inflation, too.

This economic collapse is going to rival the Great Depression by the fall - expect the unemployment claims for April to really shock the planet; and then the slavish devotion of the powers-that-be to protect the profiteers and ownership class (their only true bosses) first will come into conflict with basic math - there are too many people that have nothing (and thus nothing to lose) to hold them at bay...

Once you put humans into no win situations and make them desperate, you create the most dangerous animal on the planet - black mambas with an attitude and opposable thumbs and access to weapons of war with impunity...

A global jubilee is desperately needed. If we can have people use Leviticus as a cudgel to beat on homosexuals, then we can also plumb that text for good too:

Biblically, it is a year of emancipation and restoration. In the book of Leviticus, the Lord declares that a year of Jubilee be held every 50th year and that it be a special year of pardoning of sins. Slaves were to be freed, debts forgiven, and land returned to its original owner (Leviticus 25).

We need to start over and we need to do so in a more sustainable and resource based manner...this current situation is just a shove in the proper direction, if we take it. (I doubt we will...)

[appalachiablue]

110. possibly more bugs, pandemics and growing antibiotic resistance

loom on the horizon unfortunately

[mtngirl47]

111. Nice post---I forgot about Jubilee.

[Heartstrings]

64. Yes....

Absolutely!

[Shermann]

67. April is Shelter in Place Month

We have a great deal of control over our outcomes (not 100% but you never do). Maximize the sheltering at home every day for the next month. Think positive.

[iluvtennis]

69. Yes, feel the reaslization. BUT, we gotta think positive. Stay in (except to get food & meds),

exercise the precautions (hand washing, social distancing, etc).

[totodeinhere]

71. It has forced me to confront my mortality.

I believe that this is the most serious crisis of my lifetime. For the first time in my life I need to contemplate the very real possibility that I might die sometime in the next few months. I have a major underlying condition which makes me extremely vulnerable. I also recognize that even in my case there is probably statistically a reasonable chance that I might survive it. And there is a realistic chance that even though I survive it I might have to spend several weeks in the hospital. And I might need hospitalization but the hospitals might be full and might not have a bed for me. And that might mean that it would have been possible to save me if I had been able to receive good medical care. But due to overloading the hospitals there just might not be room for me and so I will die.

[barbtries]

73. i've recognized that since February.

i'm 64, obese, smoke.
I wrote my will for the first time. I haven't gone out to have it notarized but it's mostly instructions for my children, saying who get what of my stuff. every other asset has my sons already named as beneficiaries.

one way i comfort myself is acknowledging that although it is true that i am in the higher risk category, the odds still are that i will survive the virus if/when i get it. my nightmare is getting it at the apex of the curve and some poor doctor having to choose between putting me or, say, a 30-year-old with young children on a ventilator.

oh and about the hair: i literally posted on fb the other day that my next youtube search was going to be for how to cut your own hair. the sweat is coming here in NC and I can NOT bear to have hair on my neck.

[MarianJack]

74. I'm an overweight diabetic with high blood pressure in my 60s.

This virus could quite possibly tack a target sign on my ass...and I have a BIG ass.

I'm not taking my big ass out my door for the duration. My wife works for the state of Maine and they may be sending technicians here to make it possible for her, as well as her co-workers, to work from home for the immediate future. I hope so.

My son and his roommate are staying home, too.

As always, Donald Trump is an idiot and an ass hat.

#notmypresident

RESIST

[slumcamper]

76. Yes. I just had a brief talk with my family.

Thursday night my eyes were "burning" inside. Friday that was gone but I awoke with a mild sore throat. Saturday it was worse, but got better as the day went on. Exhaustion and low-grade fever took its place. I was 100.2 last night and my lungs felt tight. 1Today the fever is gone, but a dry cough has set in.

If what I read about this is correct, middle stage could hit me midweek. I've had pneumonia 3 times, so I'd likely end up in a hospital. Once there, who knows?

Yeah, if I have this and if it worsens, I'm coming to realize that I may no longer be around in a few weeks.

It certainly is sobering, but my hair is the last thing I'm concerned about.

[captain queeg]

77. It's certainly a possibility but I don't dwell on it

Like people have said if you can make it a few months there should be a lot more care possibilities. It’s in the next couple months while we are playing catch-up because of the dumb ass occupying the oval officer that sort of extreme triage could be happing whereby older, sicker people cant get the care they need.

I try to be philosophical. I’ve led a pretty good life. I just hope they don’t run out of morphine if I end up in tRumps sacrificial alter.

[Laffy Kat]

78. Every day. I just turned 63, have asthma, and work in a clinic.

I do what I can, although I'm not that worried about me. I just don't want my kids to get it. I have decided to make sure I put together a will ASAP.

[mcar]

79. We just talked to our niece and her fiancee in Hoboken

Both work for ConEd. He's had to be out in the field and is now symptomatic. He's getting tested tomorrow. He said many ConEd people are positive. The company has finally put some restrictions into place.

I'm thinking of a young, healthy man who is going through this and wondering how I (61 and healthy) would fare. Or our many friends and acquaintances here in retiree Florida, who we may never see again.

It is a sobering experience.

[Turbineguy]

81. A haircut is a "risky" situation

It's over 10 minutes of fairly close contact. I had one 2 weeks ago and realized I'd have to watch for symptoms for 2 weeks. I'm thinking of just letting it grow after 25 years of "en brose" style.

[edhopper]

84. not going to get one

until this is over. Or I can buy a razor from Amazon.

[Hekate]

85. Yes. I have felt that all along. I'm 72 & feel I have so much unfinished business in this life...

Good luck to us all.

[WhiskeyWulf]

86. Yep. If I contract this virus, I'm not likely to survive. nt

[procon]

89. I worry the virus could wipe out most of my family.

We're mostly seniors now, with lots of underlying medical problems. It could be the end if our whole family. I think of the littlest among us and worry they might end up as orphans and split up in the foster care system. It makes me weep.

There will be lots of orphaned kids before this damned virus is finished with us. I hope someone can improve the existing system so all those poor kids don't suffer more.

[underpants]

91. If you smoke. STOP SMOKING. I really need a haircut too

and I am going to smoke what I have and that's it. Already have the patches. Whew this is going to suck but it's better than the likely alternative.

Looking like Tuesday or Wednesday.

[Warpy]

92. I'm rocking a hippie braid down my back these days

but only because I can't see myself in the mirror and I can't drive, so getting to hair appointments is problematic, to say the least.

Since that's likely not an option for you, I'd suggest combing it back and jamming a hat on top of it.. It's getting to be warm weather, even in NY, and baseball caps will be more than a fashion statement this year. If you're hanging out at home a Willie Nelson bandana used as a sweat band will keep it out of your eyes.

This doesn't apply to MAGA hats, which I think will get rocks and worse thrown at the wearers in NYC, a city where governmental bungling is showing most clearly.

This is going to provide a trip down memory lane to the 70s for a lot of us. Everybody's going to have too much hair by the time this is over.

[easttexaslefty]

94. Yes

64 year old with COPD.

[cwydro]

96. Stay safe.

Stay optimistic.

Many get it and survive, probably more than we know. And many won’t get it.

Hang in there!

[Thekaspervote]

97. Dear Ed, this is how you feel today. Tomorrow could feel altogether different

Allow for the sad times but then let go...please?!

Would you “report “ in tomorrow and let us know how you are feeling? Thank you

[Curtis]

100. Yes, and it's scary

My wife and I are lucky enough that we winter on a sailboat in the Caribbean. This year we left late after having missed 19 months due to a round of surgeries for lucky old me. Well, we got to Grenada on Feb 25.

The boat was a mess, so it took us a couple of weeks of hard cleaning and fumigating and more cleaning and repairing to get it back in the water. We finally did.

However, during our time of hard work, the world went to hell. We're bow in the water and facing either flying home, and running the risk of catching this damned thing (we're both is very high risk categories) or we stay put and face down an approaching hurricane season predicted to be a bit busier than normal.

Have I thought about my own mortality lately? Um, yep. And, it sucks because I have to first be sure my wife is take care of (Its how i was raised).

[ancianita]

102. Yes. You're not alone.

Florida is lighting up. I won't just be "wintering" here this year, since Chicago, where I come from, is also becoming hot. So I'll sit tight until I can go back.

I have a wonderful lake, lots of big sky, bird drama, peace and quiet, music, books and, luckily, a lady who cuts my hair to sharp perfection in under five minutes, $7. So I'm good. If supplies don't dry up, I can live with this for the 18 months it takes for me to access vaccine.

I could make it in some comfort.

But I seriously doubt I'll make it, ed.

I've always valued yours and everyone's company here. Nowso more than ever.

[Mickju]

103. Yes

I'm 76 with heart failure. Every time I go to the cardiologist he says my heart is getting weaker. I'm staying home and I have a great nephew who is doing the food shopping for me. Maybe I will survive but if I get the virus I doubt that I will. I have had to go out twice but try my best to be careful. It's pretty scary.

[A HERETIC I AM]

104. I'm having a COPD episode coming on, the first in 2 years

Great timing, huh?

I quit smoking 2 years ago on the 12th of next month, or rather, 4/12/18 was the last cigarette I smoked. I had seriously cut down, to only a drag now and then, bummed off someone. Last pack I bought was in February of 18.

Prior to that I had a serious episode about every 6 to 8 months, and once a year or so from about 2013 I had to go to an ER because I couldn't breath. The last cigarette started an episode that put me in the hospital for 7 days, and I thought I had seriously screwed the pooch. But I recovered, and haven't had even the inkling of another episode for almost 2 years.

Up until about 4 days ago, that is.

I don't think I ever posted about it on DU because....well....why would I want to tell all you folks about something like that? And perhaps more importantly, why bother now? One thing is for sure, I'm not going to put up an OP about it, so I'll just leave this here on the tail end of a thread that will be soon forgotten.

But the answer to your question, edhopper, is ...

Absolutely without a fucking doubt. I'm a 60 year old COPD patient with sleep apnea, who happens to be a truck driver and has been around numerous individuals over the course of the last 6 weeks who may or may not have been taking any precautions whatsoever. On the 17th of this month I flew back from California where I was running a relay for a mail route, my portion of which was from near Bakersfield up to the Bay Area and back, and I was out there for ten days.

And now, with each passing hour, I have a creeping COPD flare-up that is getting worse. I've talked to my Pulmonologist today and got a script for Prednisone, so hopefully it will stabilize and back off. In case anyone that reads this isn't aware of what a COPD flareup feels like, it is as if I have one of these around my lungs and it is being tightened a little each day.



I have no fever, and I don't have any other symptoms, and for all I know, this could be just one more in the long line of other episodes I've had over the course of the last 7 years that I survived just fine.

I just have no idea at all. But god dammit all to hell about the timing, huh?

I ain't afraid of dying, I just don't want it to be painful or traumatic.

Luckily, I just got a haircut, so there is that.

[ancianita]

190. Get a prescription for inhalers. Many are available. Combivent is THE best for COPD.

Hope you do this. It will change your life.

[A HERETIC I AM]

201. Way ahead of you!

I'm currently using the Trelegy inhaler as directed by my Pulmonologist. I've been on various medications and inhalers for years now. As I said, this is the first inkling of an attack in almost 2 years.

[ancianita]

210. Cool. Happy for you, then. I didn't read that you said that, so thought I'd suggest it.

Just in case.

[A HERETIC I AM]

211. No worries. Stay safe and well.

[magicarpet]

223. I am not handing out medical advice,..

I just happened upon your post. Let me share this information with you. You should share it and discuss it with you doctors.

The use of Prednisone, if there is any indication you have been inflicted with the Coronavirus is indicated by resent medical research as being very problematic and being very risky therapy.

Make sure you get tested, get the presents of antibodies to COVID-19 in your blood. That will tell is you do or did have/get the virus.

If you decide to go on Prednisone you better put yourself on lockdown social distancing. Because if the virus enters your system while you are on the Prednisone, you risk

[keithbvadu2]

105. Trumpvirus chart

Trumpvirus chart

Note that some of the bars are decreasing but only in relative position while the total numbers are actually increasing.

Link to tweet

[Initech]

106. My brother has seen COVID patients.

And had to intube a couple of them. This is hitting way too fucking close to home for me.

[liberalmuse]

107. I'd thought about it.

Watching my mom struggle to breathe as her lungs slowly filled up with fluid, suffocating her was horrific. She would get terrible anxiety because her oxygen would drop and she wasn't able to fill her lungs with precious air. I've had this feeling for years I would go the same way. It could be guilt-related.

[Alwaysna]

108. Once or twice during Feb. I left the house to go to dr office.

I haven't gone out since. I've cancelled all other appointments. My kids go for me for food & medicine . As I live 12 miles from town, I usually try to buy food to last awhile. I stocked up in Feb for the pandemic. I've thought about going out just to snap a few pix of this historic event.

[jpak]

109. Yes

18 months to a vaccine is an eternity

[keithbvadu2]

114. Been there, done that...

Ever had a near death experience?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181240070

=====================================

Bleeding ulcer. Dark, dark black stool. Was pumping dry.

I remember arriving at the hospital but very little else for the next two days.

Surgery, cat scan and lots of blood but I don't remember any of it.

Girlfriend told me.

They operated down the throat, endoscopy, clips.

Woke up for a few minutes and realized I might be about to die.

Was slightly pissed off about it.

Realized that I had no control about it so stopped worrying.

Worried less than two minutes, maybe less than one.

Thought about not going back to sleep to stay alive. Went back to sleep not knowing if I was going to wake up.

One blessing was that there was no one in the room to give me any advice.

I had an ongoing delusion that had a complicated, developing story line during that time.

[warmfeet]

115. Absolutely.

I will likely die if I contract this virus (I have multiple underlying conditions). Not only do I not want to die at this point in my life, I wish to help my family make their way in the future. Not sure what I can do at this point. I was hoping for better things for my family. They will find a way, I just wanted to help so much more.

[efhmc]

116. This chart breaks down the cases:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213198113

[mtngirl47]

117. As a 62 year old baby boomer--I haven't thought about me dying.

I mean--I'm too young! I haven't retired yet. Hell, I don't have grandchildren yet!

I did cry when I got off the phone with my Mom yesterday--just wondering if/when we'll see each other again.

I cried yesterday as I realized I might lose my business and home.

I cried last night as I thought about my children's futures (33 and 28).

[Botany]

118. Updated and filled out my will

It hasn't hit Columbus, OH big time yet but it will anytime ... beautiful day with lots of wind
and I couldn't help think that the winds might be stirring up the virus from the ground, or puddles,
or from God knows where. Were those winds of death swirling around me today?

[Cha]

119. Ah Yes.. I'm still going out to forage for food.

Being careful but I'm resigned.

[dhol82]

154. Forage for food?

Damn, where are you? In some swamp?
Just curious.
I’m in NYC. A red hot zone. I don’t have to go ‘forage’ for food. Frankly, going to Central Park looking for greens would not come up as a thought in my brain.
Trader Joe’s serves as my go to for groceries.

[Marrah_Goodman]

120. Yes, there are three of us here

all high risk. I call my kids and parents everyday just to say I love you.

[mommymarine2003]

121. My sister is getting tested tomorrow.

My sister is 70 and has asthma. She has been sick since Friday with a fever of 100, a cough, and body aches. My son-in-law was tested this past week as he was sick and works in a nursing home in Tacoma, WA. His results came back negative yesterday, which was quite a relief. Now I am worried about my sister, and I convinced her this afternoon to call a medical hotline. I was so happy to hear that she can be tested tomorrow. She is from the Spokane area. I want to believe that my family will be okay, but with 3 kids and their spouses and 5 grandchildren, which includes a new baby, and my sister's children and grandchildren, it really scares me that something could happen to one of us. This is such a nightmare, and we have a lunatic in charge of our country. What could go wrong!

[Knicks007]

122. Yes, I feel the same. but...

don't you think the longer we remain healthy the better our chances? I'm in NYC as well BTW, and I just had a haircut 2 weeks ago.

[paleotn]

123. That I do.

Can't help but not in these circumstances.

But I've also thought, we're going to be a grubby, long haired bunch when this is all over.

[ooky]

124. I felt that weeks ago. Even more for my family.

I figured I'm toast if I catch it, so I stopped going out and told everyone not to come over. As long as I can get food and drugs and other essentials on line I will stay with that plan, digging in for the long haul now.

I'm much more worried for my family, several of which have jobs which put them in the line of fire. This terrifies me.

[Corgigal]

125. I'm not sure

how many people listen to podcast m but stayed With Preet with guest Andy Slavitt made me cry.
So direct, so smart, it got to me unlike any of these other talking heads.

If you listened, let me know how it touch you.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

126. No, I am not at all worried.

I'm 71 years old, with zero health issues.

I do hope all of the people here who've posted about things that they can do something about -- overweight, smoking -- will actually do something about those things.

Also, it really isn't likely that everyone will get this, and of those who do, only a tiny minority will die. Even if the most pessimistic mortality statistics are correct, more than 90% will survive.

It may turn out to be a lot worse in third world countries, but for all the pissing and moaning people are doing about things here, this is still not a third world country.

[GulfCoast66]

159. While I share your attitude on not worrying, Italy and Spain are not 3rd world countries.

It can hit us just as hard as there. No reason it won’t.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

161. Yes, Italy and Spain are not 3rd world countries

but as bad as things are there, you need to look at the details. Such as Italy having the 2nd oldest population in the world. Such as far fewer beds per capita than we have. And then ask, How many people have the virus but haven't been tested? That's the huge unknown. I keep on reading that as many as 80% of those who get it have few or no symptoms.

Even if it were to end up with an overall death rate of 10%, that would still mean that 90% recover.

I keep on shaking my head at how many people look at the numbers and assume they're doomed.

[GulfCoast66]

163. No one is doomed. But an extremely contagious disease with a 1% death rate is worthy of concern

Real concern. And if our politicians make poor decisions that could be 2%.

Your comment about Italy and all its old folks as a modifier are borderline insulting since if you have read this thread you know most of the people expressing concern here just happen to be, well, older. A person over 70 with other health issues, which most over 70 happen to have, is correct to be concerned.

And BTW, a death rate of 10% would be the worst disease to hit the world since the Black Death with a 30% death rate. Of course I’m excluding the 95% death rate of native populations when exposed to diseases by European conquest. You and I might live, but we would arrive at a fundamentally changed society. Fortunately that is not going to happen.

Genetics and experience has allowed me not to be prone to worrying or fretting. But people I am close to are not as lucky. Someone who is really fearful of something will not change by someone telling them not to worry. My Mother is a prime example. Over 80 with suppressed immune system. She damn well should be concerned. And fortunately I did not inherit her demeanor on things like this. She has been a fretted her entire life. My dad was more sanguine.

Have a nice evening. Stay safe.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

167. I guess the survival rate is simply meaningless.

I'm 71 myself. But I'm extraordinarily healthy. Never smoked. That's huge. I am a bit overweight, working on that, but not obese. No co-morbidities or chronic diseases. Which is apparently almost unheard of in someone my age. From what I see here no one over the age of 60 or so is healthy or has no underlying health issues. I wonder why?

And I am still a "the glass is half full" kind of person. Or more "the glass is 90% full". Yes, a lot of people will die, and that is truly unfortunate. But the vast majority will live.

As I said in another post, I think I'm beginning to understand why so many people buy lottery tickets. They look at the very tiny chance of winning and say, "YES! That's me!" But in this case, they look at the small chance of dying and say, "OMG! That's me!"

And people wonder why optimists live longer.

[BobTheSubgenius]

127. There is very, very little more stark than having this become fatal for you or anyone you know.

Another very brutal possibility is that the world we go back to may be irrevocably damaged. It could well never again be as it was.

[TexasBushwhacker]

128. 63, obese and have had pneumonia 3 times

You bet I think about it. One of my brothers would be my heir (not that I have much). The other brother can go pound sand. I wrote my will and my medical POA. I'm still working but there's only one other person in the office. The rest are working from home. The husband of one of my coworkers was exposed last week.

[marble falls]

129. Lets see, I've had pneumonia, have cancer, am old, my wife is old and during January and

was doing programs in retirement homes, churches, senior centers all over the county. And I spent the week after Thanksgiving in a hospital for a cold.

Yep, we're prime suspects on the "A" list of possibles. My grandson in Florida was born with no immunity. He has some good degree of now due to medical interventions and really great insurance.

Keep the hair. It gives a dashing "we're gonna make it" look that only inspires the rest of us.

We're gonna make it. Not one bit of thanks to them. Not one fucking thing out of the White House has been of any sort of help to me or anyone else I know. His efforts to seemingly want to profit from this disaster made an order worse by him is unparalleled.

[dhol82]

138. Right on!

[pazzyanne]

130. Yes, with a serious auto-immune issue.

I live alone and have been in complete lock down since early March. My goal is to live to vote November 3rd.

[Joinfortmill]

131. I have

I'm a 71 yr. old woman in good health. But I realize if I contract this virus I'm likely to die from it. I'm prepared for that, but not fatalistic about it. I'm practicing social distancing and keeping busy. I'm much more concerned for my children and grandchildren than I am for myself. Take care people, keep the faith and be hopeful.

[wnylib]

132. Yes. I think about it often.

I am also in NY. Not NYC, but not fsr from the Buffalo cluster. I am 70, with health issues. I have decided to take all precautions that I can, leave written instructions in case I get it, and meantime enjoy what time I have as much as possible. What else can anyone do?

[McCamy Taylor]

135. Yes

[gay texan]

136. yes.

I'm a healthy male on the backside of 40. I've made my will

[Lord Ludd]

139. I picked a great time

to apparently come down with an infection in the two adjacent teeth I broke early last year (now feeling mouth pain plus mild fever). That, plus the fact that I'm 73, does not bode well if I get coronafied.

[Dorian Gray]

141. Yes, Definitely

I've talked about it with my husband and my brother, telling them my wishes for everything. I've accumulated a list of all our bills and online passwords to pass on (just in case). I'm a 48 year old female, and while I'm not in a category that's super dangerous, I have (mild) asthma and I'm concerned.

I'm very concerned for our immunocompromised friend who was sick enough this week to actually be tested (in Brooklyn). I'm very concerned for my in-laws (queens) who are smokers, 70 years old, and in terrible health.

I'm very concerned that my parents (in Palm Beach County, FL) will not take precautions. And the last time I saw them (the day after Christmas), may be the last time I saw them.

This is scary.

Luckily I have the option to stay at home, and that's mostly what we are doing. And trying to convince others to do the same.

Stay safe and healthy and strong.

[Lokilooney]

143. Well look on the bright side

Tom Hanks, in his 60's with type 2 diabetes is back in the states and seems to be doing well after what appears to be mostly resting and learning how much Marmite to put on toast.

[uriel1972]

145. I've had that realization for a few weeks now...

I have a number of chronic health issues that would make me particularly susceptible. I am isolating, but it seems only a matter of time.

[Owl]

146. Yes

[Dale Neiburg]

147. Yes, definitely

I'm in the process of re-doing my will. I figure my odds of being infected at 50-50, or a little worse. I think I have a pretty good chance of a mild case, but I don't want to take any chances.

Worse, though -- covid has made me aware of how many people there really are that I love, and who I'm really worried for, more than for myself.

And by the time we can end personal distancing I'm going to be very bushy....

[ThoughtCriminal]

148. No way I'm dying

Not until after I vote in this election!

[customerserviceguy]

150. Other than

going to the Kroger drive through window for my diabetes medication once a month, I'm simply not going anywhere else for at least two, probably four or five months. Yes, running out of fresh produce will be unpleasant, but we have canned goods to get us through for awhile. If Express Scripts keeps us supplied with maintenance drugs by mail, we'll get through this.

I think we can keep away from it, restocking during a lull between waves. It's pretty good to be retired right now.

[captain queeg]

165. Yeah glad I retired. Turned out to be god timing

I can hunker down in place for a long time except periodical runs to the grocery. Well, there was something I wanted to say, but one of my pre-existing conditions is my memory is not what it used to be.

[Blue_true]

152. There are now videos on line on how to cut your own hair. nt

[Hugin]

153. My SO gave me a trim late last week...

Looks good! I may have a new barber.

(It was either that or a divorce... )

[ecstatic]

155. I'm kind of ambivalent.

Not afraid to leave the house but I am taking extra precautions when I do so. I'm not afraid of dying but I really don't like being sick.

[Rorey]

158. I know this sounds so cliche, but think positive

I've decided that I'm going to be fine. I'm taking all of the precautions, and that will buy me time. This virus is going to be around for a long time, but this is the strongest wave of it. The longer we can stave it off, the less detrimental it will be to us.

Wash your hands. Don't touch your face, ever, unless your hands are pristine. I'm staying home for now, but of course eventually I will have to go buy some stuff. My most spoiled cat will need more treats. I'll wear my mask, and I won't touch my face. I will be fine.

[misanthrope]

160. But of course

I have emphysema, am immunocompromised and have been hospitalized about seven or so times in the last 15 years, mostly for pneumonia. I contract COVID-19 then I'm a goner.

But I came to terms with how easily I could die a long, long time ago. I've been close in various ways, starting in my teens. I don't want to but if I do, then I do.

I am doing all I can to keep from contracting this virus. If that doesn't work then the world goes on without me, as it assuredly will sooner or later.

[GulfCoast66]

162. Never thought I would consider having had bladder cancer a blessing. Bit now it is.

After initially looking bad it turned out all I needed was surgery. No chemo or radiation or anything else. Been over 4 years and still clean.

But I had 3 weeks back then to stare down my mortality and I ended up in a good place mentally. I realize something is going to get me someday. No need fretting about it. Just make as prudent decisions as possible and live life to the fullest. Plus trying to make everyone you are in contact with happy.

Now, if I die an otherwise healthy 53 year old I will be somewhat pissed, but shit happens.

Its my wife I worry about.

[Gothmog]

164. I am high risk and so I am very worried

[captain queeg]

166. While I'm not particularly worried I recognize it's a possibility

I’d been meaning to drop some of my life insurance to save money, cost keeps going up. I hadn’t gotten around to doing it yet, then this Frankentrump plague comes along so I figure I’ll keep it all for awhile til we’ve got a handle on it.

[Lulu KC]

169. Yes

I have a couple of things I really need to take care of before I go so my family isn't stuck with things that won't make sense to them, so I hope it doesn't hit me too fast.

[MFM008]

172. Yes

I left home for 1 hour
To get groceries
In 10 days.....

[SergeStorms]

177. Most certainly.

My mortality is staring me right in the face. My sig-line has always said how I feel about that. Memento Mori - Remember, you must die. I've always had a healthy relationship (pun not intended) with death.

[catsudon]

178. no big deal to me

i had a liver transplant, so i almost died once, im old, i enjoyed my life,

the virus can go threaten someone else....

that said, i've been staying a home, so i certainly do not want to become a carrier and infect others due to my low immunity

[lostnfound]

180. Two days ago when I felt suddenly too weak to even stand and nauseous

As if I’d been suddenly unplugged from the electric power and had no battery backup.
Thirty minutes and a cool shower and glass of ice water, all better. Says likely minor heat stroke while working in garden.

As I settled weakly to the ground, when it happened, I thought “oh. I have it. Maybe I’ll survive. But damn I should have gotten my will in order.” What chaos would ensue. Too many loose ends.

[OhioChick]

183. Yes, with 2 kids as doctors, I know despite the precautions taken in the house

I'm fairly certain at some point, I will get it.

I've come to the realization that I don't care if I die from it, just spare the kids.

[lillypaddle]

184. Yes, I came to that realization some weeks ago

I'm 72 and have heart and lung issues. If I contract CV, I will surely die.

[jimlup]

188. I'm 62 so that is a sobering realization but ...

I'm much more concerned about my wife who has multiple risk factors and my dad who is 89.

Yes, this thing is scary as hell.

[littlemissmartypants]

189. If I am infected with Covid 19 ... which I am doing everything to avoid...

I have a nice peaceful suicide planned before I am left drowning in my own secretions which will most likely be bloody. I have too much experience as a medical professional, mostly with those who suffered from aspiration pneumonia, to let myself suffer that way.

As for the hair, I'm lucky that the last cut I got, my stylist went overboard and left me with barely enough to comb.

I have no children or relatives who are likely to miss me. So, I'm good to go.

Otherwise, I plan to be still standing when President Psychopath either keels over or takes his final exit by frog-march. That's what keeps me positive, the hope of seeing him suffering.

All the best to everyone. I plan to see you on the other side. I love you.

❤ lmsp

[Collimator]

215. I, too, am determined to keep living. . .

. . .Until Trump is removed from office. May this be by peaceful (in a manner of speaking) lawful means and not as a result of a total breakdown of civilization.

And I cut my own hair a couple of weeks ago. It really helped that I was growing out dark roots. It was like have a little dotted line marked off for cutting out paper-doll clothes. It's actually one of the cutest cuts that I have had in years!

Goddess bless us all. I don't really claim to know what might be out there, but life is a gift and I refuse to believe that a sexually-repressed, blood-sacrifice-loving sociopath is in charge of this fascinating Universe.

[Wounded Bear]

191. I'm reminded of the time I got my melanoma diagnosis presented to me...

that worked out OK at the time, in part because I had access to good healthcare then.

I hear you.

[TrogL]

193. Every sniffle or cough worries me

I’m a trucker in and out of the cold all day. Noses work like that but it still scares me

[Proud Liberal Dem]

195. It's why I didn't get much sleep on Saturday night

I feel like I'm playing Russian Roulette every time I leave the house for anything. I also just found out too that my city (Indianapolis) is now considered an "emerging hotspot". Oy.

[bpcmxr]

200. NYC here too (Inwood)

Crazy times. Stay well, neighbor.

[Dukkha]

202. My grocery store was exposed a worker tested positive

The past month really underscored the old Chinese curse "may you live in interesting times"

[murielm99]

204. Yes.

I have had a couple of experiences where I nearly died. The realization did not hit me fully until the danger had passed.

This time, I feel like I am facing my death in slow motion.

I am not ready. There are still many things I need to do. For starters, I want to live long enough to vote in November.

[AtheistCrusader]

205. I feel this way every time I get on my bicycle or motorcycle and ride in Seattle traffic.

Death is the high cost of living. I got used to the probability a long time ago. Not much I can do about it.

(Edit: well, there are a lot of things I do to mitigate the possibility, like sheltering in place for this, helmets and head on a swivel for traffic, etc. Life insurance for my family...)

[orangecrush]

208. Yup.

[zackymilly]

209. I need to write my will. Been putting it off. n/t

[mahatmakanejeeves]

214. Yes. NT

[Nitram]

217. Dude, a haircut is the least of you worries right now. Grow your freak flag and keep your distance.

Try meditation, phone or Skype friends, stay in touch. This too will pass.

[eilen]

219. I am a nurse. I live in central NY

The roll up to apex has gotten up to Albany, I am in Syracuse--we have some C19 patients here but not full EDs/overflowing floors yet, we are still in Phase 1 but it is coming. I expect that perhaps the NYC hospitals may transport their less serious cases upstate as their staff are wearing out with the workload and there is limited & expensive housing for travelling healthcare professionals. Cuomo has been preparing us for that eventuality in his press conferences.

I totally expect to get infected. We have PPE but it is in the community. Even though we are social distancing, I still have to get groceries, get gas for my car. I wash my hands a lot but it is airborne (even though the CDC claim it is droplet now--I think they just say that because it gets the hospitals and 1st Responder depts. off the hook for not having the N95 masks (proper PPE) for their staff).

I think every health professional has to make their own decisions on this but my plan is to care for the patients, put in the hours when they are needed. I expect the proper PPE will run out like everywhere else and we will do the best we can do. We are not special. I expect we will look back at our makeshift C19 units with affection and a little self-derision that we were so naive that we thought we could contain it to that fraction of the beds in the hospital. I still talk to other nurses and clinicians that believe "it won't be that bad here." I think they are in denial. I hope I am wrong.

[Ilsa]

224. Yes. And my spouse is worried about that as well.

Not just for himself, but because I manage all of the details that keep everyone healthy, medicated, bills paid, taxes, etc.