Doctor Is In by Dr. Adil Manzoor OP/ED
The United States is a country with a very rich history. We, citizens, have been used to breaking records and setting milestones. However, some days ago, we set a very horrible one. For a while now, we have been leading the whole world in COVID cases and deaths. That lead widened. We hit 500,000 COVID deaths.
One of the most astonishing things about this horrifying milestone is how numb people have become to the pain. I remember in the early stages of the coronavirus when a few deaths were guaranteed to make the news. The fear of the virus then was at an all-time high. Then, gradually, the fear reduced, and now 500,000 people are dead, and many aren’t even batting an eye.
I don’t think many Americans really understand how terrifying this figure is. That’s not just 500,000 people dead, but 500,000 families thrown in turmoil. 500,000 homes that got visited by sorrow. And millions more that will feel the effects of these deaths. As a doctor, I can’t begin to tell you how bad it makes me seeing a person die; how much more 500,000?
It is sad really, just like the whole of the last year. Looking at charts only makes matters worse. We have a very large gap over Brazil, the country with the second most deaths. To show you how awful it is, Brazil has barely 250,000 deaths. That means we have more than double the deaths of the second most country. It is more of the same with the total number of cases.
But I haven’t come here to brood or gloom; now is not the time. Our focus should not be on the fallen, but on the living. How exactly can we prevent more people from dying? That has been the question on the lips of virtually every health worker over the last few months, and it still hasn’t changed.
There is no straightforward answer to that question. In fact, up until a few months ago, we had very little idea of what to do at all. Then came the vaccine – our calvary. But that didn’t stop the deaths. There’s no denying that it has reduced cases and deaths, but it still isn’t enough. Right now, there are over 19 million vaccinated people in the US. The president has promised 100 million vaccinated before summer, and we should even surpass that figure if all goes according to plan. But how many more people have to die?
This is why one of the very first steps to beating the vaccine now is getting people vaccinated. There’s some good news on that front. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is right around the corner. And unlike the other two vaccines in circulation now, it only requires a single shot and doesn’t have to be stored at very low temperatures. This will increase the number of vaccinations even more, which is good news.
All these talks of vaccines have led many to believe they don’t need to obey COVID guidelines again. I understand the frustration that has built for months now. I get the anger with having to wear a mask everywhere. I understand how difficult it is to miss reunions and events with family members and loved ones. But please, don’t neglect COVID guidelines. I’m begging you. People often ask how they can ever repay doctors; this is one way.
This fight is one we cannot beat individually. We need the collective strength of Americans to beat this virus. That is why I’m pleading again not to neglect these guidelines. 500,000 people are dead. That’s 500,000 more than should have died; let’s not get that cursed number higher. Even after getting one shot of the vaccine, you shouldn’t be careless. You aren’t fully immune until after the second shot of both vaccines available now.
Also, relenting now will mean not valuing the effort medical workers and other front-line workers have put into getting us through the pandemic. Everyone wants to return to the new normal, but we cannot afford to get ahead of ourselves. There’s still a long way to go.
One day, it will be all over the news – HOORAY! THE LAST CORONAVIRUS PATIENT IN THE US RECOVERS. One day. But before then, we have to fight together to reduce the deaths to the barest minimum. And we can do this by following COVID guidelines. So, let’s do just that.
I wish you well. Stay safe. And wear a mask.
This article was written by Dr. Adil Manzoor DO, a Board Certified Internist & Board Eligible Pediatrician, who works as a Hospitalist, and Emergency Room Physician. He is also the current President of Garden State Street Medicine, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide free preventive and acute urgent care services for the homeless. He is also the co-founder of his own unique medical practice Mobile Medicine NJ.
References
· https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/6775155002
· https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-us-canada-56159756
