“Am I going to die?”
“Please, please stay here with me.”
“Please don’t let me die.”
“I can’t breathe!”
“Help me, help me please!”
“I should have listened.”
“Please give me the vaccine now!”
These voices will forever linger in my mind. Some nights they wake me from my sleep. These are the voices of patients who we couldn’t save. Covid-19 took them from their families.
This monster of a virus is still here and stronger than ever. In the beginning of this pandemic, we had no choice of protection other than masks and distancing.
Now, we have a vaccine, and I am so thankful. Yet, so disheartened by so many refusing to vaccinate.
I am a hospitalist at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital. I’ve been on the front lines since the beginning of this pandemic, and we in healthcare are devastated by the newest surge. The Delta variant is more contagious than any strain of covid-19 we have seen.
The absolute highest risk are the unvaccinated. Every single covid-19 death we have suffered here in Muhlenberg County have been unvaccinated patients. Every single one.
We all watch daily updates of new cases or new deaths and right now the numbers are climbing higher than we have ever seen. We cannot forget that this isn’t just a number. It’s lives, it’s our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, our family. What has happened to empathy and love for one another? Why are so many refusing to protect themselves and those around them
The facts about the vaccine are simple. The vaccines work very effectively to reduce your risk of covid-19 and greatly reduces the severity of illness if you do become ill with covid-19. The vaccines do not alter your DNA. The vaccines do not affect your fertility. The ACOG (American College of Gynecology) recommends vaccination during pregnancy. Speak with your doctor. Even if you have allergies, this vaccine can be safe for most. I heard that a local radio reported you can’t get the vaccine due to red meat allergy/alpha-gal. That is simply not true. You can be vaccinated with alpha-gal. Speak with your doctor. Do not take advice from random social media posts or memes. Get your information from trusted medical sources.
The Delta variant is causing increased illness even in younger adults and children. Our children under 12 aren’t able to be vaccinated yet. It’s almost time for back to school, and more than ever they need us to protect them.
So please mask up when out in public, avoid crowds and go get vaccinated! I’m here fighting this monster. I’m doing my part, are you?
Dr. Heather Garrett is medical director for the hospitalist program at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital
