Right now, I am feeling anxious about the coronavirus. Looking at the latest numbers from Johns Hopkins University, we have currently 69,246 cases with 1,049 deaths due to Covid-19. It almost feels like a scene out of “I Am Legend”, where Will Smith plays a US army virologist trying to find the cure for a re-enginnered measles virus that has wiped out 90% of the population and the other 10% turning into cannibalistic Nightseekers. The Nightseekers try to kill the 0.2% of the population that remains immune to the virus. The unaffected immune have to hide in their home and lockdown at night to prevent the Nightseekers from attacking. While the coronavirus is obviously not as severe, it does give me anxiety. I am mainly concerned about my parents, who are older, and the trend of the curve appears grim for the US.
In terms of other aspects of life, the coronavirus has been challenging to deal with. Leaving UNC and saying good bye to some people I will never see again is hard to swallow. The transition to remote learning has not been optimal. Not being able to go to a gym or my favorite coffee shop has taken some of the joy out of my daily routine. There is also uncertainty about how long quarantine from the coronavirus will last. Finally, I feel anxiety about the effects of the coronavirus. This virus will have lasting economic impact on people, as well as the direct effects the virus has on making people sick. I do not think anyone is certain about the exact time frame in which the incidence of coronavirus will decrease. Yet, with all the uncertainty in an unprecedented time, I am keeping optimistic and I keep myself distracted to keep calm.
First, in this uncertain time period, I am making sure I take precautions to ensure that I am doing my part as an individual to slow the spread of potential coronavirus. I am staying in my house as much as possible. I am washing my hands five times a day, at least, for 20 seconds. I am also making sure my mother is not unnecessarily leaving the house to expose herself. In addition, I have been able to get exercise by running in my neighborhood, as well as doing some body-weight exercises for strengthening. Work from remote learning has kept me occupied and I also love to challenge my friends on the Nintendo Switch, when I have time. Also, I have recently gotten into a classic TV series, called Entourage, which came out in 2004. It is about a TV movie star, Vincent Chase, who becomes an A list movie star actor living with his childhood friends from Queens, New York. The group of friends try to make themselves in the Hollywood business out in Los Angeles. These are the simple pleasures that have gotten me through the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, I realize that we will come out of this ordeal stronger. On a positive note, the coronavirus has challenged my perspective on life. It has taught me to realize the many the important things in life, like time with family, time with friends, and the realization that nothing is guaranteed. I will probably never overlook the importance of going to class, or hanging out with friend or family member, after this crisis.
Infectious Disease 