In the last week I have heard several versions of, “why worry about a sickness that has a 99% survival rate?” or “the Covid recovery rate is greater than the vaccine effectiveness.”

So using examples, let me talk about the ridiculous nature of these statements.

A thread:

37 year old woman:

Got sick with covid, ended up having to get a tracheotomy from prolonged intubation.

She’s part of the 99% survival rate.

54 year old man:

Got sick with covid, recovered, got pneumonia months later and because of his damaged lungs, he was unable to recover.

Because covid didn’t kill him, he’s part of the 99% recovered.

Newborn:

Mother (25) came into the hospital to give birth and tested positive for covid. She had complications due to covid during birth and eventually died. Infant has health issue AND will never know his mother.

Infant is part of the 99% recovered.

63 year old man:

Got covid, coded but was saved. Will live with massive brain damage due to prolonged lack of oxygen.

He’s part of the 99% recovered.

These represent a tiny portion of the persons I have encountered. Even when people recover (ie don’t die), there is prolonged damage, physical yes but also emotional. These stats don’t take into account continued symptoms or harm.

“Not dead” does NOT mean “recovered.”

So, please don’t take this lightly. Please don’t spread the lie that it’s not a big deal, or that most people who get it will recover.

Statistics are saying that almost 45% of those hospitalized with Covid-19 require continued support.

On top of that, the grief and emotional damage from this season will have immeasurable impact on lives.

I’m sorry you don’t want to take it seriously, or you are “over it” but many people don’t have that luxury.