An open letter to those not taking COVID seriously. From the mom of a high-risk child.

 

This kid has taught me to be a braver, stronger, more outspoken and tough mom. Our family remains in a tight lockdown (the five of us) to protect each of us -- but a big part of that is him. And I want to explain why. Because there are millions out there with similar stories.

Elias has a biologically small airway -- confirmed by his ENT that's an airway specialist when having surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids. We (the pediatrician and I) suspected this, after years of battling croup and stridor with the smallest cold or environmental allergy flare up. (A small airway is also not good to pair with life-threatening food allergies.) He's been on countless rounds of steroids, we keep an emergency dose with us at all times as prescribed and he has a nebulized budesonide treatment before bed to try to limit the need for steroids.

COVID is a respiratory virus. And while it seems to impact kids less, it's not something I'm willing to risk. Just like I wasn't willing to risk his food allergies being around him at school without proper accommodations. I spoke to my doctor who volunteered in NYC at the beginning of the pandemic when they were hit so hard. He confirmed -- keep Elias as safe as you can.

Couple that with celiac disease (4 out of 5 of us) that's an immune disease. And food allergies which is an immune response. Plus the rogue way this virus impacts one person from the next. And we have done our very best -- to the detriment of our sanity, family time, socializing time, etc. -- to stay safe.

I read what a friend posted today that really struck me. She worded it so well, but the gist was this. You may feel comfortable doing this or that. You may be willing to take that risk. But if you get sick, you will (or already have) impacted others. You are impacting the healthcare system. And you are putting those you've come in contact with at risk. You may have a mild case, but you can't say that for those you may transmit the virus to. If you take our underlying conditions off the table, I would not be ok with taking that risk and bearing that potential burden.

Toss in the insane variables of the virus itself and, to me at least, it's human decency to protect others. To get out of this we have to do just that. And if you need a face and family to make that personal for you, well here we are.

What you do could very well be life-altering to others. Elias, and so many like him, need access to their usual healthcare. Needs a safe ER in case of an allergic reaction. We all need that in case of an accident or medical emergency. And we all need to respect and support those that are frontline workers that are exhausted and worn down. We must do better.

So, sure, you may want to live your life and not in fear. But as an allergy family, we've lived in fear for our child's life for almost eight years. It's not an emotionally or healthy state to be in. I implore us all to find ways to live our lives but not to the possible detriment of others. Mental health matters here, too. I am open about my struggles. I talk to my therapist almost weekly these days. I take my medicine. Seek help if you need that. But please, to all get to a better place, we have to show love to one another. Not be selfish. Not get tired and lazy about the guidelines. This season is critical.

When you are debating an activity that is risky, that's optional for you to do, think of his sweet face. Make the right decision. For the Elias's out there and for all of us. For each other.

Stay safe out there. Because this all sucks and it will take us all making the best choices for us all to live our lives somewhat normally again.