Most of my job involves talking with Doctors and Nurses across the country. I talk to practices big and small, general medicine and specialists. I frequently ask them about COVID-19, out of curiosity and a desire to increase my own understanding. This is what I hear universally.

This is not just a simple virus. Yes, it’s a virus, but it’s very different from what we have seen before. The symptoms and contagiousness are dramatically worse than the Flu.

The regular flu already costs the US between $1-5 Billion annually in economic damage, not to mention the loss of life. I can’t imagine the economic and health impact Coronavirus would have on the economy if we just let it run rampant. Hospitals were already short staffed and overworked just dealing with the usual health issues we face. What happens when the demand for services outstrips the supply by an order of magnitude? Then the people providing the services start getting sick and dying, lower the availability and quality of care? Hospitals all over the country and world are at or near capacity, even with the dramatic reduction in non-COVID sicknesses and procedures. Opening up too soon would just make it worse.

I know it’s hard. I know businesses are struggling. I know people are struggling, I’m one of them. I see my family struggling also. I want this to be over SO BADLY. Just wishing for it to be over won’t make it so. We all have to do our part to keep this thing in check.

I hate COVID. I hate what it’s done to our society, our economy, our friendships, our children, and our mental health. I want it to be over. I’m struggling, I see my kids, my friends, my acquaintances, my country and my world, all struggling.

Remember, I’m not basing this on media talking heads or political grandstanding. This is what I hear from the mouths of Doctors and Nurses all over the country. The threat is real. I wish to God it wasn’t.

I don’t expect to change anyone’s mind with this. I think people who are going to listen have already, and those who won’t listen aren’t going to start now. But maybe, just maybe, I can be part of keeping the conversation going in a respectful and loving way.

Let’s hold on for just a little while longer. Hold onto your family, friends, and community. We will get through this, but only by loving and respecting each other will we come out better for it.

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