How do I feel about COVID-19?

A friend asked me how I feel about COVID-19 and my answer was simple. I feel the same way that I have felt since finding out about Mateo’s compromised immune system. The precautions that people are taking like washing their hands often, using hand sanitizer, staying away from crowded places, making sure not to interact with people who may be sick, are all precautions that we need to take every day. So things have not changed much for us in that sense. What has changed is the ability for people to understand and relate to the anxiety that we live with; COVID-19 is an invisible threat can send anyone to the Hospital at any time. Having a baby who is immune compromised means even a simple cold will send us to the hospital. In fact Mateo has already been admitted to the ICU at McMaster’s Children’s Hospital twice this year. The first admission, which I wrote about in my previous blog, was terrifying, as we had to call an ambulance and rush Mateo to the nearest hospital, watch as Doctors drilled into Mateo’s femur, and much more; Mateo was then diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which almost all children get at least once before they are 2 years old. The second admission we were thankfully able to drive Mateo to the hospital ourselves, though he still ended up isolated in the ICU diagnosed with a type of common cold called rhinovirus (RV).

As much as we try to take all of the precautions possible to keep him safe, somehow he still has had to endure hours of IV pokes, antibiotics, chest x-rays, echo cardio graphs and other medical treatments. My hope is that even when the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a memory, people will remember how they felt in this uncertain time, and continue to be aware that there are always children and adults that are immune compromised and continue to take precautions to stay healthy. You have the ability to help by always remembering to practice good hygiene and stay away from people when you are sick to keep yourself, your families, and your friends safe.

On a positive note, several people have asked if we needed supplies and offered to get them for us if we do. This has really warmed our hearts and reminded us of the goodness and kindness of the community that surrounds us – Thank You! This is what is needed right now, kindness instead of panic, community in the face of uncertainty, and love always!