Underlying conditions

She had underlying conditions.

Thus concludes a recent coronavirus update.

As if it explains her death. As if it’s pertinent.

But it doesn’t and it isn’t.

Instead, it minimizes her death and her life, the loss to her and those who knew and loved her, who planned on spending more time with her. It peddles a story so tragic that, without minimization, could be too much to bear.

Why not one of the following?

  • Although physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other hospital employees risked their lives to provide her care, she didn’t receive the same life-saving treatments the president and his attorney received.
  • She wrote birthday cards to her friends and family without fail.
  • She had planned to visit New Zealand with her husband this past summer but had to cancel the trip due to the global pandemic.
  • She is survived by her husband of 47 years, 3 children, and 8 grandchildren, all of who loved her and are devastated by her premature death.
  • She would still be alive today except for COVID-19.

Context is everything.

4 responses to “Underlying conditions”

  1. Nels Nelson Avatar

    I think there’s a good chance the woman would still be alive and well if she’d been treated with the Covid 19 Protocol outlined by the Eastern Virginia Medical School instead of following the failed protocol of the CDC and the FDA.

    https://www.evms.edu/media/evms_public/departments/internal_medicine/Marik-Covid-Protocol-Summary.pdf

  2. Brent Logan Avatar

    You know, Nels, I don’t know. I’m not an MD nor do I play one on TV.

    I’m excited that COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available and confused that they might not prevent the spread to those without immunity. But then again, I had no idea that the flu vaccine is normally only about 50% effective.

    Regardless, I’ve already had my flu vaccine and will take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to me.

    Until then, social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and taking care of each other is the order of the day.

    Stay well!

  3. mike davis Avatar
    mike davis

    Hey Brent,
    Great thought, not surprised it’s yours, really miss our conversations at Starbucks! May I share this?
    Mike

  4. Brent Logan Avatar

    Mike, thanks! You may share this–I license my work here under a Creative Commons license.

    I miss our conversations at Starbucks, too. It will be nice when everyone’s vaccinated and we can get back to hanging out.