I am writing this while recovering from COVID-19. My daughter and I probably picked it up at a crowded concert last week. At first, I thought it was just a bad cold. My throat was scratchy, I felt tired and I had an annoying cough. Within a day it hit harder, and we both tested positive. Just like that, our week was turned upside down.
This is not my first time with the virus. I had COVID once during the height of the pandemic, and I honestly thought that would be the end of it. Like a lot of people, I figured if I got through it once, I was done. But here we are, more than five years later, and COVID continues to disrupt lives.
We have all tried to move forward. Masks are off, kids are back in school, shows are packed and workplaces feel normal again. Yet, while we may be finished with COVID, it clearly is not finished with us. Health officials across the country are reporting a resurgence in cases.
Hospitals are seeing more COVID patients, especially older adults and people with underlying conditions. These are still the most vulnerable groups, but as my daughter and I can tell you, even healthy people are not immune from being sidelined.
This latest wave comes just as flu season is beginning. That makes things even more difficult. With both viruses circulating, the risk of severe illness goes up and hospitals face more pressure. As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors around others, the chance of getting sick increases. Respiratory illnesses do not wait for a convenient time. They hit us when they hit us.
Although being sick has been rough, I am thankful it has not been worse. I believe the vaccine helped. The COVID shot does not guarantee complete protection, but it does make it less likely that we will end up in the hospital or face serious complications. The same goes for the flu shot, which is just as important this time of year. Doctors and public health experts remind us that both vaccines are safe, effective and our best line of defense.
I will admit that I had not been thinking about COVID much lately. Life has felt normal. With shows, restaurants and sporting events back in full swing, it has been easy to believe that COVID was completely behind us. Getting the virus has been a wake-up call. It reminds me that crowded indoor events still carry risk, and that small habits like washing hands, staying home when we feel sick and keeping up with vaccines still make a big difference.
COVID is never just about one person. It affects families, workplaces and entire communities. When someone gets sick, plans are canceled, work schedules shift and families scramble to adjust. For some the illness is mild, while for others it can be dangerous or life threatening. Because we never know how it will affect someone, it is worth being cautious and considerate. The best way to care for each other is to stay vigilant and protect ourselves where we can. COVID continues to remind us that our health is worth protecting. Fortunately, we now have more tools, knowledge and experience than ever before.
As I sit here sipping tea and waiting for my energy to return, I encourage you to think about your own plans for the fall. Consider getting your COVID vaccine and flu shot. If you are heading to an event, a family gathering or traveling, take a moment to think about the risks and choose the steps that make sense for you. Precautions may feel like a hassle, but they are really just small acts of kindness. That might mean wearing a mask in crowded places, testing before visiting elderly relatives or keeping hand sanitizer nearby. Protecting our health is not just about us, but also about the people we love and the communities we share.
Trust me, as someone currently curled up under a blanket, counting down the days until I feel like myself again, I can say this much: prevention is always easier than recovery.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
