# Navigating the Pandemic: Building Resilience and Safety
Written on
Chapter 1: The Heavy Toll of Covid-19
The US has tragically reached a staggering quarter of a million deaths due to Covid-19, a grim statistic that surpasses the combined fatalities of World War I, Vietnam, and Korea. This reality is difficult to comprehend, especially with a surge in hospitalizations and no clear solution in sight.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’ve been heartened by the number of individuals opting for smaller, more intimate family gatherings. It seems that many are making informed choices based on scientific guidance. Most people I know are altering their plans—inviting fewer guests, avoiding travel, choosing take-out or pot-luck meals, shortening events, and increasing ventilation, all in hopes of enhancing safety.
For those interested, the Brown Med School calculator has proven beneficial. By entering details about your gathering—like guest count, duration, indoor/outdoor settings, and mask usage—you can assess whether the event poses a high, medium, or low risk.
One aspect I appreciate is the ability to adjust various parameters and observe the effect on risk. For instance:
- Halving the event duration? Halve the risk.
- Reducing the guest list by 50%? Significantly lower the risk.
- Opting for outdoor dining? Drastically minimize risk.
This tool also helps clarify the level of risk you are comfortable accepting. It’s astounding to see the impact of even minor adjustments.
However, if families across the nation don’t commit to scaling back or staying home, we may face challenging times ahead. Starting from the high numbers we currently see, coupled with Thanksgiving gatherings, could lead to a particularly difficult Christmas, and consequently, a tough January—not only for us and our families but especially for healthcare workers. While vaccines will provide substantial help later in 2021, immediate changes are crucial.
Once again, it’s imperative for each of us to determine how to keep ourselves safe and maintain our well-being.
In early March, after observing the dire situations in Italy and New York City, I penned my first Covid-related post. I warned that we were on the brink of a significant life-altering epidemic, indicating that our lives would change for an extended period.
Little did I anticipate the extent of these changes or how long they would last. The phrase “for a while” now seems painfully naive. As I consider the upcoming months, I foresee a continuation of our current circumstances, requiring even more vigilance. We must remain physically distanced from loved ones, limit travel, and avoid crowds and rituals.
Coping with the Ongoing Crisis
How will we manage? Some may find solace in maintaining their routines, while others will need to actively seek coping strategies. It’s essential to tap into every skill we’ve developed, every moment of kindness, and every ounce of resilience we possess.
I often reflect on the parallels between individuals battling cancer and those grappling with Covid-related fears. Some exemplify extraordinary resilience and grace, while others experience profound distress.
In preparation for the winter ahead, I have delved into resources on coping and resilience, particularly the insights of Dr. Lucy Hone, an Australian psychologist. She identifies three key traits of resilient individuals:
- Acknowledgment of Suffering: Resilient individuals recognize that life inevitably includes challenges, losses, and changes.
- Selective Attention: Those enduring hardship are adept at focusing on what uplifts them, steering clear of negative influences. The relentless Covid-focused news cycle has been particularly distressing, and many of us could benefit from reducing our media consumption.
- Self-Reflection: High-resilience individuals consistently evaluate whether their actions contribute positively to their well-being. For instance, if spending time with a non-compliant relative causes anxiety, it may be best to avoid such interactions.
Some impacts are more apparent than others.
As we prepare for a winter filled with challenges, it’s crucial to make intentional decisions about how we cope with the suffering around us. Essentially:
- We need to endure this period, viewing these dark days as pages in the broader narrative of history.
- Every day survived should be marked as a small victory; every good day is a gift.
- We must find strength and kindness as we await the moment when we can emerge into the light again.
{Robin Schoenthaler, MD is a Boston-based cancer physician who has been sharing weekly, straightforward, science-based essays on Covid-19 since March 2020.}
Chapter 2: Keeping Covid Out of Your Holidays
Embracing Science Over Large Gatherings
As we navigate these trying times, prioritizing science while minimizing gatherings is essential.
Debunking Covid Myths
From misinformation to unverified claims, it’s vital to rely on credible science to dispel common myths.
Reflections on the Election and Covid-19
Amidst uncertainty, hope remains a powerful force.