Lectures about COVID-19 Conspiracies?

Lectures about COVID-19 Conspiracies?

These are two of my dear friends and Franciscan Friar-priests, George and Juliano, who both died of COVID-19 early in 2021 during the pandemic.  

They were friars and also blood brothers, and passed away within a month of one another.  

It very much disturbs me to hear the words of those who lecture others with nonsense about COVID conspiracy theories.  

The reality of the virus, and the deaths of millions of people it has caused, some of whom were my friends, acquaintances, and parishioners, is very real to me.  These people unnecessarily passed away, and I believe responsible people in this world must do everything possible to end the spread of this virus and the misery and death it has caused everywhere on the globe.  

In my own bout with COVID-19, I’m grateful (and humbled) that I didn’t meet the same fate as my friends +George and his brother +Juliano.

--For more information about COVID-19 prevention, click here to visit the site of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/)

My Bout with COVID-19

My Bout with COVID-19

On Thursday, May 5, 2022, I tested positive for COVID-19. I had headaches, fevers, chills, nausea, dizzyness, extreme fatigue, a very "metallic" taste in my mouth, coughing, and severe congestion. Then, after "isolating" and "quarantining" for a week, I felt much better, and I was "cleared" by the Maryland Department of Health. 

And yes, I was vaccinated and "boosted," so I think otherwise it could have been much worse. 

But it ain't over . . . 

Unfortunately, and although I am "functionally healthy," I continue to experience "post-covid effects." It hasn't been that long (just about two weeks) since I tested positive, and I'm not sure if this will be a long-term thing, but folks, this is "real."

These are my lingering symptoms:

1) Extreme fatigue (this gets even worse after physical or mental effort (“post-exertional malaise”).

2) Fevers.

3) Difficulty with breathing and shortness of breath (on top of my occasional bouts with asthma). 

4) Difficulty thinking and concentrating (some call this “brain fog”). - I think this is why last week I hit myself in the face with a picture frame while moving things!   

5) Headaches.

6) Dizziness when standing-up (lightheadedness).

7) Change in smell or taste (I have a horrible "metallic taste"). 

8) Agitated depression and anxiety.

9) Occasional diarrhea.

PLEASE, get vaccinated, wear masks when necessary, and follow all the recommended mitigation protocols!!!

The health you preserve might be your own (or that of a a loved-one who may suffer greatly from this awful scourge)! 

Apparently this may be me . . .

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html