Friends, I am sending you this blog during my 5th day of hospitalization for COVID-19, related pneumonia and other symptoms. Thank you all for your kind words and wishes.
I have been receiving aggressive treatment and agreed to participate in a Regeneron study. Despite my precautions against getting COVID, including the wearing of masks, social distancing and relative isolation, I was unfortunate and contracted this terrible disease. In a crazy sense, I am a very lucky person. I am on supplemental oxygen and have been fighting fierce fevers, but have not been required to go to the Intensive Care Unit. I would be lying to you if I told you I haven’t been scared. The isolation of the treatment is nearly as bad as fighting the symptoms.
I share this personal story with you, not to seek sympathy, but to warn you that COVID-19 is an insidious and potentially deadly disease. We are not “rounding the corner” on this disease and it is not “fake news.” It is not like the flu. It is nothing like this world has experienced over the past 100 years. It has affected every aspect of our lives, relationships and ability to earn an income. I recognize the toll this disease is taking on our local businesses and restaurants. I pray that the government will provide relief to save our local businesses. Nevertheless, I urge you all to wear masks and treat every person that you come in contact with as a potential carrier of this viral disease. I will get better and hopefully be discharged from the hospital within the next day or two. The fight will not end there. I have been warned by my doctors that I will likely experience fatigue for a long period of time and many of the symptoms may return within a week or two.
A mask is not a political statement or a declaration of your rights in America. It is the most important weapon that you possess to fight off this disease. Please wear your masks and continue social distancing as if your very life depended on it.
Thank you. Timothy M. Shay