Brief #covid19 reminder thread. I know we are 18+months into this thing. And URIs are back and ppl are getting non-covid19 illnesses. BUT covid is still here and it’s spreading fast.
If you feel any symptoms. Do not go to work, don’t go to that social event, get yourself tested and quarantine until your test comes back negative. If you are unvaccinated and were exposed, quarantine for the amount of time recommended. Why may you ask?
Well if your test comes back positive, think of all people you may have infected.
Your colleague has cancer but you don’t know, and is now at risk for contracting #covid19 even though they got vaccinated.
The person at the party you attended is going to see their immunocompromised mom, now she is at risk.
Your boss has young kids who aren’t old enough to get vaccinated and now has to figure out how to keep them safe.
The person bagging groceries has a small birthday party planned and has no idea he has been exposed and may infect his guests, including his young nieces and nephews.
If you have symptoms, stay home, get yourself tested, don’t expose others. The decision you make has a potential ripple effect on so many other people. Stay home, get tested, wear a mask, and if you aren’t yet vaccinated, if your test is negative #GetTheShot.
And here is a great graphic to follow if you are exposed to #covid19
I mentioned at the beginning that I had major #ImplicitBias when we first met @TheKeeleyJones. Since then, she has become one of my FAVORITE characters, for many reasons.
There is so much more to her than what is on the surface. She epitomizes don't judge a book by its cover.
Funny I reacted to her initial entrance in that way as I have often been told I am too bubbly/ enthusiastic to be taken seriously or seen as a professional. Goes to show you how these unconscious stereotypes can influence all of us, even when we have been on the receiving end.
I want to share a brief reflection on perspective. A🧵 Many times in my life I have been told that I am too bubbly, too verbose, too excitable, too loud... too much. I have been told to speak softer, speak less, not show my enthusiasm, not show my excitement...its unprofessional.
I once attended a talk by the brilliant @LaurieBaedke who said (and I paraphrase here) "There are people who want you to put @SPANX your personality...those are not your people." We all nodded & applauded, but recently I had a moment that opened my eyes to what she really meant.
I was with some colleagues the other day, and we started talking about some of the initiatives I was working on @UICancerCenter@IMPACT4HC@WIMSummit and one of the women said "Do you see how excited she gets talking about this?! This is why we love working together!"
I did a @fox32news w @SylviaFOX32 on the new @US_FDA approval of Pfizer today. Interview link to follow. I made an analogy that I want to mention here.
People say it’s their personal choice to get vaccinated. Which I understand. I want to make a comparison here. A brief 🧵
In the US, it is legal to drink alcohol if you are over 21. You can drink as much as you want. It is your choice. But you cannot get into a car and drive if you are inebriated. Why is that? Because we are members of a society.
If your car were to hit someone else or damage property, you would be responsible. Also, you would be arrested because it is against the law to drive when intoxicated, even if you never hurt anyone else. Why is that a law when it’s your personal choice to drink alcohol?
A lot of people are asking me how I talk to people about getting vaccinated. I'll share a short thread here. This is by all means not all encompassing so please share your own experiences and tips below!
The first thing I always do is I try to find out the "Why?" My first question is always "Would you mind telling me why you haven't gotten the vaccine yet?" But I always ask in a neutral non accusatory way. You don't want to put the person on the defensive.
Next, listen. This is KEY. Let the person explain why they haven't gotten it yet. This is so so important. People are less likely to listen to what you have to say if you don't listen to what their concerns are.
I haven’t been posting much original content lately bc, tbh, I’ve been a bit burned out. And school is about to start. But I’ve been seeing some wacky posts and theories lately, some from “respected” HCW who, I personally feel, have become more contrarian for personal gain.
1. Regarding whether masks work…I can’t believe we are still having this discussion. Surgeons have used masks for years for infection control. And re:#COVID19 the data is there. For those calling for placebo controlled trials, those would be unethical.
2. About kids and masks. Ppl r worried kids development will be stunted. I argue not being able to attend in person school when #covid19 spreads bc kids aren’t masking is a bigger developmental issue. We know #masksWork to keep kids in school.
Me: Ok, I can get you set up for MyChart now and...
Pt: Doc doc doc, you don't understand. I don't have a computer, I don't USE computers. I'm here now, sign me up! I don't TRUST computers, never have! You have a computer there, sign me up!
3/
Me: Ok, let's troubleshoot. Let's see if we can sign you up on one of the links from our resource.
Spend the next 10 minutes surfing through the sites, not being able to find a spot
Pt: Doc, it's ok, I'll come back next week and you can sign me up then!