I was quarantined and still got it
COVID-19 almost killed me. As a tech executive, and host of the web series called BEYOND IN
SIGHT, I enjoy exploring technology and ways it enables society to progress. But a lot of people don't know that I was a victim of the pandemic as well. In this episode, I share what happened, what I learned and can share with you.
Yes, that's me in the image above. The only thing on my mind at this moment was survival, trying to breath and trying to stay in the game. It was very difficult and frightening for me and my family. Healing took time and effort, not to mention the medical supplies and support necessary to make it through. On a side note, I want to thank INFOCUS TV and LMG Entertainment for allowing me to share my story and this video. We also want to take a moment to thank Baptist Health of South Florida for supporting our efforts to inform and update you on the pandemic response.
Misinformation kills
The most important lesson I learned after my recovery is that misinformation is as deadly as the pandemic itself. Don't let misinformation hurt or kill you or your family. In spite of the incredible damage the pandemic has done to our world, misinformation continues to be shared in such a way that people not only are resistant to being vaccinated but in some cases even resistant to wearing a simple mask.
A close call
That's me trying my best to breath and recover in the hospital. It was a nightmare for me and my family. COVID-19 has killed hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and millions around the world. But it's easy to see, if you look around, the millions of people who still refuse to protect themselves and everyone around them. That's because of misinformation, false information, incorrect data, or simple fear. As a professional in the world of technology, and an executive that runs his own not for profit, I would have thought that the pandemic would not hit me, especially since I was quarantined.
OK, but not out of the woods
Today, as you see in the picture at left, I am COVID-free. But for many others the threat remains and the need to stay safe is critical. According to the Baptist Health of South Florida website, mask wearing and social distancing are important to limit exposure to COVID-19 but the vaccine will help protect you from serious illness if you become infected. The combination of getting vaccinated and following guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing, offer the best protection for you and can help prevent the spread to others.
The Baptist Health of South Florida website adds that no vaccine is 100 percent effective, and the CDC recommends that everyone continues using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, such as covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, staying at least six feet away from others, following CDC travel guidance, following quarantine guidance after an exposure to someone with COVID-19, and following any applicable workplace or school guidance. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations on how to protect yourself and others, offers the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Back to work
I'm back to work and that feels great. I look better than I did in the hospital fighting for my life. I'm also back to hosting more BEYOND INSIGHT web shows on IN FOCUS TV. But I'm concerned that we're not close to being out of the woods, even as more people get infected. Listen to the experts. Keep learning about the vaccines and steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus.
We know the vaccine significantly reduces symptomatic and severe disease effects, but not whether it completely protects from infecting others.
A simple family gathering resulted and me being a victim of the pandemic. Trust me, I would not wish that on anyone. Those who suffer through the pandemic and survive can tell you that it's not worth the risk of not being vaccinated or at least wearing a mask. All of these reasons are understandable yet avoidable and lives could continue to be saved and the pandemic could be eliminated if only we are smarter.
BEYOND INSIGHT EXPLORES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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