This month marks the ninth month after WHO announced COVID-19 as a global pandemic and most people are finally getting used to staying at home, for now. But not for people with autoimmune disease. They may look healthy but deep inside, their immune system is severely compromised, which makes this disease invisible.
People with an autoimmune disorder like lupus, Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), and many more are severely weakened compared to healthy people with no immune impairments. If a person with an autoimmune disease catches coronavirus, it is likely to further worsen their wellbeing.
Seeing the low mortality rate, many healthy people take Covid-19 for granted. The fear of getting infected by coronavirus gradually decreases as time flies, but this is actually not a good thing. Many people with an impaired immune system are getting furious about the way the attitude and messaging of many millions are putting forward about Covid-19 as they tend to talk down the seriousness of the threat. It is not uncommon for us to hear people chanting, “even if you get it, it’s only a big deal if you’re sick or elderly.” This ignorant attitude of thinking that coronavirus doesn’t matter is just a very ableist statement as if chronically ill people like those having the invisible disorders can easily be disregarded. Yet, the curve has not even flattened yet, for most countries and even second waves are emerging.
One fact that will always be true: COVID-19 is a significant threat to everyone, and yes even able-bodied people. People should put in mind that it is even MORE DANGEROUS for people with autoimmune diseases. No, it’s not like influenza. It’s covid-19. The head of US CDC, Anthony Fauci of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases strongly acknowledges that young, healthy people are at risk of death.
Imagine how terribly angry people with such disabilities are, seeing offensive ableist memes and jokes, mocking people wearing face masks - which many immunocompromised people have to, even without the pandemic - and many more offensive jokes are thrown by people unconsciously. It’s important to know that immunocompromised people get cold easily than most people, let alone coronavirus.
Well for most of you able-bodied readers, it’s practically impossible to put yourselves through the pain and suffering that these people with disabilities have. Ironically, in fact, this pandemic has really turned the table around. A lot of day-to-day stigma of people with disabilities and chronically ill people turns out to be completely unnecessary. From using antiseptic wipes, face masks to ordering food with gloves.
Let’s shift our paradigm and respect people with invisible disabilities. Our attitude is unconsciously causing them more harm, especially with our ableist statements and behaviors. Nonetheless, there are several things that we can do to help them and it’s very simple! One way is to simply wear our masks. Wearing a mask in public is very important to prevent the spread of the virus from infecting people with a high-risk of infection like immunocompromised people, cancer survivors, infants, and so on. This will also help flatten the curve. Another way is to help those people with high-risk directly. Before the pandemic, these people visit the hospital often as they require critical treatments and medications. Now, with coronavirus, their movements are limited, and having to go to the hospital to receive treatments at times of pandemic will only increase their risk of coronavirus infection. Hence, we can help by reaching out to them. We can start within our neighborhood, schoolmate, or our colleagues who are chronically ill or have disabilities. Ask them if they require any help in picking up their medications from the hospital. We can also promote and advise them on using telemedicine as it is extremely helpful nowadays.
There will always be opportunities within crises. After this pandemic ends, let’s hope that society will have learned that we should not take matters like someone’s health for granted. A strong and compassionate community should in fact help and care for the people who need it most.
“We should view illness and disability more compassionately.”
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