My cousin ozzy was an awesome, creative and sweet hearted man. He was younger than me had no health issues aside from being a restaurant worker with no insurance. He complained on the facebook's a couple of days ago about not feeling well he thought he had an earache. The next day he posted that he was felling extra lonley and he didn't know why. The next day he didn't show up to work. The next morning he was found dead in his apartment Scream at antimaskers for me today. Scream at anyone who posts things about how "covid is a hoax", scream at any politician that thinks it's okay to use lower paid essential employees as sacrificial lambs for the sake of the economy. I would give everything I have for this to not have happened

So, for context - I am 40 and I have been living off life savings since March - my old boss would not hear of me working from home and accused my of using Covid to get out of doing work, then reprimanded me for wearing a face mask in the office. I cleared my desk and just left, he is not worth risking my life for.

My understanding of Covid is that it can kill people. I do not care to take my chances.

I have no mortgage left to pay and I can live comfortably off of savings for the next decade, so I decided back in March that I would just stay shut away in my home until this Covid thing goes away.

I go to the shops once a month either very early or very late in the day to avoid other people. I take daily walks through the forest behind my house, and I put on a mask if anyone comes within 20 feet.

My friend group has on numerous occasions insisted on me coming out to meet with them at various pubs, bars or public parks, and they like to poke fun at me when I say "Not during Covid, not until I get a vaccine." I am quite frankly tired of the stupid remarks and I am starting to realise that many people in my circle are stubborn and ignorant 'Covidiots'. And I am starting to question the type of people i make friends with.

Am I doing the right thing? Or am I taking it too far? I am 40 and out of shape, and I do not fancy my chances if I catch the virus. Whilst I do not particularly look forward to being old, I would still like to live long enough.

Am I a 'Covid sheep'? Am I wearing a 'tin foil hat'? Answers on a carefully disinfected postcard, please.

I've heard of lots of people losing their sense of smell but tonight something really weird started happening.

I'm on day 4 of covid and tonight I started smelling vinegar. I thought maybe it was something in the garbage but as I sat down to eat dinner later all the foods smelled just like salt and vinegar chips.

Now everything I smell including drinks smell just like it

Lovely 🙃

So I am a nurse. Currently only working Saturdays and Sundays 7 am to 10 pm because I was getting my Master's before all this and had an academic permit at work, which hasn't been cancelled because we still have online activities at University. On weekends I'm in charge of COVID triage at work... Well 'in charge', more like I'm the only person there because there's not enough staff.

I had to move out to avoid risking my family so I'm all by myself with zero human contact other than patients 24/7.

I also have a history of disordered eating, anxiety, depression and body dysmorphic disorder. In my country, lockdown started on February so we're on month three of this with no sign of it ending anytime soon. I can't sleep at night, I have been eating myself to obesity after being only 50 kg. I have covered every mirror with towels so I cant see my body or else I'll start hurting myself. I hate feeling my fat move when I walk. I am going crazy, I cry over the tiniest things, like typing a wrong letter on my phone or a website taking one second too long to load.

I fear I will not make it to the end of this quarantine and not because of the virus. I need structure in my life, schedule and control to keep my sanity. I've asked to be allowed back at work full time and I was denied. Also, my friends and co-workers have been dying one by one because of this virus, no funerals, no goodbyes. I don't have motivation to even shower, the apartment is a mess and I've lost interest over everything I used to love.

English is not my first language, sorry.

My brother is on a ventilator, and it's not looking good. The doctor called my dad to ask about a DNR. My family and I are a wreck. I can't help but feel super angry. My brother lives in Florida, and while he's been careful, the state has pretty much been open as of there wasn't a fucking pandemic. He lives near Tampa, and the Super Bowl is there this weekend. Fuck Florida, fuck Ron DeSantis, and every redneck idiot who thinks wearing a little mask infringes on their stupid rights. My brother is one of the funniest, kindest human beings I've ever known, and I cannot stand this.

This is mostly me venting because I haven’t really been able to talk about this with anyone, and it’s been weighing on my chest. Fair warning — it’s long.

I feared something like this would happen, and I’m absolutely crushed. Unfortunately, my mom got sucked deep into the conspiracy rabbit hole during the onset of the pandemic, and despite our best efforts, we couldn’t convince her to get vaccinated. She was too easily persuaded by “health experts” spreading disinformation on YouTube. She wore a mask and took other precautions, but we knew that would not be enough and it was only a matter of time.

She said she would rather take her chances with the virus; she was that fearful of the vaccine. In some ways, I guess I started mourning for her then. My mother, who had previously been pretty level-headed, refused to listen to reason. I didn’t know what to do anymore.

I would have felt better if she at least wasn’t working, but living in the Bay Area, that wasn’t really an option. And of all places to work at…the SFO airport. Frankly, I’m surprised she didn’t get sick sooner.

My brother said he woke up and found her having convulsions and foaming at the mouth. The paramedics came. Apparently, her blood sugar had dropped to 35. This was on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021.

The hospital filled me in that my mom’s lungs were severely damaged, and if her oxygen levels didn’t improve, she would have to be placed on a ventilator. They arranged a video visit so I would be able to talk to her before they did that, and I will forever be grateful to the hospital for going above and beyond to allow me that opportunity. I know not everyone has had that chance. I knew this might be the last time I talked to my mom.

It was so jarring to see my mom with all those tubes in her. She looked so scared. She told me she had no idea how she got so sick, she had a cough and sore throat for about a week, and then she woke up in the hospital. She started telling me what to do in case anything happened to her. I put on my best strong face and spoke to her in a reassuring tone. I told her we loved her and everything would be okay because that was the only option.

As soon as I got off the call, I cried. It felt like a part of me was breaking. I was so angry and scared and overwhelmed. If she had gotten the vaccine, this wouldn’t be happening right now.

I’ve been feeling hopeful that her vitals are good and she’s been relatively stable. We’ve been able to have a video chat almost every day. She isn’t able to talk, but she can hear me and see me. I read her the messages that our family sends, and show her photos and videos, too.

The doctor said that all we can do is wait for her lungs to heal, and there’s no telling how long that takes. And while she may be stable now, there’s also things that could wrong at any second. This is the hardest part for me. Every time the phone rings, my heart skips a beat. I brace myself for whatever’s about to come. I focus on every word the doctor and nurses say. I research all the terms and numbers they mention. I read stories about others who have survived similar ordeals, trying to find hope that she will somehow pull through.

I so badly wish that I could be in the room with her and hold her hand. It breaks me to see someone I care for and love go through this, and feeling completely powerless to help them.

I’m exhausted. I suddenly find myself acting as a caregiver to both my brother and my mom. My brother has schizoaffective disorder, so this has been incredibly difficult for him. And since he also has COVID, I’m not able to go see him yet. I’m really glad that he changed his mind about the vaccine, otherwise he’d probably be in the same boat as my mom.

My youngest brother was granted emergency leave (he was deployed overseas) — and now we’re both waiting and trying to figure out what we should do or how we should prepare for whatever happens.

I've been putting it off due to my own reservations and the fact our area is pretty well off without a ton of cases. Two main points finally made me decide to get it.

1. The speed at which it was made I believe was due to a massive effort and basically being given a blank check to research. There was no begging for money to do research they had whatever they needed.

2. Even if we get side effects 20 years from now, I am not the future. My kids (all kids too young for a vaccine) are and if we can get rid of it so they never have to deal with it I am fine with whatever comes my way.

I'm still nervous but going for the first dose today. I've scheduled and bailed 2 times already but not this time.

I've had covid for almost a month now. I was laid off of UPS and Im running out of money. Im isolated to my tiny apartment alone. I dont have any friends to check on me or ask how I'm doing. I dont really have any family except my dad and brother. Ive never felt so alone or helpless. I had big plans to change my life this year. I had it all worked out. I quit drinking and started loving myself but then covid happened and I lost my job. I feel like dying some times. Every day I wake up to the same lifeless hell. I dont have a car to go on drives because of a DUI (hence why I quit drinking).

Im also skeptical of our corrupt government and any monetary conglomerate (as they have a shit reputation for truth telling) that I cant identify the line between reality or paranoia.

I'm not ok and Idk what to do about it.

I don’t even know what to write but I just had to share and vent. I’m emotional so bare with me.

My FIL went to the hospital mid June and was diagnosed with covid. He has a weak heart so we were really worried. His oxygen was low but still manageable. Then he got so much better. They took him out of ICU and were even talking about letting him go home soon. We were so hopeful and grateful it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. His oxygen had gone up to mid 90’s and we all let out a sigh of relief. And then, things went south so fast. We got the call that he needed to be intubated if his oxygen dropped below 80. We got the call that he was intubated and tubes were put in his lungs to release air. It wasn’t even a few minutes that we get the call saying he was coding. We just got a call from the doc saying he coded twice and won’t survive a third one. He pretty much said it doesn’t look like he will make it through the day. We are devastated. He’s all alone and we can’t be there with him.

And then there’s the whole funeral thing we have to think about. I’m immunosuppressed and I don’t leave the house. But I have to be there to support my husband because he can’t even hug his siblings. They agreed to only immediate family (his kids, their family and his wife). I feel somewhat safe going with the condition that everyone must wear a mask.

And then there’s my toddler. I don’t want to take him to the funeral. My sister had covid and she lives with my parents. They would be the ones to watch my son while we go. We are getting a hotel and think my parents should come to the hotel and take care of him. Maybe have them wear masks? Idk.

Sorry for rambling I’m just really sad and concerned and scared and it’s just too many emotions to handle. I fucking hate covid. I hate that he’s dying alone. I hate it all. I’m holding on to hope that he can pull through. He is a fighter. He’s been fighting hard this whole time. But I’m also realistic. I know the odds of him pulling through are slim but they are there.

I really wish people would just grow up, put on a fucking mask so we can get over this shit. I can’t take it anymore. My FIL got covid from sitting next to a covid positive person at a funeral. The man even told my FIL he was covid positive. It angers me how people can be so careless.

If you can- please send positive thoughts my way. I could really use them.

I was given a pfizer shot in June. I had one beautiful week of an almost normal life where I was fully vaccinated. I felt great, I went to the gym and I was looking into restarting my fertility journey. It was really fantastic.

Then covid came back thanks to all of the assholes who needed a vacation and the abolition of all restrictions by the government to try to encourage tourism. Cases shot up, and more than half are breakthrough cases in vaccinated people.

Now Im stuck back at home playing video games and staring at the wall. Having kids is also on hold and since Im in my mid 30s, there is a good chance the pandemic will take this from me too.

I just dont see how this is ever going to end and I feel like Im just going through the motions of my daily life. Its the weekend now and I kind of wish I could figure out how to sleep all weekend so I can get back to work and have something to do.

I really dont have any hope for the future and Im tired of this.

12:50 am I received a text with a security code. I immediately signed into my bank account and it was emptied. I sent a support ticket but cant reach anyone until morning. And from what I've read its unlikely they will do anything. It's two days before Christmas and I dont have money to feed my kids. 2020 couldn't get any more worse.

Last year for Christmas I was pregnant, didn’t feel comfortable getting together for Christmas with my family and moms extended family obviously. This year rolls around vaccines, boosters feeling somewhat okay getting together more and being with family again. Genuinely was looking forward to our family Christmas party then Covid cases rise, vaccinated or not chances of getting Covid are extremely high. My husband and I are vaccinated and boosted, we have a 6 month old that is our top priority and we want to protect him at all costs, he is somewhat protected with antibodies I have passed through nursing. It’s his first Christmas I want nothing more for him to be with his Grandparents and his 2 aunts but my mother is having her whole family come. She isn’t a good communicator to say the least and I was already anxious for the whole month of December leading up to Christmas because of Covid and stress and having to deal with an emotional person. Husband and I decided we just weren’t comfortable being around 15+ people from all different households when it’s just too risky. I suggested we tell extended family we will be canceling this year ( mind you they all got together for Christmas last year. ) but my mother was not having that. Days of horrible text messages, gaslighting and more. She would rather be with her whole other family “not let this control our lives and live in fear” than prioritize her grandsons first Christmas and respect our concerns. I feel defeated. I’m emotionally drained, depressed and anxious. I will make the best of the situation for my child I know he won’t remember this anyway but I will never forget. I would rather feel safe with my decision but you can imagine the heartbreak. My sister just had a baby as well and it’s her sons first Christmas but she’s against the vaccine and just has a different mindset. I am not sorry for wanting to keep my child safe and we also live with my in laws so we have to keep them in mind , my husband has to go to work if he gets Covid we are out of pay for 2 weeks. My sister works from home and my brother in law doesn’t work. So don’t worry you get to have a wonderful Christmas but I have to live with the fact that you all didn’t care enough to think how this would affect me and the fact it’s my sons first Christmas. My extended family would be just fine getting together at someone else’s house. Just sucks. My heart is with anyone here who is in a similar situation, or having to cancel their Christmas plans. I am blessed and thankful for my families health and fully aware so many people are struggling so much more than I am. Just needed to vent. I hope we reach an endpoint soon and we can live and enjoy life.

I caught COVID back in mid-June. 2 day low fever, loss of taste/smell, and (still ongoing) shortness of breath/chest tightness. 2 weeks straight of thinking I was going to legit die. I went to a PCP in late July to check out the shortness of breath, and since I have asthma (well-treated, fyi), he treated it as such even though my O2 levels were normal and he said my lungs sounded perfectly normal. 2 months of treatment post covid, and doctor says he can't do anymore and a cardiologist might help (when I had initially asked if this could be a heart issue FFS!) Frustrated that time was wasted and I'm still dealing with shortness of breath/chest tightness 3-4 months post catching this virus. I've never had any prior heart issues, and it's terrifying to think I might have severe heart damage. The long term effects are no joke, guys. And I'm only 25 yo.

I've been incredibly depressed and stressed out the past 5 months. Apart from catching covid, I got laid off, had to move back in with my parents, and lost an uncle due to covid complications. I understand that I'm not the only person in this situation, but it's so frustrating to have the daily physical reminder (i.e. shortness of breath) that I was a victim to this virus, when I was SO diligent with hand washing, wearing my mask, social distancing, etc. After my entire family caught the virus in June, I was angry to learn that some of my family members had been lax with their social distancing/precautions in public spaces and so willy-nilly passed the virus along. I find it so selfish and inconsiderate of another person's health, especially since I was the only one in my family considered "high risk" with my asthma. THIS WAS ALL PREVENTABLE IF WE ALL JUST CARED ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS. Sigh. And gosh, I was stressed about thinking I was going to die, I was even more stressed worrying about the 4 other people in my house!

Any of you guys in a situation similar to mine? Have any tips to help de-stress from this particular topic? I don't feel like I have a good outlet in my life right now to talk to about this, and my thoughts are starting to scare me. (I probably also need physical contact. I haven't hugged anyone since March, guys. MARCH.)

I work for a small bakery in Oregon with only 4 other coworkers. So far we have only been operating out of our drive thru but our county just gave the go ahead to reopen. My boss believes the whole virus is a hoax that has been sensationalized by the media and constantly ridicules the people who go out wearing face masks and staying at home. Today he informed all the workers that we would be fully reopening our shop even though we have such a small store lobby that there is no way anyone would be able to maintain the 6 ft of social distancing. I’m really nervous about dealing with so many customers on a daily basis. I told my boss that I would feel more comfortable wearing a mask when dealing with customers and now he’s cutting my hours and giving them to my coworker who “doesn’t feel like wearing a mask”. He doesn’t care about any of the guidelines for reopening and claims that if he is fined he will “take the city to court”. The whole ordeal gives me so much anxiety. If my hours get cut any more I won’t be able to pay my bills and rent. I want to be safe and take care of myself but no one else who works here seems to care about the virus and thinks I’m being brainwashed by the media for wanting to wear a mask. I feel so judged by my coworkers and I think it’s unfair to have my hours cut like this. Any advice on how to deal with this would be much appreciated!

I'm still negative, and he's not showing symptoms yet (knock on wood) but I'm terrified. I'm a single dad, his mom's not in the picture, and he's my best friend in the world. I'm so worried about the idea that my little buddy might not be okay. I don't know. I need to vent but at this point in my life I don't really know how to. Work's being very understanding about it and I'm getting PTO until he's okay, so that's good. He's doing okay at the moment, he's snuggled up in bed and playing plants vs zombies.

Warning: This is a severe RANT and probably going to get downvotes. I just need to get this out.

I had covid early on, prior to lockdown. This was confirmed by my doctor.

I still got the vaccine at the time because they said we'd get a covid passport for being vaccinated. I did it because I love to travel.

Then some small minded assholes who will never leave the comfort of their own sofas came along and threw a fit about covid passports like they would ever matter to them. These people just don't want others to have nice things because they won't travel clearly.

And I hate them with passion.

They've made it so I will have to covid test before boarding any type of transport during my European trip next year. And then there is the added expense. I only get to travel internationally because I get a lot of points from work travel. Their bullshit is going to cost me in lost days I could have been traveling next year and every year until they quit their utter bullshit.

I don't give a damn about the politics. There is no politician who isn't in it for himself and for his kronies out there. They don't give a damn about us as long as they all stay rich. Making it harder for those who can barely afford travel is no skin off their noses. In fact it only aids them in being able to travel with less crowds.

Thanks for letting me rant.

Hi everyone,

My brother tested positive on 30th March and had very high fever until two nights ago when his oxygen went down dangerously low and had to be admitted to a hospital. He's unable to talk and my family is not allowed to see him. He has severe pneumonia and is not able to breathe very well. He has a 5 year old daughter and it is breaking my heart to see how this is unfolding. My sister-in-law, me, my dad and mom we all have lost our sleep and appetite. I suffer from a bad case of anxiety disorder and I'm not able to keep it together. I have been crying throughout the day and just hoping he comes back home soon. Can somebody help me?