Is there anything wrong with fear? Healthy fear has saved many lives. Think about it.

I get accused sometimes (or it's implied) that I'm living in fear as I take precautions to avoid catching COVID. I mask using a great quality N95, I avoid crowded locations, concerts, use curbside pickup, don't eat indoors in restaurants etc.

I do these things because I have chosen to educate myself about the risks (long-term as well as short term) of catching COVID, as well as the ways to mitigate those risks.

Is that living in fear? On the contrary. I can relax, knowing that as far as possible I am protecting myself according to the best scientific recommendations.

But I suppose it is a level of fear in the sense that my awareness has instigated these behaviors. I think of it as a healthy, informed fear. I have the same healthy fear of getting run over crossing the road. I have educated myself and know that crossing blindly, anywhere, without looking, will put me at risk of being hit by a car or truck. So this healthy fear makes me look for a crosswalk, press the button if there is one, and wait for the traffic to stop, before taking my life in my hands and stepping off the curb.

People would think I was stupid (and they would be right) if I ignored the risks, listened to the calm, authoritative voice of people, even friends, telling me that there is little chance a vehicle will be coming along this road at this time, so the risk is small, and I got hit. Is this living in fear? No one would think that.

So why is there not the same attitude to being fully informed and protecting yourself against a disease which continues to seriously affected the lives of hundreds of millions around the world and has even killed many millions?

It's a mystery. A bit like the 'mystery virus' affecting so many I know. Why are they all stepping blindly off the COVID curb, so many getting hit, so to speak? Because they don't want to know?

@askazero
@auscovid19
#covidIsNotOver #EllieKPosts #COVIDcautious #COVID #FearCanBeHealthy #healthyFear