When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”
I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and things I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.
When you have a chronic illness and are immuno-compromised, you learn a few tricks to avoid germs while also still living life. Here’s what I’ve realized during this pandemic that I just do since Lyme. (Some may be familiar…)
Grocery Shopping or Public Encounters
- When I’m out in public, my hands immediately go inside my pockets (if I’m wearing clothing that allows it) or are folded in front of me. This keeps me from touching things unnecessarily where germs may be lerking.
- I keep my distance, especially if I perceive someone to be ill.
- Wipe down handles or anything others may touch for a long time.
- Look before you touch. I try not to touch multiple items, but only what I plan to take or buy, limiting exposure.
- Once home, wash hands and put groceries away immediately. Then wash your hands again. (If it’s a washable item, I try to wash it immediately too.)
Mentally and Emotionally
- Know your Safe People… We are relational people and need people in our lives. At any given time I can probably tell you who my “safe people” are. This goes for people who it’s safe to share things with mentally and emotionally, but also people I feel safe being around or closer to physically. There are days we need a hug or a hand of comfort, I know who I’m willing to let touch me and will seek out if I need those things. (It might be helpful to share this with them, because you may not be a “safe person” for them.) It is also helpful to have multiple people in each category and helps if they’re people who are going to have similar public exposure as you.
- Find an Outlet… For me, this is writing (journaling, blogging, etc…) but there are times I simply need to talk it out too.
Personal Hygiene
- Wash hands first thing when coming home… If I’ve been out, even just to the mailbox, I try to wash my hands immediately after walking in the door. This limits exposure.
- Wash hand and dish towels weekly or more if the threat is highly contagious or someone outside your safe people have used them.
- Keep hand and dish towel separate. Limits what your dishes might be exposed to; wash dish towels after significant uses.
- Disinfect highly touch objects regularly. This means your phone, computer, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, etc… It can also help to think about what items you might touch in your home and not think to wash your hands after you’ve touched and before eating.
- Build your immune system… this means eating healthy foods and taking vitamins on a regular basis.
- Sleep well… as much as possible, get good sleep. Our bodies heal and fight while we sleep. This is important.
Remember, these are things I’ve learned while fighting Lyme with a compromised immune system. I don’t always do them all perfectly, but when I do remember, I try to do them. What do you do that helps you avoid germs and limit exposure, beyond the social distancing.
It really just boils down to making good decisions and try to live a very healthy life.
JoyfullyDancingDaughter 