We are only in the 2nd week of the New Year, and it seems like we are headed for yet another ominous year. On 06-Jan-2021 Black America and the rest of the world sat back in disbelief as we all witnessed White Domestic Terrorists attack the Capital in their treasonist attempt to overthrow democracy. We once again witnessed the difference in how authorities treat the Black community when they exercise their constitutional right to peacefully protest for social justice vs. a terrorist attack on the Nation’s Capital lead by a group of Trump supporters. Last week’s event was a vivid demonstration of the double standard in law enforcement that caused a further drift in what Black Americans felt like as a community vs. what the country felt as a whole. For once Black America isn’t overrepresented in the media as criminals and quite frankly we feel disconnected from it all through many emotions including rightful frustration. While the acts of Racism and White Privilege warrants rightful outrage in us all. We cannot forget that we are in the middle of a pandemic that continues to disproportionally affect the Black Community.
Black Americans are infected with COVID-19 at nearly three times the rate of White Americans due to the socio-economic barriers and health inequalities (so yeah we have much bigger fish to fry). For example, Blacks are more likely to have preexisting conditions that predispose them to COVID-19 infection, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to work in jobs that do not accommodate remote work. Both Black and Latino Americans are also more likely to live in multigenerational housing, which places older, at-risk adults in close contact with younger people who may not know they have the virus. Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. During the last surge of COVID-19, we didn’t fare so well and we may not fare well with a possible new strand unless we proactively comply with health orders and focus on being well.
We are now getting reports of a new strand of the COVID-19 virus. Questions are multiplying as fast as new strains of the coronavirus, especially the one now moving through England. Does it spread more easily? Make people sicker? Does this mean that treatments and vaccines won’t work? Some Scientists say (and no not me, I am more on the clinical side of Oncology) that there is a reason for concern but that the new strains should not cause alarm.
These new reports are causing panic and anxiety and there are many questions unresolved as Scientists and Doctors continue to study the virus. So let us ease the anxiety some by letting you know exactly how viruses evolve:
In Virology viruses, parasitic particles of genetic material contained in a protein coat – and virus-like agents are studied all the time. Viruses naturally evolve as they move through the population, some more than others. New variants, or strains, of the virus that causes Covid-19 have been seen almost since it was first detected in China nearly a year ago. The #19 represents the year that COVID was initially detected “2019”. In other words, it is common for viruses to mutate and there have been thousands of variants of the virus identified since it first emerged. While this seems egregious to the average citizen we consider this Science!!! Viruses often mutate, or develop small changes, as they reproduce and move through a population — something “that’s natural and expected.” Now what is important is to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 to determine the severity of it. However, “most of the mutations are trivial. It’s the change of one or two letters in the genetic alphabet that doesn’t make much difference in the ability to cause disease.” WHO said in a statement. As of now, there is no evidence of how severe this new strand is. However, we haven’t recovered from the first hit of COVID-19 and it is best to prepare for anything that may cause concern.
So WHAT’S WORRISOME ABOUT IT?
COVID-19 has many mutations — nearly two dozen — and eight are on the spike protein that the virus uses to attach to and infect cells. The spike is what vaccines and antibody drugs target( hint the last blog covered this). However, there is no indication that people become sicker or that this strand has increased in severity. This is except for people who can stay at home for work, have healthcare, and adequate living quarters that will allow them to maintain a distance. Unfortunately, Black communities remain venerable.
Quite frankly, I wish the media would be more responsible in the way they relay their sensational topics. On the other hand, I know that as a culture we tend to make satire of things because it is our nature to smile through the hard times. After all, we are resilient people. However, it is crucial that we focus on increasing our health literacy to be well and remain well. Having more knowledge about your health allows you to make better decisions. With that being said we still need to take COVID-19 seriously. You can start by knowing rudimentary information on how to reduce your risk (that health professionals can’t say enough and that they are saying for a reason). The more we allow COVID to spread, the more mutations will happen.
For example, follow the advice to wear a mask, wash your hands often, maintain social distance, and avoid crowds, public health experts say.
“The bottom line is we need to suppress transmission” of all virus strains that can cause COVID-19, said the WHO’s director-general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
I can’t stress this enough to stay on top of your health!!!! A better immune system means that you have a better chance of your body being able to fight diseases off. Continue to be mindful of the information that is being relayed to you and the behavior that you demonstrate during this time (i.e. no mask, Y.O.L.O type of life).
There are so many battles that we fight daily. What is happening in America right now with COVID-19 and the Terrorism may not feel like a direct issue that impacts the Black community but health inequality still does. COVID-19 is crushing Black Communities. America’s Black Healthcare Professionals want to ensure that we are not leaving our community behind. We are on a mission and commitment to fight for health equality. We continue to demand respect for our lives and respect for our health. But, we need your help to do so. Community solutions require community support. For this, to work we must earn your trust rightfully so from here on out. OurHealth plans to continue to promote health literacy to help maintain and manage your physical and mental health. On the technology side, we are diligently working on the framework to combat medical disparities so that we continue to have a fighting chance of survival during any pandemic. OurHealth is unique and OurHealth matters.
For now please follow the basic health precautions:
- Wear an NC-95 mask when you are in public and crowded places.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Be mindful of what you put in your body. Increase your intake of fruits and veggies packed with immune support and Vitamins C.
- Stay on top of regular check ups, even if you feel fine. Health is proactive not reactive.
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