You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

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message 1651: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments Thanks all! Her partner was sick for a few days, she's sick now. Both said it's like a nasty flu, so worse than mild symptoms but nothing a few days of rest won't fix. Their baby is a bit sick too, the oldest boy not (yet).

Yeah, it's mostly I think to buy time to get more people their booster before omikron is all over the place, and it doesn't impact me all that much, but still. It makes you a bit dispirited at times.


message 1652: by Margo (new)

Margo | 11659 comments From what south Africa is seeing, the symptoms appear to be mild so I'm sure your sisters family will be fine Peggy. The worrying part is when health care workers get it, who's going the take care of patients?


message 1653: by Sandra, Moderator (last edited Dec 19, 2021 12:05PM) (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Yes, omicron is scary because of the speed it spreads with, but it seems to be less dangerous than the previous strains. I think keep being careful is important and smart, but we shouldn't panic.


message 1654: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments They have also been vaccinated, so I'm not worried. Also don't know which one they have, and omikron is less common here than delta. It just sucks for them to be housebound for so long, especially with an active and healthy 4 year old ;-)

I also read about south africa, but also that signs from Denmark are not as positive.


message 1655: by Janice, Moderator (new)

Janice (jamasc) | 59978 comments I read a news article that you were going into lockdown, Peggy. I hope your family rides this bump smoothly.


message 1656: by Saar The Book owl (last edited Dec 21, 2021 10:49PM) (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments Today our Belgian governement has a meeting again, with expected new restrictions. I'm so tired of it. Christmas holidays for Sander started a week earlier. Kindergarten and elemantary schools are closed a week earlier, while secundary schools and universities stays open. It's just difficult to combine the shut down with work. It's like the ministery doesn't think about the consequences for the parents and children.
I'm so tired of all these corona things. I mean, how much longer can the things be closed and reopened and then closed again?
I'm not an antivaxer or so, I've got my 2 shots, but I don't want my booster...
I mean, people doesn't see that it is something you've got to live with it in the future. It's not going away and you can't ask from people to get vaccined every 6 months with boosters...Also, vaccination of children from 5 to the age of 11 starts next month, but my son isn't getting his. The strong feeling that rises amongst the parents is that we need to vaccinate the children to get the adults being safe from them. Children already think that they are 'bad', because they can make their loved ones sick...
Viruses will keep muting, that's just nature. What happens now with omikron, is that this one is a 'mild' mutation'. It's more contagious, but you don't get sick so heavy.

Sorry about the rant, but sometimes it's just the feeling that people in general can't think for their own and just follow and believe what is told.


message 1657: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments I get it Saar. It's so disappointing as well, we were supposed to be out of this by now, getting everyone vaccinated would solve everything, yet here we go again..

I'm going to get my booster. I'm not sure where this will lead, but at this point it's the best we have to get out of this mess. The alternative would be hospitals overflowing with people, not being able to care for them all, and then even people who have to get treatment for something different will be refused. That's already happening here with care that can be planned (like surgeries that are not emergencies, even when people need those surgeries to relieve terrible pain or other serious conditions) and even now this will cost lives in the long term.


message 1658: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments That's exactly my thought, Peggy. I mean, here October was presented as 'the liberation month': no bubbles, dancing, just 'back to normal'...Everyone was so excited about it and then 3 weeks later, restrictions again...

Thats happening here to with care being postponed, but that's a sign that the care system was limp before the pandemic. Now, the evidence is getting on the surface.

When I heard about the hard lockdown in the Netherlands, I couldn't believe it. So many people that hadn't got their Christmas gifts, the family gatherings that were cancelled...I just felt sad.


message 1659: by Margo (new)

Margo | 11659 comments I hear what you're saying Saar, it's not easy.

Over here non urgent procedures are being cancelled, not because the health care system is not fit for purpose (though we all know it isn't) but because so many of the staff have tested positive. It may be a mild variant but if the doctors and nurses have covid they're allowed to work and then what happenens to the hospitalised?

I'm glad that I got my vaccine. It took a hour of my time and it was worth it to me to protect ,my mum. I don't know what I would do if I had a young child though, it's a tough decision to have to make and I don't envy parents. Some of my cousins are in the same boat.

The other argument that I find compelling is that the more people that catch the bug, the more likely it is to mutate more quickly. Mutation is inevitable but the longer we can delay it the more probability of a favourable outcome for us. It is still early days for scientists looking for a cure and so far the vaccines have been hugely successful at slowing the spread.


message 1660: by Rusalka, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 03:35AM) (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments I'm sorry you guys are shutting down again. That sucks, and I hate that your Christmas being in winter is affected. Ours is being affected enough here as people are taking responsibility and cancelling Christmas in hot spots, where our gov won't take it. They, the gov, say that it is up to us now, just like we don't have a mandate on wearing sunscreen. But I can't give everyone on the beach skin cancer as I can't be bothered or don't think its important. That is the MASSIVE difference here.

So, instead of taking maybe an hour of your life every 6 months to get a booster, you would prefer to let your immunity drop off? It's like a flu vaccine, you need to boost your immunity, otherwise there is no point having the first doses. You will be unprotected. You will expose people in your life to the virus, particularly kids who can't get vaccinated or people with illnesses or age that make them more susceptible because you don't want to take the time. Are you okay with that?

Mate, you can make whatever choices you want for you and your family. But as someone who has had family members die because it is rife in hospital systems in Europe because of those kind of choices, I can't stay quiet on that. I want everyone to suck up the inconvenience and protect themselves, the people they love, and then hopefully the people I love.

We are so so SO lucky we have this technology at our finger tips, we should embrace it. I went to my mum's birthday lunch the other day and the ladies around the table were all talking about the diseases they had as kids - german measles, TB, measles, polio, chickenpox, mumps, etc. They were first in line for the vaccine as they know what no vaccinations are like, they are lucky to be alive.


message 1661: by Saar The Book owl (last edited Dec 22, 2021 04:45AM) (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments @Margo: unfortunately there are doctors and nurses that tested positive, but don't have symptoms are having no choice to work with protective gear, because they are understaffed. I just have the feeling that the governement doesn't know what to do anymore and is riding in circles.

@Rusalka: the problem with immunity is, and doctors are confirming that and we got people at the hospital where I work having the same, that, after the vaccins/booster your immunity drops and keeps dropping, long after your shot. I've got a collegue who was 2 times serious ill after her vaccins and the doctor confirming that her immunity was very bad. I don't say that it is for everyone, but for a lot of people that are having immunity problems. I've got my 2 shots, feeling really bad after and not recovered fully. I don't have anything against vaccins, I've got all the ones I needed and my son too, but this is going very fast. I mean, how can someone defend the rule that, if you don't get your shot, you loose your job? It's freedom of health above the freedom of education, of work, of everything...What if we need to get every 6 months a booster for the rest of your life? Our governement says that this will be for 5 years. That can't be healthy? I don't get my flu vaccin, because it's always for the wrong version. It's not about having or not having time at all, it's about doubt and not following the main stream. My sister with lung cancer is vaccinated, but still got Covid, her wife too. They are both okay and got mild symptoms, but how can her wife be mad at me that my son doesn't get his vaccin, because that's our choice, calling my husband a murderer, because he doesn't want his shots? Is it okay to call people who refuses, murderers? It's about choice and that is what bothers me so much. Give people the choice, but don't go threathening them. That's the wrong way.
I take precautions: I desinfect, I wear a mask, my hands are all dried up, I avoid crowds, don't have many people over, don't go shopping very often...So, I do my share of the deal.
And I know that a lot of people died and I'm so sorry about that and I understand the opinions of the people that has suffered loss, but for the past few months the feeling rises: 'it's us against them': young vs old, children vs adults, on - vaxers vs vaccinated people. It creates a toxic environment.

The technology is great, but there's nothing known about long term effects of the vaccins. What will they be? Will our children be able to have children of our own? What about failing immunity?

I can go on about this for ages, but I've got respect for all the opinions. Sometimes it just feel like people are being blinded.


message 1662: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments I rarely posted here, because mostly I can't find the right words to explain what I won't to say.


message 1663: by Rusalka, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 05:05AM) (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Saar, thank you for your detailed response. I'm sorry that the virus has affected your family and friends so much as well. And I am sorry you were so affected by the vaccines you got.

I don't agree with the divide in society of "us vs them" about most things, but particularly this issue. Where I feel like I have major problems is where it's my health and choice vs how it possibly affects everyone around someone for their choice. But I agree, the discourse has gotten toxic and not very helpful. I apologise for adding to that above a little. I'm really tired with one day of work to go before summer, but I shouldn't have been terse.

I do think that the idea of multiple vaccines being unhealthy is against most of the science though. I don't believe there is any evidence for that. I agree with immunity declining though after shots, that's exactly why we need to up it again with these boosters. I am also very confused why people are now very concerned with the healthiness of this particular vaccine. Why are people not super concerned with getting boosters of tetanus or whooping cough or hepatitis or typhoid?

I get the flu vaccine every year, coz I prefer to be immune to 3-4 types of flu and only risk getting say 1-2 new types. It just lowers the overall risk of getting sick and I think that's a good thing. I know people who have been in ICU for normal everyday influenza, so it's not high on my list either for catching.


message 1664: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments @Rusalka: I understand your thoughts and feelings about it, but mostly it's how the media brings it, that is causing the bit of toxicity. Every personal choice affects the main topic. You don't need to apologise. Everyone is getting a bit short after a while. I hope you enjoy your vacation. You deserve it. That last day of work will pass very rapid.

The main idea is that people think they will need boosters every 6 months, because they can't go without them. It's making them depended of them. The idea is that your immunity will be depended of the vaccin.

I only had the flu once in my whole life and was really sick, but never had it again.

The concern of most of the persons is, because it's a new vaccin and not tested enough. The wariness that it needs to go as fast as possible.


message 1665: by Margo (new)

Margo | 11659 comments Saar, your words were fine and I understand the way you feel. I'm in awe of your ability to speak a second language :-) It's very emotive for those of us who've lost family and friends to this disease but noone should feel that they can't express a reasonable opinion.

I think a lot of us feel the same way. This debate is going on in Ireland too. At what stage do you decide to rely on "herd" immunity? Especially in the case of health children. I mean there have corona viruses around for years and we've never felt the need to vaccinate against them or self isolate because we sneeze. Who's going to shop for you this close to christmas? It's not practical.

I think it's good to hear what people feel about the situation. There's no right or wrong because no-one knows enough about it.


message 1666: by Saar The Book owl (last edited Dec 22, 2021 05:40AM) (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments In Belgium, where I live, the shops are still open. I got my gifts very early. But the governement is gathering today, so I think everything will close. There's a big chance for that, because the Netherlands, who is our neighboring country is already in lockdown.
You are right, margo, the corona virus is not new. It's a virus who creates colds. Even cats get them. Right now, in one of our zoo's, the hippo's are tested positive too. This corona virus is more serious than the others.
There's indeed no right or wrong. As long as we can discuss about it in a non-angry way, then it's fine. There's just not enough known from it.


message 1667: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments Margo wrote: "There's no right or wrong because no-one knows enough about it.."

So true! If only more people realized this. Unfortunately, many people think they're experts because they read a blog or watch a video on youtube, and then they very stubbornly hold on to one specific view and refuse to be open to other opinions or evidence.

"The more you know, the more you know you don't know"


Anyway, I'm going to ban covid-discussion from the Christmas dinner. Rob, his brother and his father can go into endless discussions (all vaccinated, so that's not the issue) but they all think they know most and they know best and are very stubborn, and especially his dad will never admit he's wrong about something. I hate it. It stresses me out and there's no use to it at all.

So, as they're coming to our place, I will set the rules.


message 1668: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments I am counting down the hours! It has been a very long year, but no need to be snappy to fun, friendly people.

My feeling is that as people are more and more immune, from vaccines and/or infections, that the mutations will slow down. And the vaccines will be more developed for each mutation to them being able to predict the pattern of mutations and protect us from them. Which means we will need less vaccines. But at the moment it's important to jump on it until we get to that point in time.

What I find amazing is that this has shown while vaccines usually take years to develop, with money and the world focusing their attention that it can be done quickly. That is awesome. We are skeptical as it has been quick, but at the same time yay to academics not having to put in 20 funding applications over 10 years to get funding to make it happen. We did it as we put our resources together. This makes me ridiculously happy if a new type of crazy infectious Ebola or something appears and takes over the world.

I've had the flu once too. It was not fun. I have never been so glad my father in law who was a nurse was staying with us. I just moved from the bed to the couch and back again, with him touching my head on the way in between and demanding Lexx bring me drugs. I had the flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and a sinus infection that winter. Would not recommend.


message 1669: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Saar The Book owl wrote: "I rarely posted here, because mostly I can't find the right words to explain what I won't to say."

Oh gosh, this is not an issue at all! You communicate very clearly, and I am jealous that you can in multiple languages. I appreciate your thoughts and insights, even when we disgree :D


message 1670: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Peggy wrote: "So, as they're coming to our place, I will set the rules."

Boss Peggy!


message 1671: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments Lol yes, Christmas with the in-laws is stressful enough as it is, no need to pile more stress on top ;-)


message 1672: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Can I just apologise generally for being a tired, snappy cow. Please do not feel that you should not or cannot express your feelings or thoughts here.

I love that we can discuss and hear different ideas from all around the world and from so many points of view. This group is awesome.

I am opinionated, value some things very highly and I know I be a bit much ;) My diplomacy dyke will be more functional soon.


message 1673: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Peggy wrote: "Lol yes, Christmas with the in-laws is stressful enough as it is, no need to pile more stress on top ;-)"

Mine just all turned up with tupperware containers yesterday to pick berries. That was enough, and then I realised I have a whole day with them on Sat...


message 1674: by Margo (last edited Dec 22, 2021 06:56AM) (new)

Margo | 11659 comments Rusalka wrote:
"Can I just apologise generally for being a tired, snappy cow.."


Your our snappy cow and we love you Rus! Don't ever apologise for being passionate about things :-)


message 1675: by Margo (new)

Margo | 11659 comments Pete got his booster yesterday and he's suffering for it today.

He got moderna this time, his first 2 shots were pfizer and didn't affect him at all so we're wondering if it is the affect of mixing doses. He's not able to function at all and this is a man that doesn't go down easy.

Some very good points have been made pro and con the multiple vaccine. As an ex scientist married to another scientist, I'm inclined to go with the data BUT we've had the virus and then been triple jabbed and Pete is quite ill today... :-/


message 1676: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Margo wrote: "Rusalka wrote:
"Can I just apologise generally for being a tired, snappy cow.."

Your our snappy cow and we love you Rus! Don't ever apologise for being passionate about things :-)"


I think this is probably one of the nicest thing someone has ever said to me lol

Nah, mea culpa when due.


message 1677: by Sandra, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 07:31AM) (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments I read all your conversation and my first thought was not to say anything, since we are all so tired and worried and sensitive, that a little comment might upset someone, and that is not the idea at all. (I've been known for ranting in this same thread and unintentionally upsetting people :/ ) But maybe I can just add my train of thoughts (and my "interesting" English) when making decisions.

I have mentioned here before that during my pregnancies I had issues with my body making clots. I had two miscarriages for this reason and had to use daily medication to not form clots during my other pregnancies. When all this thing about some vaccines having problems with clots (at the time of the first vaccines) I tried to have more information about it and the risks for me. I talked during 2 months with doctors and other people who are supposed to know about this, and nobody could tell me anything different than "the risk is minimal compared to the risk of getting covid" what I understand is true for "normal-fluid-blood" people, but not necessarily for me. The best I could get was that the risk with Pfizer and Moderna was not non-existent but way lower than with AZ. I stopped asking and "researching" when I understood that the problem was than nobody had even a remote idea of the risk for someone like me. It is the kind of thing you need time to know, and everyone was thinking in the greater good, which might mean that a small group of people might not do it (including me) and in the general state of panic nobody (not even doctors) cared too much about. Just get the shot and stop killing sweet old ladies, you murderer.

I took a couple of weeks to think about it and just decided to take the plunge, and thank goodness everything went well.

This is something I have had in mind since then every time I read all the worried doctors, infectologists, etc. At home my husband, my four older kids and me are vaccinated. I plan to get my booster soon. My four kids who are 12 years old and younger are not vaccinated. We endlessly discussed this and decided against it until more is known about the vaccines in kids so young. They attend a small school that still can sit them at least 3 feet apart, they still use masks, their after school activities are still very limited and mostly outdoor. We do our best to keep them and the rest of the people around safe, but please, do not make me vaccinate them with a vaccine you are not completely sure it is safe on them, or at least a vaccine you failed so badly to convince me it is safe, or that you care.

It is decided that my 12 years old will be vaccinated before entering high school, since it is a bigger school, he will be a year and a half older, and the vaccine less new.

We are right now discussing what to do with my 16 years old son's booster. At the time he got his two doses of Pfizer the risk of miocarditis was supposed to be rare and minimal, but now it is not considered like that anymore (again, things you need time to learn). The CDC's webpage doesn't say anything so far, but some doctors are recommending to get a different one for the booster, since the risk seems to increase with each new dose in young boys his age.

So, here is where we are. We are not anti-vaccines at all. My kids have all their vaccines. The two oldest one even got the Hpv one before it was in the scheme. I consider myself a responsable person, not politically influenced on this matter, and try to keep myself informed about the situation, the vaccines, etc.
Maybe our decisions are being influenced by my bad experience when looking for answers, but well, this is how it works. I am the one making the decisions about my kids, and I'm doing the best with the information I have, and that information includes that nobody was sure the vaccine was safe for me but were still pushing me to get it. I understand this is a public health issue. I hope the "public" also understand these are my kids.


message 1678: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Margo wrote: "Pete got his booster yesterday and he's suffering for it today.

He got moderna this time, his first 2 shots were pfizer and didn't affect him at all so we're wondering if it is the affect of mixi..."


Sorry to hear Pete's feeling worse for wear.

Lexx got AZ and had his booster of Pfizer on Thursday morning around 9am. I was driving us somewhere at lunchtime on the day and he was saying "I must be immune, I dunno what everyone was whinging about. These vaccines are fine!" and I said wait until tomorrow.

Hits 10pm and I just hear "Ohhhhhh... ohhhh... okay.... OWWWWW!" Besides pain for 10 hours or so, he was fine. But still. Never gloat.


message 1679: by Sandra, Moderator (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Sandra wrote: "I took a couple of weeks to think about it and just decided to take the plunge, and thank goodness everything went well."

Regarding this I have to say it was not an easy month (the clots might happen at any time during the first month). I made my husband and two older kids to read about the symptoms and be alert in case I just couldn't say what I was feeling.


message 1680: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Thanks for sharing, Sandra. I am going to prempt my response with it's 2am and I need to go to bed, but I saw your long post and wanted to respond.

I really really agree with understanding the risks when you have other medical issues. That is one of the awesome things with multiple types of vaccines available at the moment. For example my brother (I just typed bother again...) has insane migraines and realised through investigation on the internet but backed up with convos with his doctor that AZ was not a good plan for him. He had to wait for Pfizer or Moderna which have only been available to us since Sept and Oct respectively.
But talking to your doctor is key. They know that you might have a migraine issue or a clotting issue and there are alternatives you can go for.

But this is where I jump on my herd immunity band wagon. For those people who cannot be vaccinated because of these issues, we need people who can to do so in order to lessen the risk. Whether age, availability, or medical conditions. That's how it works, we vaccinate to save ourselves but also those around us.

I need to bow out of the kid conversations probably. I understand what everyone is saying. My reading of the science is that is safe. I LOVE your kids have HVP Sandra, it's standard here in Aus since I was 19 I think so I got mine too. Two jabs for less cancer? SIGN ME UP!
I see what the science is saying but I do not have an emotional person to be invested in. I do not for a second think anyone is a bad parent, there is just so much going on and so much information and misinformation, you need to make your own decisions for what you all think. I may disagree with some decisions, but you are all awesome parents.


message 1681: by Roz (new)

Roz | 4540 comments I got my booster on Monday (Moderna) and suffered for it too. Not as much as when I had the virus last year, but still ended up with a wicked headache and exhaustion. Tomorrow I get my flu booster.
I understand the reluctance of some for not getting vaccinated or boostered. Personal choice, not trusting the data out there, wanting to wait until there's more testing, all of it. Unfortunately, that choice can impact me as well. Vaccines/boosters have taken a long time to develop. Smallpox vaccine development started in the late 1700s and they didn't get it right until the 1950s. Polio, mumps, measles, chicken pox and the rest that we now take for granted and have our children immunized against took decades. Maybe it was the different times (back in the 50s and 60s) and people didn't fixate on personal choice but rather did as doctors told them to do and so went and were vaccinated. But today many are more inclined to stand on their personal rights. It makes me angry when I see those clips on tv of some poor man hooked up to tubes bemoaning his choice not to get vaccinated and now dying from the virus. Is it worth not taking the chance with the vaccine just so you can die with your convictions intact?
My feeling is that if more people had been vaccinated from the start, initiating herd immunity, we'd be in a better situation today. In the US more than 800,000 have died so far, more than the number of american deaths in both world wars and Vietnam. That's a lot of people. True, viruses mutate all the time. It's the nature of the beast. So if that means I need to get a booster periodically to keep up with the mutations, I'll do it. My family has all been vaccinated, including my 9 yr old grandson. That, along with masking and social distancing is the best I can do to keep myself safe from those who wish to exercise their right to wait.
That's my mini-rant. It wasn't intended to pass judgement on anyone, or offend, just to express my feelings on the subject.
Funny, Trump got vaccinated and boostered and was booed by his followers for it. All that ranting he made about "fake" this and "fake" that, and not encouraging his followers to get the vaccine from the start helped get us here today. Way to go, T!


message 1682: by Sandra, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 07:30AM) (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Yes, when my two oldest ones were in the age of getting Hpv it was not in the scheme so you had to pay for it, and we did it. It was also 3 shots instead of 2. Now it is in the scheme, so it is easier. But of course I think it is great to have it.

I do not expect to change anyone's mind regarding this topic, but I think if we try to understand what other people is having to handle to make decisions we'll be less judgmental. All this fighting around is not helping with the stress we are all under.

Now, go to sleep!


message 1683: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Sorry. Point missed. I don't know how you balance all the things coming in against that need to look after your own. I understand the logic but forget the emotional is hard to counteract at times
And hats off to you all who do


message 1684: by Sandra, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 07:50AM) (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Roz wrote: "So if that means I need to get a booster periodically to keep up with the mutations, I'll do it."

This is certainly where we are going, Roz. Covid will not disappear, and like with the flu some seasons/strains will be worse than others, but both, covid and immunization against it came to stay.

I was telling my husband just yesterday that I do not think we are there yet, but at some point we will have to decide what number of deaths is the lower we can expect, accept that, and start living normally, like we do regarding other diseases. I repeat, I do not think we are there yet, not even remotely, but we better start slowly accepting that we will never have this under complete control. Vaccines will get better, hopefully we will also have medication for treating the people to get it badly, but the illusion that we can get rid of this... it is not happening...


message 1685: by Janice, Moderator (new)

Janice (jamasc) | 59978 comments My opinion centers around the impact the non-vaxx are having on our hospitals. We were in major crisis here this fall with our hospitals so overwhelmed with covid patients, that we were a breath away from crashing our system. In Alberta, over 15,000 surgeries were cancelled, and no new surgeries were booked. There was already a wait list that grew exponentially with a large number of cancellations and no new surgeries booked. The government reluctantly admitted that there were approximately 87,000 people waiting for surgery.

People without covid are dying because of people with covid. The majority of them are not vaccinated. People are dying because they can't get life saving surgery. My friend's daughter has cancer. She was to have had surgery in September, but it's cancelled now until maybe March. She just had her birthday and her 6 year old son made her a card that read, "Happy Birthday Mommie. I love you. I hope you don't die."

I'm to have another pipeline stent inserted on Jan 12. I won't know until they check me in if the procedure will go ahead. I will be in ICU overnight - if there's a bed for me. They don't know what my risk is of having a rupture. It will be two weeks after Christmas and Alberta is "open for Christmas" with Omicron breathing down our necks. Will the numbers rise again? Will our hospitals be overrun again? Will my procedure be cancelled because there's no bed available?

This is not about Me, My Rights, My Body.... none of that. We're in this together. What people do or don't do about vaccinations doesn't just affect them.

I saw a guy drive through a red light the other day. He didn't even brake. Just put the pedal to the medal and off he went. It occurred to me that if he gets through the intersection without hitting or being hit, no harm done. But if he hits someone, or gets hit, other people are involved, not just him. His act of defiance can impact (literally) other people who may have been in the intersection.

So too getting vaccinated. You think, "I don't need to get vacc'd. I have a good immune system, and I won't get sick. It's not hurting anyone." You might be safe. But if you get it, other people are affected by it. Plain and simple.

The only people who shouldn't get vaccinated are those who are allergic to an ingredient or are under doctor's orders not to get vaccinated. Whatever happened to "I can hardly wait until they get a vaccine for this to get it under control?"


message 1686: by Janice, Moderator (new)

Janice (jamasc) | 59978 comments Sandra, are you on blood thinners? When I got my booster the other day, we discussed my stroke. The pharmacist asked if I was on ASA and confirmed that I'd be okay when I answered in the affirmative. Maybe talk to your doc about whether short term use of it would be beneficial. It's an over the counter drug and you don't need a prescription, but you should still discuss it with him/her.


message 1687: by Janice, Moderator (new)

Janice (jamasc) | 59978 comments Okay, so it's almost 9:30, and I should be at my desk working and I'm not even dressed yet.! ARGH!


message 1688: by Peggy (new)

Peggy (pebbles84) | 15868 comments My thoughts are the same. I highly value freedom and personal choice and I don't like the sort of thing where you're basically forced to vaccinate. But, on the other hand, I don't agree with the arguments for not vaccinating (except for medical reasons and such) and I can't help think that vaccinated people again and again suffer the consequences because of those who don't vaccinate. And no, covid wouldn't magically disappear if we all kept up with our vaccinations, but it would definitely be less of a mess than it is now.


message 1689: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments Rusalka wrote: "I am counting down the hours! It has been a very long year, but no need to be snappy to fun, friendly people.

My feeling is that as people are more and more immune, from vaccines and/or infections..."


I understand your reasoning about that. If there was no more mutations, things could have time to calm down and do a proper investigation.

Peggy wrote: "Margo wrote: "There's no right or wrong because no-one knows enough about it.."

So true! If only more people realized this. Unfortunately, many people think they're experts because they read a blo..."


I've tried banning the discussion from family gatherings, but with variating succes. It's just a thing where you can go on and on about it.


message 1690: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments Rusalka wrote: "Can I just apologise generally for being a tired, snappy cow. Please do not feel that you should not or cannot express your feelings or thoughts here.

I love that we can discuss and hear differen..."


I love you for who you are, Rusalka, really :) You don't need to apologize. If we all think the same, like the same,...the world would be pretty boring, don't you think? It's through conversation you can enlighten your thoughts.


message 1691: by Saar The Book owl (last edited Dec 22, 2021 10:22AM) (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments Sandra wrote: "I read all your conversation and my first thought was not to say anything, since we are all so tired and worried and sensitive, that a little comment might upset someone, and that is not the idea a..."

Sandra, your post made me quiet and you put almost exactly in words what I'm further thinking of the whole thing. Okay, it's for the greater good, I get that, but for example the children, you must have the time to make your own decisions about it. One of the reasons that I don't take my booster, is that I got all in blue marks on my arm where I had the shot. They didn't hurt, but they were there due to AZ. AZ is not given here anymore. You get Moderna or Pfizer. The pediatrics here are saying that it isn't needed to get young, healthy children vaccinated. They do have their concerns. But, yes, politics again, we've got 1 minister of public health and allthough there's a lot of dissagreament he gets what he wants. There you said it: 'I am the one making the decissions.'

Also, a lot of people who are on the ICU are healthy people with no health issues, are vaccinated, but are now in the hospital with covid. So, the vaccin gives you a small chance to not get into the hospital.


message 1692: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments Margo wrote: "Pete got his booster yesterday and he's suffering for it today.

He got moderna this time, his first 2 shots were pfizer and didn't affect him at all so we're wondering if it is the affect of mixi..."


I'm sorry to hear that Pete is sick. Maybe it's because it's another vaccin.


message 1693: by Saar The Book owl (last edited Dec 22, 2021 10:29AM) (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments But, as someone said it here so beautifully, I think it was Janice, we are in this together and that's so true!

Well, the press conference is over and there are more restrictions: no movies, theaters or other cultural things. You can still go to the musea and get some sport activities, but no indoor swimming, no indoor activities in zoos, shopping only with 2 and the bars, restaurants, etc. are not closing, sportgames without supporters.


message 1694: by Saar The Book owl (new)

Saar The Book owl | 2650 comments And it's not that I'll never get my booster, but not just yet. I'll wait for a longer bit to see about it's effectivity and how things are evolving.


message 1695: by Sandra, Moderator (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Janice, no I'm am not on blood thinners, but your comment about ASA makes sense. It is my understanding that since I did well with Pfizer, getting a booster of the same one should be safe. I still plan to double check with my doc, in case there is more info about this now. I only got my second shot 6 months ago, so I am not in a rush. After all the Christmas and New Year craziness I will contact him.


message 1696: by Sandra, Moderator (last edited Dec 22, 2021 11:09AM) (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Saar, unfortunately this topic tends to be so white or black. I totally get herd immunity and the responsibility we have as a group with the people who can't get the vaccine. I understand and I agree 100% with it. My problem is specifically with this vaccine.
When I say that I make the decisions for my kids, I'm not even saying it in a combative way, implying I have the right to decide whatever I want. It is more in the sense I expect people to understand that my kids and my family will be the ones paying the consequences if something goes wrong.


message 1697: by Sandra, Moderator (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments And just one more comment. I stopped talking about the covid vaccine long ago because it always causes discussions. I'm only sharing this here because I think it is the last civil place I have where we can talk about this, disagree, and let it go.


message 1698: by Margo (new)

Margo | 11659 comments Sandra, I completely understand why you're not getting yours vaccinated. It's one thing to make a balanced decision to take a leap of faith for yourself but to do it for another person is different.

And I agree that, in a world gone mad, this group is a safe, sane place to have this discuss 😀


message 1699: by Rusalka, Moderator (new)

Rusalka (rusalkii) | 19213 comments Sandra wrote: "I'm only sharing this here because I think it is the last civil place I have where we can talk about this, disagree, and let it go."

Unless it is about a Vegemite book. Then I will dig my heels in and argue until I am blue in the face about how I am right and you are wrong lol


message 1700: by Sandra, Moderator (new)

Sandra (sanlema) | 11279 comments Lol. Sure, that is valid.

I am aware that so far I have survived this craziness thanks to GR, specially this group. So, huge thank you to you all!


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