As January 20 marks the fifth anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the United States, individuals like Susan Scarbro continue to grapple with the lingering risks associated with the virus. At 55, Scarbro lives in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, and has several immune disorders that put her at higher risk for severe illness. While participating in a bowling game, she remains acutely aware that a single cough from someone nearby could pose a serious threat to her health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a monumental impact on the American population, claiming approximately 1.2 million lives and drastically altering daily life. Even though the official emergency phase concluded in May 2023, many, including Scarbro, find themselves still taking precautions. Masks are now a routine part of their lives, and these individuals often confine their social interactions to close family members. Some have resorted to unconventional safety methods, such as using mouthwash to gargle or carrying personal carbon dioxide monitors to assess air quality in public settings.
In various online support forums, people discuss the implications of repeated infections and the related cognitive effects. The sense of empathy that was prevalent in the early days of the pandemic seems diminished now, leading to fractured friendships. Yet, they make efforts to keep in touch with loved ones for their mental well-being. Scarbro shares that while her bowling league once provided a sense of community, she has lately faced judgment from others for continuing to wear a mask during games. She experiences frustration at the lack of understanding from those around her.
Most Americans now possess some level of immunity against serious illness from COVID-19 due to past infections, vaccination, or a combination of both. However, those with compromised immune systems, such as Scarbro, face ongoing challenges. Unlike seasonal flu patterns, COVID-19 has remained unpredictable, underscoring the vigilance required from vulnerable populations. Virologist Andrew Pekosz notes that this constant state of alert can be an exhausting burden for individuals like Scarbro.
A wide range of individuals remain cautious due to personal circumstances, including young caregivers, people with ongoing health issues, and families supporting vulnerable members. In various interviews, they articulate the difficult balance between protecting their health and managing feelings of isolation.
Bazia Zebrowski, a 61-year-old from Newbury, Ohio, illustrates this point well. Prior to the pandemic, she enjoyed social outings, but now she’s minimized her time outside her home, only leaving for medical appointments. As someone who suffers from myalgic encephalomyelitis, she feels a significant threat posed by COVID-19, fearing that an infection could worsen her condition. She adopts a proactive approach, referring to herself as “COVID competent” rather than “cautious,” emphasizing that her choices stem from a place of knowledge rather than fear.
What she longs for, however, is the feeling of communal care that seemed more prevalent before the pandemic. She expresses a sense of disillusionment with humanity, questioning how difficult it can be for others to simply wear a mask to protect others.
Leonard Jason, a psychologist from DePaul University, explains that the psychological trauma of living with a chronic illness is compounded by society’s reaction to it, leading to feelings of mistrust and distress.
For some, the protective instinct extends beyond personal safety to include family members. Steve Alejandro, a 42-year-old from Missouri, identifies himself as a “COVID shielder” for his wife, who also lives with myalgic encephalomyelitis. He dramatically altered his lifestyle and career to ensure better protection for his wife and their family, turning to selling vintage books online from home. With his children learning remotely, he feels a strong sense of unity in their family’s careful choices.
In Miami, 29-year-old Kira Levin demonstrates similar caution as she cares for her elderly grandmother. Having been the only masked attendee at a recent wedding, she takes her responsibilities seriously, grateful for the understanding from others regarding her precautions.
Sisters Jacqueline and Alexa Child from Denver have developed a dating app aimed at connecting individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. This platform, which includes a “COVID Cautious” tag, is gaining traction among users who are interested in connecting with others who prioritize safety and health, reflecting an unexpected but welcomed demand.
As the pandemic evolves, immunologist Akiko Iwasaki, who is also vigilant about avoiding infection, continues to wear masks indoors and stay up-to-date with vaccinations. She acknowledges the complexities of navigating public health and safety, especially in light of the ongoing concerns surrounding long COVID, a risk that persists even after recovery from the virus.
Scarbro recognizes that while many people are looking to return to business as usual, such expectations are much more complicated for her and those in similar situations. Jorey Berry, CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, emphasizes that individuals in this community often lack the luxury to return to normalcy without significant risks to their health.
Consequently, Scarbro’s family remains attentive to safety practices around them while trying to maintain a balance between protecting her health and fostering social connections. With uncertainty ahead, Scarbro expresses her fear for the future, knowing that as society moves on, safeguarding her health will only become more challenging.
