COVID-19 and Winter:
As we delve further into the holiday season and cold weather, it is critical to remain aware of the risks associated with COVID-19, and the likelihood of these risks exacerbating. While it is still too early to know whether the virus is seasonal, similar to influenza, there is a probability that there will be more outbreaks in these winter months due to numerous factors, even as simple as the increase in travel during the holidays. An article by Smriti Mallapaty in the journal Nature expresses, “People will be interacting more often indoors in places with poor ventilation, which will increase the risk of transmission, says Mauricio Santillana, a mathematician at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, who models disease spread. But even if there is a small seasonal effect, the main driver of increased spread will be the vast number of people who are still susceptible to infection, says Rachel Baker, an epidemiologist at Princeton University in New Jersey. That means people in places that are going into summer shouldn’t be complacent either, say researchers.” Since evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 prefers cold, dry conditions, “Indoor conditions in the winter are pretty favourable to viral stability,” according to mathematical biologist Dylan Morris. Still, testing is in early stages so the full analysis of COVID-19 in winter is not clear. Nevertheless, the behavior of communities during winter may have a prevalent contribution to the spread of COVID-19.
Since the onset of the holiday season calls for celebration with loved ones, many individuals travel during the winter. However, travel can greatly increase risk of COVID-19 spread. As such, it is ideal to avoid traveling and instead remaining at home in order to stay safe. However, if this is not possible, individuals must carefully consider the dangers and questions such as whether cases are increasing both at home and the destination or whether there are restrictions for travel. Some of the steps that the CDC recommends to protect from COVID-19 include considering testing prior to travel, getting a flu shot, wearing a mask properly in all public settings, and avoiding touching the face or mask.
Challenges Created by COVID-19:
In a world centered around connection, COVID-19 stands as a grand obstacle as it is coupled with social distancing and isolation. Since the start of the nationwide lockdown in mid March, schools, businesses, and the services that come along with each have been dramatically impacted.
From the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the National Center for Education Statistics has revealed that 21.1% of public schools across the US has opted to release a full online option and with this choice comes drastic changes to the livelihoods of individuals who rely on school services such as the free and reduced lunch plan, or simply a safe place for them to focus on bettering their strengths. Approximately 22 million children from low income families participate in the National School Lunch Program (Food Research and Action Center) and with the closing of schools, households, especially those that are enduring through the economic turmoil of COVID-19, now face many uncertainties when it comes to making difficult choices based on their financial security.
The closing of businesses has been on and off over the duration of this pandemic, and according to CNBC, “As of Aug. 31, some 163,735 businesses have indicated on Yelp that they have closed, a 23% increase since mid-July”. The impact that this will have on the business owners’ families, which may be losing their homes, health insurance policies, along with their source of income, makes family life even more difficult when individuals must wonder whether or not they’ll have a place to come home to when staying at home is currently a leading solution to the COVID-19 crisis.
How COVID-19 Relates to Neurodiversity:
Multiple aspects of neurodiverse life have been impacted by COVID-19. The soaring number of cases that have led to the closing of schools nationwide has resulting in the closure of many special education sites. Special education is tailored to the needs of neurodiverse individuals and is often accompanied by routine and structure, which are key components that allow neurodiverse individuals to thrive in a learning environment. However, with the constantly changing conditions of the pandemic, parents now “become the school, the teachers, the lunch monitors, the school nurse, the recess monitor, and now they’re also becoming the researcher as they try out different routines” (Elion, TuftsNow). Adjusting to an at home learning situation proves to be difficult as many parents of neurodivergent individuals must not juggle at home learning without the in person aid of qualified counselors and instructors while maintaining their work from home responsibilities.
As for the social aspect of neurodiversity, without the interactions that typically come along with the holidays, neurodiverse individuals may feel more isolated than before. The unusual circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic create changes in a neurodivergent individual’s yearly expectations and adjusting to new traditions can be difficult.
With hospitals filling up as a result of COVID-19 and the flu season, the neurodiverse community also has less access to healthcare providers, which may include pharmacists, practitioners, and therapists. Usually, these individuals make up the foundation of a neurodivergent individual’s support system and the delays in treatment, follow ups, and sessions can elevate the symptoms of certain neurodiverse conditions.
What Should We Do?
In order to best prepare for possible holiday celebrations or even merely for protection against the virus, it is essential to take certain necessary steps. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends to prepare by “Keep[ing] two weeks of emergency supplies, [...] postpon[ing] travel, [...] stay[ing’ connected, [...] work[ing] on wellness, [and] boost[ing] mental health.” Some examples of supplies to keep are prescription medicines and canned foods. Additionally, staying connected can mean becoming familiar with platforms to virtually stay in touch with loved ones, such as Google Meets or Zoom. The article also advises, “Think about trying telemedicine for any medical care that doesn’t require an in-person visit” in order to remain safe. Besides this, wearing a mask that covers both the nose and mouth is crucial to helping minimize the spread of the virus. To be prepared, individuals can carry extra masks with them and wear it under other outerwears like scarves. As always, social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet apart from others, staying at home, and avoiding crowded spaces can also slow the spread. Caring for mental and physical health is also a significant task that can be achieved through self care practices, exercise, and proper nutrition. Moreover, to help others, individuals can donate necessary goods to those in need, create cards of encouragement for loved ones, essential workers, or neighbors, or host fun virtual events. Individuals should also consider getting a flu shot in order to protect against flu and also help reduce the number of hospital visits taken. By remaining at home whenever possible and helping when needed, we can work to help slow the virus. Most importantly, we need to remain educated and aware by constantly learning new information, increasing awareness, and helping others learn as well.
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