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When we rely on sensational headlines for COVID-19 news and information, we may miss the quiet, positive stories that tell us how to get closer to claiming victory over COVID-19.
With our victory over the coronavirus in sight, we should shed the dark feelings that sometimes overwhelm us — and replace negative reactions with positive actions that ripple throughout our communities.
Negative news increases negative feelings, which damage our health and attitudes about preventive measures that keep us safe, such as vaccines, masks and social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January suggested avoiding heavy consumption of COVID-19 news in response to the rise in mental health challenges during the pandemic.
The media could have plenty of good news — if we know how to find it and how to put it into perspective. For instance, the Texas Department of State Health Services reports the bad news that only 56 percent of our fellow Texans 12 and older were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of last week. But the good news: Presidio, a city along the U.S.-Mexico border, leads all Texas counties with over 80 percent of its residents 16 and older fully vaccinated.
Yes, most of the state is under the percentage we must reach to achieve herd or community immunity, but health experts set that target as a national standard. Rather than see the negative aspects of this seemingly unattainable goal, we ask everyone to concentrate on herd immunity in their respective communities of families, friends and neighbors.
This is not as difficult as it may seem. We start small by limiting social media exposure. It is easy to get caught up with the bickering and misinformation that flood our not-so-social media every day. When using social media, look for posts with positive experiences and factual information, and share them with those who remain hesitant in the face of proof that vaccines work and save lives. Researchers at the University of Queensland suggest positive thoughts and emotions boost our immune systems, and we can use all the help we can get.
We can start making progress by going outside again, taking walks and carefully resuming social activities while wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing our hands. Make a list of the things you missed and may have taken for granted. Then start working on safe ways to cross off items from your “getting back” bucket list.
COVID-19 hurt every community. Reach out and provide support when you can. Be a positive influence for those around you. We can be that pebble tossed into a pond, whose ripples spread outward in growing and expanding circles. We are in this together, and we will get through this together.
Pilar Oates is a community leader and volunteer in San Antonio. Linda Fulmer is the Healthy Tarrant County Collaboration executive director. They are members of the Health Equity Council of the Immunization Partnership.
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