We can’t seem to make people care about protecting their bodies from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is wild to see people shrug off the fact that, even if you don’t develop Long Covid, COVID-19 is doing long-term damage internally.
Fine. Whatever. It won’t happen to you because you believe it won’t happen to you… 🥴🤪
But let me tell you, if you don’t care enough to protect your bodies, you’re going to care when you inevitably have to navigate the Disability/Long-term sick Benefits system.
Nothing will make you feel more subhuman than having to divulge the realities of your life, for a stranger in an office with not even an ounce of understanding (or apparent empathy) to decide whether you shall be able to afford food, care, medicine, heating, or dignity.
I got a lesser virus than SARS-CoV-2 back in September 2010. To this day, there isn’t a part of my life it doesn’t impact.
I can’t make you care; I do know that now but will never fully understand or accept it. But if you’re going to keep gallivanting about unmasked without a care in the world, the Disability Benefits system will bring you right back to reality.
And it is far from guaranteed that you will even be awarded the financial help you will deserve or need. On 4th July, be sure not to vote for a party that is hellbent on dismantling our welfare state, or one that’s allowing that to happen.
IMAGE: A table covered in paperwork as Anna and her mum begin the reassessment process for Personal Independence Payment (because the daft bat who assessed Anna 3 years ago imagined she’d be recovered by now)
'M.E. myself and I' by Anna Redshaw 