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Fighting COVID-19: A Local Nurse’s Experience

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The COVID-19 virus has certainly taken its toll on all of us for the last 18 months. Everyone has experienced some form of irritability and exhaustion as routines, lifestyles and plans have been disrupted. Many are suffering from pandemic and mask-wearing fatigue only to realize this may be our new normal.

In December 2020, nine months after the pandemic first hit, there was hope with the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health care workers lined up to get their shots. It was the promise of a new chapter – a beginning to the end of this perpetual nightmare.

Parkland Health Center float nurse Kenny Brewer, 59, was one of the first in line on December 10, 2020, the day the vaccine arrived at the hospital.

“I didn’t hesitate for one second to get that shot,” said Brewer. “I’d witnessed far too many people suffer at the hands of this deadly virus. This vaccine was the gift we’d been waiting for since the pandemic started.”

As a frontline worker, Brewer wanted that extra layer of protection, so he could continue caring for patients with a little less worry about getting sick himself. He experienced minimal side effects – a mild headache for a few hours – after receiving the first and second shots.

Like many of his colleagues, Brewer was relieved to get the vaccine. He believed in the science and the data that demonstrated its effectiveness. “I’m also convinced the vaccine not only kept me out of the hospital, but it probably saved my life as well,” he said.

That’s because in late August 2021, nearly nine months after getting his vaccine, Brewer was diagnosed with COVID-19. He contracted it from a family friend, who was too young to be vaccinated. His symptoms – headache, scratchy throat, cough and a fever – came on pretty quickly.

“I knew almost immediately that it had to be COVID-19,” recalled Brewer. “The symptoms were unmistakable, but a rapid test came back negative.”

Brewer called in sick to work as the cough and headache got worse. He decided to go get tested again. Sure enough, that test came back positive. Brewer was relieved he listened to his gut and didn’t go into work. He quarantined in the basement at his home for the next several days, taking cough medicine and Tylenol round-the-clock while monitoring his fever, heartrate, and oxygen levels.

“I never had shortness of breath, but I did get nervous when I saw that my O2 stats had dropped down between 92 and 93,” said Brewer. “That’s what I’d seen in some of our sickest COVID-19 patients at the hospital. So, I used my asthma inhaler to help keep my lungs open.”

“We know the COVID-19 vaccine protects you from serious illness,” said Annette Schnabel, president of Parkland Health Center. “Even if you get sick after vaccination – also known as a ‘breakthrough case’ – your likelihood of needing hospital care, including ICU or ventilator support in the hospital, is dramatically reduced.”

Brewer’s heart rate had shot up to 97, when it’s usually around 65. He also dealt with some signs of dehydration. He knew things could take a turn for the worse at any moment, so he remained vigilant with monitoring his vitals.

Then, much to his surprise, Brewer’s symptoms disappeared five days after they first began. “It was crazy. Just as quickly as the symptoms showed up, they went away,” he said. “I was really relieved to be on the other side of it.”

Brewer knows how lucky he is. He’s also grateful that he didn’t experience any lingering or long-hauler symptoms such as fatigue, breathing issues, or loss of taste or smell. In fact, he was back to work at the hospital as soon as he completed his quarantine.

“In my mind, getting the vaccine kept me out of the hospital,” said Brewer. “I also believe it saved my life. We know that no vaccine is 100 percent effective when it comes to prevention, but we know it offers critical protection so that if you do get COVID-19, you’re better able to fight it. More importantly, you can avoid being hospitalized or possibly dying. My case is proof of that.”

Unfortunately, we’re still not out of the woods. People continue to get infected, while others are being hospitalized, and sadly, some are dying from COVID-19. The safest, most effective path to a more normal life is through a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s estimated up to 85 percent of our community must be vaccinated before we reach the level of ‘herd immunity’ needed to relax infection prevention measures like wearing masks, avoiding crowds and social distancing. Thanks to everyone for doing your part by getting vaccinated.

If you’re eligible and haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider scheduling your appointment by calling Medical Arts Clinic at 573-756-6751.

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