I have been talking with several veterans and discussing the need to take care of those who are at higher risk during the covid-19 pandemic. Many of those veterans who are more susceptible to getting the virus served in Vietnam. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing I have been thinking about our older veterans and how this is affecting them. Our Vietnam veterans appear to meet a lot of the risk factors that can lead to getting the covid-19 virus and it concerns me. Their age and the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam could increase their risk for catching this deadly virus.
The biggest thing that worries me about our Vietnam veterans is those who suffer from the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. With all the health issues that came with Agent Orange these veterans are a prime target for the virus. Many of the diseases known to be associated with Agent Orange are risk factors for the covid-19 pandemic. The issues associated with Agent Orange is bad enough, but that combined with this virus could make it a death sentence for our veterans who were subjected to the herbicide. People with chronic lung diseases, asthma, and have a compromised immune system are especially susceptible to the virus. More issues include having had or in the process of cancer treatment, severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes are also high-risk factors. It is true that most young people get over this virus without an issue, but their behaviors can pass it on to their parents or grandparents without even knowing it or knowing they have it. But one thing that might help our at-risk veterans during this pandemic is the high number of Vietnam veterans with PTSD.
This might be a case where having PTSD can be a good thing. Many of those who have PTSD do not like crowds and prefer to stay at home. The rules for this pandemic fit right in for their lifestyle. William, who has PTSD came into session last week and said, “being a hermit is finally paying off”. He said his life has not changed but everyone around him is struggling because they can’t go anywhere. Being at home is his normal. William just has a different outlook on life. Having a positive attitude can go a long way in getting past the pandemic, and he feels his PTSD is helping him. For those who have PTSD this is the time where they can point out to others that this is their normal. Not wanting to be in crowds and being worried about a constant threat are a hallmark sign of PTSD. This pandemic might make those who don’t have PTSD understand what having PTSD can be like.
It is our job as veterans to keep an eye on anyone we see who might need help. I am calling on all veterans to step up and serve again. It could be as small as getting groceries for an elderly neighbor, taking them to the store, or just checking up on them. Our elderly folks deserve to be treated well. Many of them have fought for our rights to be free, the least we can do is treat them with respect and take precautions to help them stay safe. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on our elderly veterans and neighbors, especially those that are over 65 or have chronic diseases, and please be careful to not spread the virus to them. Take your own precautions and protect yourself. We will get through this; we have faced bigger challenges as a country. Please take care and stay safe!