Editor’s Desk: I haven’t had COVID yet, but no longer fear the inevitable

At this stage, COVID feels like a prankster who’s hiding around the corner waiting to jump out and frighten you, but you’re one step ahead and know they’re already there.

You know what’s coming but it doesn’t scare you. You’re just waiting for it to be over, trying to stifle a yawn and wanting to yell out “just get on with it” so you can move on to other things.

I have not yet had COVID. But it seems most of my family, colleagues and friends have already had their encounter with ‘rona. So it feels like I’m just biding time before my rapid antigen tests produces a result with two lines and it’s my turn to spend seven days in forced isolation. My needy dog and my to-binge watch list would welcome that.

I have no idea why I’ve managed to dodge COVID so far. Maybe I have a super-strong immune system or maybe it’s just down to dumb luck. I’m certainly vigilant about hygiene standards, but certainly not at OCD levels, and I must admit I rarely wear a mask since the mandate ended.

Rewind two years, even a year ago, how many of us would have guessed we would be so nonchalant about getting COVID?

I stand to be corrected, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the majority of people in Geraldton have already been infected. Much about fear comes from uncertainty. Remove that, know what you’re facing and it doesn’t seem like a lurking monster or alien virus anymore.

Even though I haven’t had it, I’ve had enough close contacts to know what’s likely in store. Although it does need to be noted that some people’s symptoms are worse than others, that COVID is still a killer, it’s still putting people in hospital and causing long-term complications for some (long COVID sounds like a doozy of a nightmare, doesn’t it?).

It’s important to remember we’re still on a rollercoaster, with many more plummeting drops and turns to come, no doubt. But we’ve been on this ride for a while now, and while it’s still stomach-churning at times and you need to hold on, the nerves and fear have subsided somewhat.

After all, what do they say about monsters and phobias? To beat them, you have to confront them and stop being scared of them. That and get vaccinated. If only there was a jab to ward off my fear of cockroaches and confined spaces.