Typically, we are aware of the magnitude of mortality that diseases such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 cause, and at the exact same time, we’re so unaware of the magnitude. I read the preparatory article entitled, “What it’s Like to Die from COVID”, and found it extremely eye opening. I’m well aware that countless have been hospitalized and even succumb to COVID-19, but I didn’t truly know what the experience entails. To read not only about the isolation and depression but also the delirium that often sets in, the way it actually feels to grasp for air (the breathing through a straw example was particularly astonishing), the invasiveness of life-saving efforts, and how if you don’t have contact with loved ones before they are placed on a ventilator, you may not get another chance to do so. What was equally scary, and heartbreaking was the discussion surrounding death from HIV/AIDS. I appreciate that Dr. Kraft and Dr. Gunthel took us through this grueling process. I found myself feeling a deep sadness even hours after the discussion that centered on the Silverlake Life documentary. Despite the sorrowful and melancholy situation, the two men were supportive of one another and even tried to share humorous moments with one another. Knowing the true experience is a powerful thing and I’m curious to know: if more people were aware of what someone infected with and dying from a disease (such as HIV/AIDS) experiences, would they be more gracious, understanding, and supportive?
Pandemic Reflections
CFDE University Course, Fall 2022 (GRAD 700) convened by Dr. Jodie Guest
Many of your thoughts and feelings written in this blog post deeply resonate with me. No words can capture what visual imagery can achieve. This makes me think about what would be the best methods of circulating knowledge the magnitude of of the mortality of HIV/AIDS and COVID. Should films such as the Silverlake Life documentary be required in high school health curriculums? Or perhaps should news outlets focus in more on individual and family stories rather than macro-scale statistics and graphs?
Great discussion starter Brianna. I do think we need both data/statistics to tell the story of a pandemic, but we also need the personal stories of the nurses, doctors and the families that are and have been impacted by COVID and/or HIV/AIDS. Some folks brains can’t really absorb what all the numbers and data means but their hearts can feel and hear a story of loss and pain.
Hi Brianna! I think that most people tend to be more empathetic and caring when finding out someone is dealing with a major issue like HIV/AIDS. With most diseases, anyone can be a victim, and with the media and society constantly being affected by pandemics and illnesses, we are constantly reminded about our mortality. Over time, death becomes a statistic, and it loses its ‘human nature.’ I think that seeing someone go through these life-ending issues makes us remember that death is more than just a statistic and is something we will experience.