I have to take a break from blogging here at Saving Advice, most likely through the end of the year, potentially longer.
I love coming here to talk about personal finance and give advice to others climbing out of debt. It's such a joy to see others finally get that they can take charge and make positive changes in their finances when before they were overwhelmed and at the end of their rope. They realize that the only one that can fix it is themselves. They deep dive into asking questions, reading and listening to others and taking actions to make the change happen.
I love the community we have and how supportive we generally are with each other. Because of the times we are in, the conversation has shifted. This is fine as I do respect each person to have their own journey, perspective and be able to talk/write about it. Our military family believes in free speech, even if we disagree with what is said.
I find myself frustrated and stressed on the topic of this virus after spending much of my free time in the last five years researching infectious illness, vaccines and natural health. Just like deep diving into all things finance there is so much to know on all these topics, much of it not out in the mainstream news, or even in many doctor's offices. Much of what we know about the body, such as the microbiome and virome are not yet in clinical practice despite the amazing knowledge that science is providing on health. In fact, it is said the clinical practice is 17 years behind the research.
I have read books, package inserts for drugs and tests. I read published medical literature, and listened to many, many license medical doctors on YouTube as they explain their research. I personally have no fear on this virus, and yes, two people I know have been diagnosed with it and at this point all have recovered. I have a much deeper understanding of what is going on than what the news and government agencies are telling the masses. The government is not my doctor when they fail to discuss nutrition (Vitamin D, anyone?) in depth as a way to prevent chronic illness, when they fail to do inert placebo studies on vaccines(read a package insert at the FDA website) and when they manipulate data (not just this virus). It's such a big topic, and ultimately it is not really my job to explain myself or convince you of anything. I do hope you respect my right to say it and don't feel the need to label it as hearsay, misinformation or conspiracy, as those are only meant to control and distract. Those words only divide and separate us. They stop us from listening and investigating.
If this rushed vaccine comes to market, the military is very likely to be some of the first to get it. It would be very rare to have the option to opt out and get to stay in the military. We are watching this closely, and it ultimately will be my husband's decision if he gets it and finishes the three years he has until he reaches 20 years of active service and can retire with a pension. If he decides the risk of this rushed completely new type of vaccine is not worth it for his individual health, he will leave the military early without a pension. This will shift our entire financial plan. Maybe that is what life has in store for us, maybe not.
If you followed one of the vaccine trials for this virus, all the monkeys who received the vaccine, and then were challenged with the virus, all got the virus...no protection at all. This is happening with the dengue vaccine in Africa too. Scientists have been trying to make a coronavirus vaccine since the 1990's. All have been unsuccessful because of this result mentioned above, death has even been a result when challenged with the virus in mice. So if this product never comes to fruition, what will you do to protect yourself? What options do you have other than what have already been given? Something to consider and investigate I would think.
I would like everyone waiting for this rushed vaccine to also know that all manufacturers for vaccines have no liability for injury and death from their product. The only product in the United States with this protection. This has been in effect since 1986, it's called National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act. The history on how that came to be is quite interesting.
I've said enough. This is a BIG topic, there is no way I can tell you all I know in one blog post. But do know that yes there are other points of view average citizens and thousands of medical doctors, virologists, and epidemiologists have on this. There is also major censorship going on of these voices. Science is never settled and discussion, discovery and debate are part of the process.
Just like taking control of debt or our finances, I believe our health is the same way. There is so much to know and understand. I truly wish everyone health and wellness and honestly see that in time this virus may bring about a new way of managing health that is better than the old ways we have been taught.
For now, for this season, I need my own little corner of the internet that will keep me calm (low stress is part of health too). However, I still need to write! I will post my regular content at my financial blog,
Taking A Break...Explaining Why
July 17th, 2020 at 01:43 pm
July 17th, 2020 at 01:53 pm 1594993980
I'll try to "see" you on your other blog.
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In addition, studies show that antibodies usually do not last. Many people donating convalescent plasma can do so early after recovering, but their antibody levels drop to the point they no longer qualify. Virologists and immunologists theorize that there is T-cell memory of the infection and that if a patient is reinfected, the infection would be mild. There are now a number of anecdotal incidences of reinfection. In some of these cases, the second infection is worse than the first.
Furthermore, there are multiple presentations of this disease. There is a primarily gastrointestinal presentation and a neurological presentation. The neurological presentation means this virus is capable of getting into the central nervous system and the brain.
It will take decades to understand this disease and to clean up the mess it will leave. If you want to understand the persistent nature of the effects, there is a public Facebook group called Survivor Corps with over 70,000 members. The stories of this disease told there will shock and horrify you. Thousands upon thousands of people are caught in a living hell. Many of them are in their 20's and thirties. Children are susceptible as well. It's not just an old folks' disease.
When they are approved, monoclonal antibodies will significantly improve treatment, if they are administered early. The virologists believe there will be effective vaccines, but I'm taking a wait and see approach. The Chinese are reportedly administering their first vaccine to their military, which supports CCF's concern about her husband.
In the meantime, I urge everyone to take precautions not to be exposed. The consequences of catching this virus are far more severe than you realize.
July 17th, 2020 at 03:51 pm 1595001077
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I was just yesterday completing health forms for DS3's college this Fall and it occurred to me as I signed authorizations that things could play out in a way that mandated the CV vaccine for all college students. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but it would force a big decision for us. I didn't even think about the military! That is indeed scary for your family. But you know what? It's got to make you super thankful that you have managed your money wisely over the decades. You could lose that pension and still be okay. I hope you don't of course, but you wouldn't be in a position of desperation. Good for you!
If you choose to stay away from this site for a while, I'll follow your other blog! I've been skipping the blog entries that are political in nature or those that have a fearful or finger-wagging tone on the virus. This site is for financial support after all. The exception has been the bloggers sharing personal health concerns. I feel like I know the people here and I care about them so I've said prayers and made suggestions several times. Before I was a blogger I was a reader and frequent commenter on this site and I took a long hiatus after the last election. At that time I felt that this site had gotten too political and the blog entries were less about finance but also less supportive in their nature. It bothered me to see the bitterness though perhaps it was an outlet for some. It was good for me to stay away. And once I came back and then made the decision to blog, I made a pact with myself that I would make sure I never used my blog that way - to further an agenda.
If you ever discover a community like this one that talks about health journeys instead of financial journeys, please let me know! I haven't found anything like that but I'd love to be a part of one.
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