This past weekend, a bunch of us here in Marsh Creek got together to enjoy some true Texas and Michigan ribs. Mostly outdoors in the lanai. I don’t think any of us really had covid top of our minds, but if we did, we would have rationalized that the outdoors gave us the protection we needed. However, the plates and “sides” were inside in the kitchen. And, with people being people and football on the outdoor TV, we squeezed in closer than Anthony Fauci would want.

Still, what’s the worry? Covid has pretty much been tamed, and everyone has their shots and boosters and masks are soooo 2020. Right?

It turns out that at least four of Saturday’s attendees have gotten sick, as of this writing, all four with confirmed Covid.

This Washington Post article this morning highlights that we are facing a triple threat this winter: Influenza, Covid-19, and something else called RSV.

And Covid is re-surging as a growing threat.

“After the Thanksgiving holiday brought people together indoors, covid hospitalizations among those 70 years and older have jumped 28 percent, a sign of a potential new wave.“

And it adds, “Uptake of the (newest} bivalent booster is only 32.6 percent of the eligible population over 65 years old“, which means millions of us are relying on earlier boosters with waning effectiveness.

“CDC director Rochelle Walensky told us Wednesday that the first line of defense for Americans and their families is getting a covid booster and a flu shot. “Item number two: Do what you can to protect yourself,” she said. “Don’t go out when you’re sick. Don’t be around people who are sick, cough into your sleeve, go to well-ventilated places and wear masks.”“

We like to think of Marsh Creek as an oasis of healthy seniors whom we can carefully rely on to protect themselves, and us in return.

But even the best of intentions sometimes fall short.

So, remember, mask up when needed, get your flu shot and covid boosters, and let’s all enjoy a Healthy and Happy Holiday season.