Every day we're confronted with more disturbing news out of Victoria: the new cases in their hundreds and the death toll for the preceding 24 hours. With grim regularity we hear of more than 10 people who have succumbed to the virus. But counting the deaths reveals only part of the story.
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We need to start looking at the cost of the virus the same way we began to look at road trauma so we see the full picture. Adding to the tragedy of lives lost to COVID-19 are the lives that have been turned upside down by the virus.
Already, we are seeing reports of otherwise healthy people suffering the aftermath many months after they have "recovered" from the virus. Just like people injured on our roads, those who face months, possibly years, of hardship in the wake of the virus should not be forgotten.
At this stage of the pandemic, we don't really know how widespread or severe the after effects of the virus on patients will be. However, we know for some it has changed their lives forever, compromising any sense of wellness. An example that received much publicity in Australia was the doctor whose heart was scarred so badly he can no longer drive nor ride his bicycle for exercise.
Other individuals have reported ongoing health problems months after "recovering".
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners warns on its website of ongoing complications including lung damage for patients who are recovering from COVID.
Health authorities in Hong Kong predict that COVID patients who were seriously ill might suffer up to 30 per cent loss of lung function. That's a serious consequence of becoming infected.
We should all take notice of the risk of life-altering complications from COVID, especially young people who might regard themselves as bulletproof.
Yes, elderly people are more likely to die from the virus, but young people who contract it - and many have - risk ending up with long-term health problems and a diminished quality of life.
Viewed like this, the consequences of COVID ought to convince all people to be ultra-vigilant and take the warnings seriously.
Young folk posting selfies in tight huddles with friends they haven't seen for months might live to regret that momentary lapse in social distancing for the rest of their lives.
That's simply a risk not worth taking.