When COVID-19 first became a household word along with our new vocabulary like flattening the curve and social distancing, we had several assumptions about how it would affect people. At first scientists thought elderly and those with chronic conditions were were most vulnerable.
However, time is showing us that there is a surprising subset of young, healthy people who can also get very sick, or have mild initial symptoms, but have long-term effects. The people who also were hospitalized have long recoveries, due to the ravages of COVID, the body’s immune response, and the treatment to keep them alive.
This group of people with long-lasting symptoms have called themselves the “Long Haulers” as they seek support from Facebook groups and other social media platforms. In this episode, we talk about the long-term effects that are being seen, and the research surrounding it.
Resources
- The lasting misery of coronavirus long-haulers – Nature
- After a Hospital Stay for COVID, Patients May Face Months of Rehabilitation – New York Times
- Long-Term Symptoms of COVID-19 – NPR
- What It’s Like When COVID-19 Lasts For Months – NPR
Hispanic Traditions to Honor the Dead
For our Recipe section today, we actually talk about the wonderful funeral traditions in Hispanic culture. Follow this link for a full run-down on Hispanic funeral traditions.
Charlie shares some of his own memories and favorite foods.
https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/concha-recipe/Conchas are “shells” in Spanish. The soft, sweet bread with natural-colored toppings that resemble shells. Nearly every bakery (panadería) carries them, and they are a favorite any time of day. Here’s a great recipe for conchas with a couple of different toppings.
Pastelitos are Cuban pocket pastries made with light pastry dough and filled with both sweet or savory fillings such as cream cheese, pineapple and coconut, and the popular ground beef with onions and peppers. Here’s a recipe for cheese and potato pastelitos – how can you go wrong with that combo?
Beware the Body Snatchers
Well, we’re well into October, so why not have some interesting tales about people whose body (parts?) traveled from where their grave marker is. And this, Marianne says, is why you need an Advance Directive!
Do you have any tales of your own? Special funeral traditions you want to share? Please let us know in the comments below!
