According to the CDC, older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at higher risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19.
To help stop the spread of the coronavirus — especially to these high-risk individuals — public health officials are recommending social distancing, or staying away from other people in order to avoid catching or spreading the virus.
But not everyone is listening. This was the scene in Nashville on Saturday night.
Downtown Nashville is undefeated.
"The world doesn't have to end because some have compromised immune systems," said one person. "Proud of you." SMH.
Also on Saturday night, however, high-risk people began sharing their own stories on Twitter, begging others to practice social distancing not only to protect themselves but also to protect the elderly and the immunocompromised. Here are some of their powerful, heart-wrenching pleas.
I am immunocompromised and my life counts. #HighRiskCovid19 Please join us in putting a face to those who are vulnerable to the #coronavirus.
1. "I'd like to see my son graduate college."
I have Grave's disease, fibro, cfs, and asthma. Just because YOU are healthy does not mean the rest of us are. Think about more than yourself. I am a single mom. I'd like to see my son graduate college. #HighRiskCovid19
2. "Don’t take me away from my girls."
I’m 46 and have been on immunosuppressants for 15 years. These meds keep my body from fighting itself and enable me to function. If you were to meet me, you’d never know. I look 100% healthy. Don’t take me away from my girls. My life matters. Our lives matter. #HighRiskCovid19
3. "Let me see her again please."
#HighRiskCovid19 my 88 mother in a nursing home. I’m locked out, she’s locked in. Let me see her again please. #StayAtHome please!
4. "If I get this virus, it's life and death."
My name is Imani Barbarin, I have cerebral palsy, diabetes and sleep apnea. All of these things affect my breathing in their own way. I have increased risk factors. If I get this virus, it’s life and death. #HighRiskCovid19
5. "I have three kids that live at home. Please flatten the curve."
#HighRiskCovid19 I am immune suppressed. I have 2 autoimmune diseases. My lungs were damaged when I had thyroid surgery 5 years ago. I have three kids that live at home. Please flatten the curve.
6. "If you’re one of the lucky '80% who'll probably be just fine...’ this isn’t about you. This is about the greater good."
If you’re one of the lucky ‘80% who’ll probably be just fine...’ this isn’t about you. This is about the greater good. This is my son who is immunocompromised, & I’m asking you to do your part in social distancing for him and for so many others who need us to. #HighRiskCovid19
7. "Please work to help people like me."
Five years ago I had a heart transplant. I now take medication to suppress my immune system. I’m also a NP and work every day to help people. Please work to help people like me. #HighRiskCovid19
8. "I am #HighRiskCovid19. Think about me when you break #SocialDistancing."
I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which restricts my breathing. I have scarring in my lungs from frequent bouts of pneumonia. I also have heart arrhythmia when I have fevers. I am #HighRiskCovid19. Think abt me when you break #SocialDistancing.
9. "I'm immunocompromised and my life counts."
I’m immunocompromised and my life counts. I’m high risk for blood clots and inflammation damage from #RA #highriskCOVID19
10. "I am living with stage 4 cancer. ... I am immunocompromised."
I am living with stage 4 cancer. I am receiving monthly immunotherapy. I am immunocompromised. #HighRiskCovid19
11. "I turned 29 [two] weeks ago. I'm #HighRiskCovid19 [and] deserve to see 30."
Hi y’all! I‘m Kati. I have #EhlersDanlos w/ MCAS, celiac, congenital heart disease, (med resistant) gastroparesis, POTS, & more. I’m tube fed, IV hydrated via chest port, on corticosteroids, w/ 48% lung function. I turned 29 2 weeks ago. I’m #HighRiskCovid19 & deserve to see 30.
12. "My life depends on how you choose to cooperate during this time!"
My life depends on how you choose to cooperate during this time! I’m immunocompromised & my life matters too!! I depend on you to help protect me. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, restrictive lung disease, asthma, mitral valve prolapse, & obstructive sleep apnea. #HighRiskCovid19
13. "Take into consideration those who are high risk."
I have Lupus so I’m immunocompromised. My life matters, including millions of others who are also sick. Take into consideration those who are high risk 💜 #HighRiskCovid19
14. "There are so many people out there like me who are also [compromised], and despite what anyone says we are important. Our lives matter."
I have stage 4 cancer which has lead to me being immunocompromised. There are so many people out there like me who are also comprised, and despite what anyone says we are important. Our lives matter. #HighRiskCovid19
15. "Please think of us before you go out to a bar."
My name is Wendy, and I have vocal cord paralysis and wear a tracheostomy tube to help me breathe. My life matters, and the lives of all #disabled, immunocompromised and elderly people matter. Please think of us before you go out to a bar. #HighRiskCovid19 #SocialDistancing
16. "My life [and] the lives of other disabled [people matter and are] deserving of community protection."
I’m immune compromised. I am an advanced stage leukemia patient awaiting a match for a bone marrow transplant. This makes me #HighRiskCovid19. My life& the lives of other disabled ppl matters & is deserving of community protection. Please practice social solidarity in this time.
17. "I don’t want to die."
I’m Leah Grace. I’m 16 and have EDS and an awful immune system. I don’t want to die. This is who you’re protecting. #HighRiskCovid19
H/T: Twitter Moments