In a recent reflection on societal attitudes towards illness, the author recounts a personal history of "common cold denialism," a phenomenon where individuals refuse to acknowledge their cold symptoms. This introspection comes in light of a recent cold the author experienced, which contrasted sharply with the denialist tendencies of their childhood. The narrative illustrates how cultural attitudes towards minor ailments can shape behavior and perceptions of health.
Growing up in a household where mild illnesses were often downplayed, the author and their sibling would interrogate their parents upon hearing the telltale signs of a cold, such as sneezing. The parents, in turn, would attribute their symptoms to various benign causes like allergies or environmental factors, creating a familial culture of denial regarding the common cold. This pattern of behavior was internalized by the author, who found themselves rationalizing their own cold symptoms as something other than an illness.
However, the author’s perspective shifted over time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They began to see the denial of common ailments not as a strength but as a weakness, a futile attempt to escape the reality of sickness. This realization was compounded by observing others who, in an effort to avoid illness, engaged in behaviors such as wearing masks and receiving vaccinations, which the author likened to their childhood denial.
The narrative takes a political turn as the author expresses enthusiasm for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The author believes that Kennedy’s leadership will help steer public health away from excessive mandates and towards a more balanced understanding of health and illness. They argue that Kennedy’s approach could restore the principle of "first, do no harm" in medicine, emphasizing the limits of medical intervention and the inevitability of illness.
In closing, the author advocates for a realistic acceptance of health as a transient state, underscoring the inevitability of ailments like the common cold. They draw from personal experiences, including the deaths of family members, to illustrate the unpredictability of health and the futility of denying minor illnesses. The piece serves as both a personal memoir and a commentary on broader societal attitudes towards health, urging a more honest relationship with the realities of sickness.