<![CDATA[I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier.]]>I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a denier. I'm obviously not, since I've spent six years warning people about the chronic risks of reinfections, which include Long COVID, as well as cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, and other long-term risks. So here's my attitude, and let me preface it by saying everyone should make their own decisions. I'm NOT telling you what to do, just what I do. Okay?

The goal of life is NOT to avoid all risks. 1/3

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/topic/39c148ed-e7fb-4599-94e5-8f22d2e85b30/i-had-a-bad-day-getting-attacked-on-mastodon-as-if-i-m-a-covid19-denier.RSS for NodeFri, 15 May 2026 06:14:15 GMTWed, 22 Apr 2026 02:33:46 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:01:29 GMT]]>@augieray

The late comic George Carlin had a joke: “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”

COVID-19 mitigation measures are kind of like that: anybody who is doing less than you are is an idiot, and anybody who is doing more than you is an overly fearful hypochondriac.

The people who follow you have been following you, in part, because you've been one of the voices calling for more mitigation, and so *for that audience*, seeing you "change lanes" might feel like you now consider tham overly fearful hypochondriacs... which might be upsetting for them (especially since they have had so few people in their lane to start with!) 😞 So they yell at you, which is upsetting for you. Lose-lose! 😞😞

It's also easier to yell at you because you are one person, instead of having to yell at the approximately eight billion people who are taking fewer mitigation measures. 😞

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mstdn.ca/users/ducky/statuses/116461226504099387https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mstdn.ca/users/ducky/statuses/116461226504099387Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:01:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:49:04 GMT]]>@augieray

Thank you for your dedication. I agree that we should all be free to make our own choices. Each of us has very different life situations and comfort levels and we will be have to deal with the decisions we make. The authoritarians on both sides of Covid should just stuff it.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://sauropods.win/users/KanaMauna/statuses/116452684222042838https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://sauropods.win/users/KanaMauna/statuses/116452684222042838Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:49:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:09:15 GMT]]>@melsdung That’s the piece that often gets missed in discussions about risks—the risks we impose on others without their knowledge or consent. Thanks for isolating and protecting others. @augieray

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://zeroes.ca/ap/users/116271030370327920/statuses/116449460560520330https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://zeroes.ca/ap/users/116271030370327920/statuses/116449460560520330Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:09:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:38:30 GMT]]>@flaubau Go out with an eye towards some caution, please. If you are like me, you'll opt for more outdoor experiences, places with open windows, spots that are more spacious, and at times that are less crowded. But I do agree, YOLO.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116449103745410026https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116449103745410026Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:38:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:22:53 GMT]]>@augieray

had vaccine complications, still got 3 of them, then almost died from deltacovid, suffered for a year after, suffered again much less during infection 2 and 3. some of the damage will last forever.

but heck i'm going out.
have done so for years.
yolo.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://gay-pirate-assassins.de/users/flaubau/statuses/01KPTWJYPA89M644A4Z0666WNYhttps://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://gay-pirate-assassins.de/users/flaubau/statuses/01KPTWJYPA89M644A4Z0666WNYWed, 22 Apr 2026 15:22:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:23:55 GMT]]>@mister_shade02X2 I had hoped Mastodon might be a kinder place than Twitter, and for the most part, it is. But, there are people who want to attack anyone who doesn't constantly urge maximal COVID caution, regardless of data or facts.

The irony is that I'm still cautious! But, just like I vary my behaviors to match the risks of severe weather, I also vary my behaviors to match COVID risks. I'm never at my pre-2020 "normal," but I am closer today than I've been in years.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448810434382967https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448810434382967Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:23:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:15:08 GMT]]>@augieray I’m very sorry that people have been lashing out at you. All you’ve been trying to do is provide honest info about COVID.

This behavior is unfortunately something I’ve encountered on Mastodon several times (of course, bad actors can be found all over the web).

My feed has emptied out some as people abandon Mastodon due to harassment from…whatever we want to call these trolls. Gatekeepers. Purity testers. Both-sides-ers.

Some who leave here try out Bluesky instead.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/mister_shade02X2/statuses/116448775907541172https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/mister_shade02X2/statuses/116448775907541172Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:15:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:35:56 GMT]]>@QuercusMacrocarpa I'll try. It's wise advice!

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448385866589535https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448385866589535Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:35:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:34:04 GMT]]>@augieray Your thoughts seem unassailably reasonable, sane and balanced. Try not to let those who assail from a position of emotion discourage you.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/QuercusMacrocarpa/statuses/116448378488261340https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/QuercusMacrocarpa/statuses/116448378488261340Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:34:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:07:38 GMT]]>@MatWright There is little evidence that BA.3.2 will "become a beast." In other nations where it surged, the surge was quite brief. There is some evidence BA.3.2 might surge quickly and then plunge quickly after burning through available kids. And, much like you observed in your area, it seems once schools are seeded, they rapidly fill with infections--but then that recedes just as quickly. Hope you and the kids stay safe, but that variant isn't going to fuel a summer surge, IMO.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448274586459856https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448274586459856Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:07:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:05:29 GMT]]>@edsuom All things being equal, I'd rather dine outdoors, but living in Wisconsin, that isn't possible most of the year. So, I try to visit places on off-hours--prefering more mid-afternoon dining to crowded lunch or dinner times.

I do, however, understand your decision! We all need to support each other more, and I appreciate your reply.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448266125651054https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448266125651054Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:05:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:46 GMT]]>@melsdung Thank you for sharing your thoughts. While everyone has to make their own decisions, yours seem very grounded and sensible.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448247609563523https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116448247609563523Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:19:35 GMT]]>@augieray As part of the Covid cautious bubble for years now I can understand a little bit that our statements cause discomfort or anger. We experienced the whole society leaving us alone and don't caring about Covid anymore. I think there is this fear we might leave the bubble as well.

But for me, there is a big difference between taking small risks for oneself or risking other people's health. I isolated myself instantly and didn't infect anybody - would be nice if everybody did this. (2/2)

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://nrw.social/users/melsdung/statuses/116446905964342509https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://nrw.social/users/melsdung/statuses/116446905964342509Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:19:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:09:24 GMT]]>@augieray I posted something quite similar just yesterday. I had my first Covid infection two months ago out of the blue, so it did something with me: Am I really willing to try to avoid 100 % of infections (which worked for six years but obviously doesn't work forever) when this means to impair my mental health? I came to the conclusion: for the next months I will be doing more things outdoors without a mask. Can I be infected again? Yes. But statistically, now is the best moment for it. (1/2)

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://nrw.social/users/melsdung/statuses/116446865934188158https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://nrw.social/users/melsdung/statuses/116446865934188158Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:09:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:12:14 GMT]]>@augieray I respect this, because you’ve earned that respect with your informative and well-reasoned postings. Even while doubting I’ll ever eat inside a restaurant again myself.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://hachyderm.io/users/edsuom/statuses/116446405198371068https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://hachyderm.io/users/edsuom/statuses/116446405198371068Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:12:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:05:26 GMT]]>@augieray I'm glad you mentioned a potential summer surge - we have 5+ kids in our neighbourhood now positive in the last 2 days, 1 sent to hospital, and 2 reinfected a month after a previous infection

Suspecting BA 3.2, which might become a beast

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/MatWright/statuses/116446378480083891https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/MatWright/statuses/116446378480083891Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:05:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:14:05 GMT]]>@augieray godhart’s law says: “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure”, and i think for some people just being scared of covid, for better or worse reasons that i’m not to judge, became the main, perhaps the only way to interact with the world, sometimes even becoming their (online) personalities.

sadly we live in a moment that rewards radicalisation as an identity and value system.

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/argonaut/statuses/116446176577763116https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/argonaut/statuses/116446176577763116Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:14:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:39:18 GMT]]>But I've decided, with the lowest risks in years to get out more. That doesn't mean taking stupid risks. It means enjoying social activities in bars and restaurants when they're less crowded.

You're free to disagree, but that's my assessment. If COVID surges in summer, I'll adjust to more caution. But with low risks, 9 vaccinations, and awareness of environments that are higher and lower risks, I'm making informed decisions.

You do you. Just make sure you choose to enjoy life safely! 3/3

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116446039830377015https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116446039830377015Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:39:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I had a bad day getting attacked on mastodon as if I'm a #COVID19 denier. on Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:34:41 GMT]]>You drive, cross the street, ride a bike, or take a trip, you accept risks. You do that because the benefits are greater, in your evaluation, than the risks.

My feeling about COVID is based on data. For two years we've had consecutively smaller surges and are now at the lowest risks in four years, per wastewater analysis. Does that mean you can't get COVID? Absolutely not. But there hasn't been a lower risk since 2021.

I still mask when I can, such as in airports and airplanes. 2/3

]]>https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116446021625991162https://board.circlewithadot.net/post/https://mastodon.social/users/augieray/statuses/116446021625991162Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:34:41 GMT