Here's What Coronavirus Survivor Wants You to Know

Dr. Dara Kass, a New York City-based emergency doctor, has spoken on MSNBC, FOX, ABC and in the New York Times, among other places. Now she’s speaking to you.

“I think that living in New York City and being a doctor in New York City makes me understand how very real this is,” Dr. Kass told The Edge, referring to the coronavirus pandemic. “You really should take it seriously. That means staying home, social distancing and wearing a mask outside if you can.”

During this pandemic, doctors are being recognized as part of the front line in a war of sorts for public health. It’s not hard to imagine that this must be a stressful time for doctors. While most other people are able to stay at home to protect themselves and their loved ones, doctors are out there everyday in contact with the COVID-19 patients whom they are trying to help.

“This is the first time, I would say in a long time, that doctors are really scared. They’re scared for themselves. They’re scared for their families,” Dr. Kass said.

For doctors, this virus has affected all parts of their lives.

“Most doctors I know are living apart from their children even if it’s in the same house. And that’s really sad and scary to a lot of people because that’s not how they normally live. I haven’t seen my kids in three weeks in person. … So it’s the first time in a long time that it’s a real personal sacrifice, which isn’t to say that it’s not worth it,” she said.

Dr. Dara Kass, retrieved from U.S. News & World Report. (Photo by Marc Goldberg)

Not only is she a doctor, but Dr. Kass has also experienced COVID-19 first hand.

As an emergency doctor where coronavirus is prominent, Dr. Kass knew she was at risk of contracting the virus even with the help of protective equipment. She had muscle aches, fatigue and a cough, “which was terrible,” she said.

Luckily, she’s feeling better now. “There’s a thing about having recovered from this that makes you feel like you’re part of the hero super squad. And people want to be part of that squad. So if you are infected and recovered, you feel so … great,” she shared.

Even while she was sick, Dr. Kass saw patients virtually and practiced telemedicine. During this time, we need doctors more than ever, and even COVID-19 didn’t hold her back for long. Now that she has recovered, Dr. Kass is cleared to return to the emergency room.

Additionally, having recovered, Dr. Kass is able to share her perspective as both a doctor and someone who has experienced the virus. Moreover, having also worked at various universities, her advice to students is to stay informed.

“Stay updated, and stay humble,” Dr. Kass advised. “And realize that sometimes you’re not going to have the answers and sometimes you are, and sometimes the answers are going to change. … If you want to go to Twitter, pick a few people on Twitter that you trust. Watch one news show a day. They all repeat themselves anyway, so just find one news outlet that you trust.”

Dr. Kass advises everyone to “stay updated and stay humble.”

Dr. Kass also suggests that everyone wear a mask when going outside—not just because of their protective qualities but also because of the message that wearing protective gear sends to others. An abundance of masks work in public, she argues, will make people take coronavirus precautions more seriously.

“[Masks] remind people that times [are] different,” she said. “When you walk in the streets of New York City and everyone is wearing a mask, it feels like a time that we need to be home and protected. I mean, that is a cultural change.”

It’s no secret that the world has definitely shifted in the past few months. Hopefully, with Dr. Kass’s advice in mind, we can all get through this soon.

Everyone here at The Edge thanks Dr. Kass for her service during these trying times and for the personal sacrifices she has made for the public and for her family.