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I Was Miserable for Weeks. Then I Found Out I Could Donate My Plasma. I Was Miserable for Weeks. Then I Found Out I Could Donate My Plasma.
(32 minutes later)
Like most other people on Earth, I had a really bad March.Like most other people on Earth, I had a really bad March.
I got the coronavirus around the time New York City was shutting down. As soon as I recovered, my boyfriend developed a raging fever that would last for two weeks, along with double pneumonia that eventually forced him to the emergency room. We spent about a month locked in our apartment.I got the coronavirus around the time New York City was shutting down. As soon as I recovered, my boyfriend developed a raging fever that would last for two weeks, along with double pneumonia that eventually forced him to the emergency room. We spent about a month locked in our apartment.
Those weeks of misery culminated in a gift: a positive antibody test. With it, I have had the privilege of being useful to my fellow New Yorkers in a moment when it is hard not to feel powerless in the face of so much suffering.Those weeks of misery culminated in a gift: a positive antibody test. With it, I have had the privilege of being useful to my fellow New Yorkers in a moment when it is hard not to feel powerless in the face of so much suffering.
Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan was one of the first hospitals in the country to develop an antibody test, which was available by late March. Since then, about 45,000 people have emailed the hospital, asking how to donate their antibody-rich plasma to New Yorkers fighting the virus.Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan was one of the first hospitals in the country to develop an antibody test, which was available by late March. Since then, about 45,000 people have emailed the hospital, asking how to donate their antibody-rich plasma to New Yorkers fighting the virus.
“We had more interest than I ever could have imagined,” said Dr. Ania Wajnberg, who runs the hospital’s new antibody donor identification program — and whose inbox was flooded with thousands of emails a day from prospective donors. “Given that a lot of the backdrop to this time has been horrifying, this particular piece of it has been a very positive thing to be involved in.”“We had more interest than I ever could have imagined,” said Dr. Ania Wajnberg, who runs the hospital’s new antibody donor identification program — and whose inbox was flooded with thousands of emails a day from prospective donors. “Given that a lot of the backdrop to this time has been horrifying, this particular piece of it has been a very positive thing to be involved in.”
I was sick early enough in the city’s outbreak to secure a spot in Mount Sinai’s study, along with more than 25,000 others who have reported to the hospital so far to have their blood tested.I was sick early enough in the city’s outbreak to secure a spot in Mount Sinai’s study, along with more than 25,000 others who have reported to the hospital so far to have their blood tested.
A few days after my blood test, I found out that I was part of an elite group of about 12,000 New Yorkers who had produced high enough levels of antibodies to donate plasma.A few days after my blood test, I found out that I was part of an elite group of about 12,000 New Yorkers who had produced high enough levels of antibodies to donate plasma.
At least 350 Covid-19 patients in the Mount Sinai system have been treated with plasma so far, and a recent study found that the transfusions improved survival rates for many of those patients.At least 350 Covid-19 patients in the Mount Sinai system have been treated with plasma so far, and a recent study found that the transfusions improved survival rates for many of those patients.
Trying to fit eight plasma donations, scheduled at least a week apart, into three months reminded me of a favorite Before Times activity: making restaurant reservations in a city where dining out can feel like a competitive sport.Trying to fit eight plasma donations, scheduled at least a week apart, into three months reminded me of a favorite Before Times activity: making restaurant reservations in a city where dining out can feel like a competitive sport.
The New York Blood Center is typically booked solid from 7:45 a.m. through the evening, and I rarely find a free appointment even when I call in the morning to ask about cancellations.The New York Blood Center is typically booked solid from 7:45 a.m. through the evening, and I rarely find a free appointment even when I call in the morning to ask about cancellations.
That competition has been productive: The Blood Center is collecting about 4,000 units of plasma a week. Most of the country’s plasma supply is coming from donors in New York.That competition has been productive: The Blood Center is collecting about 4,000 units of plasma a week. Most of the country’s plasma supply is coming from donors in New York.
When I started my own visits to the center at the peak of the city’s crisis, I soon discovered that it’s one of the last places in town that still feels like the New York City I have lived in all my life.When I started my own visits to the center at the peak of the city’s crisis, I soon discovered that it’s one of the last places in town that still feels like the New York City I have lived in all my life.
For the last six weeks, each of my visits has begun with a taxi ride through New York in purgatory.For the last six weeks, each of my visits has begun with a taxi ride through New York in purgatory.
New York still looks very much like its old self on the glorious trip over the Brooklyn Bridge and up the F.D.R. Drive, along the East River. But once we start weaving through Midtown, it’s eerily quiet until we reach the blocks around Weill-Cornell Hospital, where nurses and doctors take their breaks in empty schoolyards nearby.New York still looks very much like its old self on the glorious trip over the Brooklyn Bridge and up the F.D.R. Drive, along the East River. But once we start weaving through Midtown, it’s eerily quiet until we reach the blocks around Weill-Cornell Hospital, where nurses and doctors take their breaks in empty schoolyards nearby.
Then I open the doors of the Blood Center, and find a bustling mini-metropolis where I get the rare treat of spending time in the company of strangers.Then I open the doors of the Blood Center, and find a bustling mini-metropolis where I get the rare treat of spending time in the company of strangers.
I desperately miss the easy camaraderie I associate with leisurely day games at Citi Field, even and sometimes especially when the Mets are losing. The center, much like a ballpark, is an ideal place to make friends without ever exchanging names, to form a brief yet intense bond and never speak to them again.I desperately miss the easy camaraderie I associate with leisurely day games at Citi Field, even and sometimes especially when the Mets are losing. The center, much like a ballpark, is an ideal place to make friends without ever exchanging names, to form a brief yet intense bond and never speak to them again.
I have tried to recreate that thrill by perfecting an unsubtle but effective form of schmoozing while sitting with a large needle in my arm. I turn to the donors to the right and left of me, while their I.V. bags fill with bright yellow plasma, and stare into their eyes over my mask.I have tried to recreate that thrill by perfecting an unsubtle but effective form of schmoozing while sitting with a large needle in my arm. I turn to the donors to the right and left of me, while their I.V. bags fill with bright yellow plasma, and stare into their eyes over my mask.
Turns out, people at the center want to talk.Turns out, people at the center want to talk.
We chat about our coronavirus symptoms and antibody levels and offer tips about how to produce 600 milliliters of plasma as quickly as possible: Drink lots of water beforehand and vigorously pump the squeeze balls we are given.We chat about our coronavirus symptoms and antibody levels and offer tips about how to produce 600 milliliters of plasma as quickly as possible: Drink lots of water beforehand and vigorously pump the squeeze balls we are given.
Giving plasma requires some degree of concentration. Every few minutes, a machine will alert you to stop squeezing and let blood stripped of plasma flow back into your veins, which feels like a rush of cold air.Giving plasma requires some degree of concentration. Every few minutes, a machine will alert you to stop squeezing and let blood stripped of plasma flow back into your veins, which feels like a rush of cold air.
An easy way to bond is to inform a distracted neighbor that it’s time to stop (or start) pumping.An easy way to bond is to inform a distracted neighbor that it’s time to stop (or start) pumping.
Donors are eager to celebrate even small victories.Donors are eager to celebrate even small victories.
At one session, a woman to my left had been warned that her veins might be too thin to produce enough plasma. When she successfully filled up her bag, the entire row applauded.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
At one session, a woman to my left had been warned that her veins might be too thin to produce enough plasma. When she successfully filled up her bag, the entire row applauded.
During my first donation session, I was surrounded mostly by front-line workers. A doctor among the donors was informed that her plasma had already been matched with a hospitalized patient who matched her blood type. I know we were all beaming under our masks.During my first donation session, I was surrounded mostly by front-line workers. A doctor among the donors was informed that her plasma had already been matched with a hospitalized patient who matched her blood type. I know we were all beaming under our masks.
There is even a kind of reassuringly familiar frustration shared among donors when inconvenience strikes, as it tends to do in New York City.There is even a kind of reassuringly familiar frustration shared among donors when inconvenience strikes, as it tends to do in New York City.
There is a socially distanced line in the hallway entry to the center, where we gather before a nurse sticks a disposable thermometer under our tongues. Sometimes, things get backed up there, or we forget who is next up to get their finger pricked for iron levels.There is a socially distanced line in the hallway entry to the center, where we gather before a nurse sticks a disposable thermometer under our tongues. Sometimes, things get backed up there, or we forget who is next up to get their finger pricked for iron levels.
When eyes start to roll and feet start to tap impatiently, I am reminded of being stalled in a subway tunnel, sighing loudly with my fellow passengers, united in the delusion that our annoyance will propel the train forward.When eyes start to roll and feet start to tap impatiently, I am reminded of being stalled in a subway tunnel, sighing loudly with my fellow passengers, united in the delusion that our annoyance will propel the train forward.
The last stop of every session is a mandatory trip to the canteen, where we are asked to chug cranberry juice to ensure we don’t faint after losing all that blood.The last stop of every session is a mandatory trip to the canteen, where we are asked to chug cranberry juice to ensure we don’t faint after losing all that blood.
A certain degree of imagination is needed to make that room feel like a movie theater. But there we all are, alone together, chewing quietly at the little tables and watching a “Friends” rerun or old action movie on the wall-mounted television.A certain degree of imagination is needed to make that room feel like a movie theater. But there we all are, alone together, chewing quietly at the little tables and watching a “Friends” rerun or old action movie on the wall-mounted television.
The pandemic version of New York City, the place where vulnerable people are suffering even more than they were when our economy was booming, is on full display right outside the center’s front windows. The public school building across the street has turned into a food pantry, which draws scores of families who form a long line down East 67th Street.The pandemic version of New York City, the place where vulnerable people are suffering even more than they were when our economy was booming, is on full display right outside the center’s front windows. The public school building across the street has turned into a food pantry, which draws scores of families who form a long line down East 67th Street.
I have spent the last seven years writing about the city’s public schools, and my happiest days on the beat have taken place in crowded classrooms and cafeterias, chatting with students. I miss schools more than I ever would have imagined.I have spent the last seven years writing about the city’s public schools, and my happiest days on the beat have taken place in crowded classrooms and cafeterias, chatting with students. I miss schools more than I ever would have imagined.
I know I won’t be taking notes in the back of a classroom anytime soon.I know I won’t be taking notes in the back of a classroom anytime soon.
So I head to the Blood Center, the place where New York is still thriving, and New Yorkers are pumping life back into our city.So I head to the Blood Center, the place where New York is still thriving, and New Yorkers are pumping life back into our city.