We Can Make It Through This

KEEP HANGING IN THERE

Two summers ago, my wife, daughter, son, and I took a family vacation to Switzerland. We had an amazing time, and it’s definitely the type of vacation we want to have again. Unfortunately, we couldn’t travel this past year due to the pandemic. I know many people had to cancel their travel plans in 2020, but even though last year might not have turned out the way we planned, activity and fun is on the horizon. We just need to hold out a little longer.

For a couple of months now, I’ve had a number of conversations with my patients about the necessity of being exceptionally careful in the homestretch of this COVID-19 pandemic. At the time I’m writing this article, cases are on the rise, and while that might be discouraging, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The positive news is that we have two, and possibly three, vaccines that will be rolled out over the next 6–9 months. While it may be another 9–12 months away, the end of the pandemic is in sight.

Currently, there is a reported 95% success rate for the two currently approved COVID-19 vaccines. This means that if, for example, 20 people were to get a vaccine, only one person would not create the antibodies needed to avoid getting sick. Even so, this is great news for everyone! When 70%–80% of people locally and around the globe have been vaccinated and have had a chance to develop these antibodies and vaccine-induced immunologic defenses, it creates herd immunity for the entire world. Therefore, someone who does not develop these vaccine-induced antibodies/defenses will be exposed to fewer infected individuals, and if they do get sick, fewer people will be at risk (to get infected due to their illnesses), and the hospitals will have more staff available to devote to curing them.

As we enter into this new year, I want to encourage everyone to tighten their resolve and efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I know many of these efforts have become exhausting. All the standard steps we’ve taken up until now — mask wearing, hand washing, social distancing — are tedious, and it’s easy to drop our guard. The holidays were particularly challenging, but it is so important that we continue taking these safety steps. It is better to do a Zoom or FaceTime call than put our loved ones at risk. Once the population in the United States has been broadly vaccinated, we can again enjoy the blessed company of our loved ones.

I am reminded of World War II when Americans saw a similar loss of life over the course of four years — with great personal hardship across the country. Now is the time for us to redouble our efforts to adhere to preventive measures and make sure we keep each other as healthy as possible until we, as a country and as a united world, can be protected. If all of us do our very best, we can get back to our regular lives and enjoy life to the fullest. We can pick up our plans to travel with our family and friends — if we keep up our efforts for the next 9–12 months. It might be hard, but I know we can do it. Let’s go full-out in this last stretch, toward that bright horizon.

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.