Will we see a spate of epidemiologists turning to drink and drugs in lieu of the limelight they once enjoyed. No longer stars of stage and screen these white coated superstars are making their way back to the lab and obscurity. Hundreds of these highly trained individuals were featured on our TV screens via Zoom hook ups on a daily basis. Unlikely celebrities, in the main, it was a relief to see this mish mash of human shapes and unkempt faces beamed into our living rooms over a two year period. These guys and gals were the experts advising our erstwhile politicians on pandemic 101 policies. Epidemiologists: When the war is over got to get away.
Epidemiology Stole This Heart Away
Many viewers were unfamiliar with the word epi-demi-ologist, let alone its meaning and relationship to the virus. We were all soon brought up to speed, however, by the unassuming professors and doctors of epidemiology. These public health specialists were like a breath of fresh air in a poky lockdowned hotel room. They crunched the numbers and flattened the curve. Kept us all in the know when it came to pronouncing the letters of the Greek alphabet. Taught us about the proclivities and mating habits of viruses. These academically gifted exemplars of medical science had their 15 minutes of fame, which lasted for more than two years. Don’t get blown away!
When the War is Over Endemically
Now, the pandemic is in its endemic phase. Vaccines have been invented, squabbled over, and distributed to the citizens of wealthy nations. Booster shots are the order of the day. Kids are getting vaccinated too. The frequency ratio of seeing an epidemiologist on the TV has been drastically reduced. I wonder if there are a lot of lines being spouted to mirrors and podcasting going on to make up for this sudden absence of media interest.
Will the roar return to a mumble, as these scientific types shuffle back into their quiet lives. Will dust gather on their expert opinions like a museum in need of a deep clean with bleach.
A Calm Presence Around the Chaos & Madness
Has a taste of the media spotlight changed these worthy citizens forever. I don’t even know if epidemiologists party hard or not. Have they become regular sights on the socialite scene. How many epidemiologists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but wearing gloves and mask it takes a heck of a long time. Do epidemiologist parents ground their teenage kids more often? “When the war is over got to get away….Got to start again….How can I go home and not get blown away” I tip my hat to Steve Prestwich the drummer from Cold Chisel and author of this song that I have liberally borrowed lyrics from. Epidemiologists are like soldiers returning from war with the coronavirus. I hope they don’t get blown away.
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