Reflecting on the Pandemic—And What We’re Seeing Again
In early 2020, we had just returned to New Jersey from a trip to India. I remember it vividly—it was a Friday when we landed, and by that Sunday, international travel was restricted. Jobs were going remote, the world was talking about “essential vs. non-essential” employees, and an overwhelming wave of uncertainty took over. Deaths were mounting. The fear was palpable. It took over two years before the government could finally declare the pandemic “over.”
And yet, here we are again—watching a resurgence of COVID-19, albeit in a different form. In recent months, some regions of Asia have reported increasing cases1, and within India, the state of Maharashtra1 is currently seeing a concerning rise in infections.
This made me reflect on the FDA’s latest COVID-19 vaccine policy in 20252, which now focuses on providing access to seniors 65 and older, as well as other high-risk individuals, while limiting availability for the general population. Honestly, I find this targeted strategy commendable. I was never quite on board with the “booster after booster” approach, especially when it felt like decisions were being made too quickly and without adequate transparency.
From what I understand, this new direction signals a more thoughtful path—where studies will be conducted across age groups before universal rollouts. While some may say it’s a bit late, I still believe it’s a step in the right direction.
My Personal Battle with COVID as a New Mom
In January of 2022, I had one of the hardest experiences of my life: battling COVID while caring for my two-month-old daughter.
It was horrendous. I lost my sense of taste and smell. I had a high fever—fluctuating between 103°F and 104°F. Despite the pain and fatigue, I still had to care for my newborn and her older sibling. I wore a mask around the clock, hoping to shield her. But there was no one else to step in. No backup. Just me, sick and overwhelmed, doing everything I could to protect my babies.
Accessing test kits was a struggle. Getting rest was impossible. Managing symptoms while keeping two little humans safe felt like walking through fire.
What Helped Me Most: Tylenol & Simple Support Tools
One thing that truly helped me? Tylenol. It was the one medicine that consistently brought my fever down and helped me function, even a little. I’m not someone who reaches for meds casually—but when you’re sick, alone, and caring for kids, having Tylenol on hand is a must.
If you’re building an emergency wellness kit as a parent, I strongly suggest keeping:
- A trusted fever reducer
- An accurate thermometer
- Hydration boosters (like Liquid I.V.)
- Easy-to-prepare meals (microwavable or ready-to-eat for emergencies)
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward With Compassion
This isn’t just another COVID story. It’s a reminder of how personal this global pandemic became for every one of us.
As new variants or waves emerge, may we respond not only with science but with compassion, preparedness, and emotional honesty.
And to every mother who has had to care for a child while ill herself—I see you. You’re not alone.
“Resilience doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s a whisper saying: I’ll hold my baby one more time, even through the fever.”
2 https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/20/nx-s1-5405013/fda-covid-vaccine-limits
Vishlesha Rana Dreams 
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