Pandemic Fatigue is real and affect many people

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM)- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues with no end in sight, many people have been experiencing what some medical experts call pandemic fatigue.

At the beginning of this pandemic, many expected to be impacted for a few weeks or months, but it has now been about eight months and people seem to be exhausted and wondering when things will get back to normal.

Local health officials know that this situation is hard and want to help people get over this fatigue.

“So one of the most important things to do is to take one moment at a time,” said Dr. Stephanie Dittmer, a Family Medicine Physician in Fortuna. “As physicians, we speak a lot with our patients about focusing on the current moment, it allows you clarity. If we stress about what’s happening in the future our mind races and a lot of those negative thoughts can really sort of impair our ability.”

Dr. Dittmer also has concerns that this pandemic fatigue will have a negative impact on this year’s flu season as well.