This is just something I’ve personally noticed, so I’m curious if anyone else has too.

I have noticed that there seems to be more stigma or judgment around catching illnesses. For example, right now my family and I are sick with a cold. Negative for flu, strep, and Covid. I remember prior to the pandemic, when you told people you were sick, people were just like “oh that sucks! Hope you feel better!” But nowadays people respond with things like “oh, where did you go? Were you in any crowds? The Covid test might be inaccurate, it could still be Covid. That’s why I never take off my mask.” Etc etc. There is a layer of judgment to it, like you are sick because of your own negligence or something. I received comments such as above this time from both my family and friends. My friend texted me “well that’s why I don’t go anywhere anymore”. Like, zero sympathy. My own dad texted me, “if it’s not Covid or the flu then what is it?” Gee, I don’t know, a normal cold? Have we forgotten about normal communicable illnesses? 🤔

Maybe it’s just me, but I constantly see this attitude of judgement or stigma around just being ordinarily sick these days, and I don’t remember it prior to the pandemic. Now it seems like if you get sick with anything it’s your own fault and you don’t deserve the well wishes.

Anyone else?