Ask Amy: Vaccine doesn’t inoculate against hurt feelings

Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on Feb 22, 2021

It’s not that I don’t care, but after working long hours treating extremely sick patients during this pandemic, the last thing I want to do when I’m off and at a social gathering or doing yard work in my front yard is to discuss medical concerns or look at rashes.

I got off social media partly because I was constantly inundated with medical questions and concerns. If it’s a medical emergency it’s one thing, but please have your readers call their own doctor for their own medical concerns, and if you are not satisfied with your own doctor’s care, find another one.

I’m not sure you have an answer as to how I decline from giving advice or examining someone without appearing uncaring.

– I’m Not on Call Now

Dear Not on Call: I can imagine how challenging it would be to be a physician and to be frequently approached for medical advice. The pandemic has unleashed a lot of anxiety regarding health. People are also forgoing some routine doctor visits and testing because of a lack of access.

A personal triage system might work for you. Yes, you will always respond to medical emergencies; for non-emergency queries you could respond, “It’s always best to see your own doctor.”

Dear Amy: “Dyeing for Change in CA” claimed her husband would be a “silver fox” if he stopped dyeing his hair.

I'm surprised you didn't ask the wife if she dyes HER hair. She insists her husband let his hair go natural, but does she do the same?

– Wondering

Dear Wondering: This wife didn’t seem opposed to hair dyeing but thought her husband would look better if he went natural. I hope they discuss it.

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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)