A mother is urging Americans to take COVID-19 seriously as her young daughter battles the virus in a hospital.
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The Tennessee resident's 9-year-old daughter is currently fighting for her life after testing positive for the deadly virus.
Mirsada Muric has been at her daughter Blair's bedside at East Tennessee Children's Hospital during the past several weeks. While the 26-year-old mom has been sharing health updates, many have been leaving false information on her posts.
"I'd get on their Facebook and see them posting memes or sharing things that they saw on Twitter about how much of a joke it is about being 'scared' of a virus and yes, I am scared of it," Muric told Today. "I'm scared for my child and I can't wrap my head around the idea of not wanting to wear a mask or not wanting to wash your hands, when that could be the easiest helping hand that you can give to someone."
Muric said she was irritated and urged her followers on Facebook that the virus is real and everyone should be wearing face masks.
"THIS is why people beg for you to wear a mask. Who are you hurting by wearing one? What freaking rights are you losing?! Because, while I sit here and watch a machine breathe for my baby, you are out living," Muric wrote in a post.
While COVID-19 has taken a toll on her family, she shared that her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February. In addition, Blair's father died in July. Muric believes that the 9-year-old contracted the virus from a memorial service for her father.
Blair was not feeling well and eventually tested for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which put her in the intensive care unit. Soon after, the child was placed on a ventilator and was diagnosed with COVID pneumonia.
"With her tumor, it was different ... almost easier," Muric wrote in a Facebook post. "We had a game plan, plan B and a follow-through. This is just a waiting game."
While Blair was in the hospital, her mother also tested positive for the virus and could not visit her daughter.
Blair was eventually taken off the ventilator but has remained in the ICU. Muric disclosed her daughter is expected to recover and will make sure the 9-year-old gets vaccinated once it is available for children in her age group.
"I don't want this to be a political thing and I understand that it's everyone's own personal choice and opinion, but do the research and don't get the research off of social media," she added.
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