"Using War Language in a Pandemic: Rhetoric or Responsibility?" (Viewpoint, January) really got me thinking. I served on active duty in the Air Force (2010-2017) and have been in the Air Force Reserves since 2017. I have deployed twice as a flight nurse.

I think that using war language when discussing frontline workers and the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary. The stresses placed on frontline workers throughout the pandemic are unprecedented. There has been physical strain (COVID-19 infections, wearing personal protective equipment) and isolation (quarantines, social distancing). There have been psychological stressors from caring for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Health care workers have also shouldered the burden of putting themselves and their families at risk to keep doing their jobs. Many made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives.

Numerous health care workers likely suffer from psychological consequences of the pandemic, including anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and moral injury. As Lorri Birkholz stated in her article, a program should be established to address both initial and long-term physical and mental health issues suffered by health care workers who have battled against COVID-19. They have earned and deserve the follow-up care and support.

Kimberly Jerome, DNP, MS

Youngstown, OH