What Covid 19 Felt Like

In today’s post, I will be sharing what covid 19 felt like. This day is not one that I will easily forget, 14 July 2021. This was the day I tested positive for Covid 19 Delta variant. Since Covid 19 reached South Africa in 2020, my biggest fear was contracting this dreaded virus that impacted millions of people worldwide.

I did not get Covid because I have been unsafe or because I was not being careful. I have contracted corona because the Delta variant is unlike the previous variants and is highly contagious. I have gotten the virus because of unfortunate circumstances. 

During the first two waves, not many people that I know got infected, but during the third wave, it was a completely different story. So many people that I know got sick and I’ve also lost my uncle a short while ago. This virus is not a joke and should not be taken lightly.

What Covid 19 Felt Like

The First Few Days

At first, I had a minor sinus attack, or so I thought, and I was feeling tired. Covid didn’t even cross my mind at that stage.  Then a close friend and colleague of mine tested positive on Tuesday the 13th of July. On Wednesday I still went to the office but at this point I had severe headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. I remember telling my husband that morning that I didn’t feel right in my head. It is difficult to explain.

The moment I sat upright, I felt lightheaded, and I can’t really describe it as a headache. My head was aching, but it felt more like severe sinus. Before I got sick, I sanitised, I wore masks, and I took immune boosters and vitamin C supplements each morning. I also followed a healthy diet. So, what are the chances of me having covid 19? 

Going For My Covid Test

I didn’t want to go to work but I had to because I needed to unlock the office. Our offices were getting sanitized that morning. I only opened up the shop and then I went to have my covid test. Even though there was a queue, the process went quick and I was out of there within fifteen minutes.

Getting tested wasn’t sore, but it is highly unpleasant. I didn’t know something that long can go up that high up in my nose. Even after the test, it still felt like there was something stuck in my nostril. But the lady who did the test knew what she was doing and it was over before I knew it. I went home after the test to await my results and to have a lie down.

 

Getting My Results

Within a few hours I could download my results via the Ampath app on my phone. When I opened the document, I quickly scanned through it to see whether I’ve tested positive or negative. My results were positive. I wasn’t really surprised because I didn’t feel well, and I knew I haven’t felt like this ever before. But it still felt unreal in a way. After surviving the first and second wave, I am one of many who tested positive for covid during the third wave. I am now part of the covid 19 statistics.

My Fears

This is not something I would wish on anyone. I felt scared because I have a history of bronchial asthma. Was I going to survive this?

 I felt worried that I might have infected my husband, my five-year old son, or my diabetic mom, the people closest to me.

My Prognosis

I phoned my doctor the morning after I received my results and he wanted a face to face consultation. I had to wait outside in the car and my husband had to wait in the reception area until it was my turn. My doctor checked my blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels. Thankfully, my oxygen levels were good at 97. Your oxygen levels must be above 90.

Due to my medical history, my age, and other factors, my doctor ordered blood work and an X Ray of my chest. After getting my X Rays my husband had to take it back to my doctor so that he could have a look at it and give me a prescription. The prognosis wasn’t good.

 

A section of my left lung has collapsed. My doctor prescribed blood thinner medication, antibiotics, and a pulse oximeter to monitor my oxygen levels at home. He also prescribed Duolin respules and Pulmicort 0.5mg that I had to use in my nebulizer when needed. He told me that if I have trouble breathing or my symptoms worsen, I must phone him immediately.

I knew that I had to really take care of myself. I must not worry about the office, or anything else. I must do everything in my power to get better. 

What Covid 19 Felt Like

Having Covid 19 was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The worst symptoms for me were the body aches and my head not feeling right. This virus is not pleasant, and it is unpredictable. One day I would feel better, and I could get up and do a few things, while the next day I would feel so sick that I would stay in bed all day, not having the strength to do anything.

I could feel the drain on my body. Things like getting up and making myself a cup of coffee would be tiresome. I had this constant worry that I could potentially infect my five-year old son or my husband. So, I wore a mask all the time, even when I was asleep. I also sanitised my hands constantly as well as anything in our home that I touched.

My Symptoms

• Severe headaches / sinus attacks
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness / dizziness
• Runny nose
• Loss of taste
• Loss of smell

These were my symptoms. But keep in mind that some people might have covid and not experience any symptoms. Some might have entirely different symptoms. There are 21 symptoms linked to covid. If you have been in close contact with someone who have tested positive, please isolate as a precautionary measure. If you start experiencing any symptoms, don’t wait. Have yourself tested and avoid contact with others to stop the spread of the virus. Also inform anyone who has had close contact with you recently that you have tested positive.

My Thoughts on Ivermectin For Covid Prevention or Cure

When I tested positive for Covid 19, many people told me to take ivermectin. I asked my doctor about this since it must be prescribed by a doctor. He advised me not to take it since there was not enough scientific evidence that it is effective for covid treatment or prevention. I have read a few articles on the internet about ivermectin, and I decided to take my doctor’s advice.

Two things that made me cautious about taking ivermectin, is that it reacts with certain medications, including blood thinners, and it could result in some medications not working. So, the decision was easy. I have been with my doctor for many years, and I trust his judgement. What if I decide to take ivermectin and I have some complications or I end up in hospital because I went against my doctor’s wishes.

I highly advise you to speak to your doctor before taking ivermectin, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.

What Medications / Supplements Did I Take

Medication/Supplements:

• 1 x Azithromycin (Romycin)500mg tablet (three-day antibiotic course)
• 1 x Ecotrin 81mg blood thinning tablets (to avoid blood clots)
• 2 x Triple action vitamin C, selenium, and zinc supplement tablets once daily
• 1 x Amuco 200 fizzy tablet dissolved in water three times a day
• 1 x Vitamin D3 supplement once daily

Nebulizer:

• 1 x Duolin respule & 1 x Pulmicort 0.5mg in nebulizer, when needed
• 5ml of Silverlab immune-booster & antimicrobial tonic (colloidal silver) once a day

Steamed:

I steamed with boiling water and Vicks at night before bedtime which really helped to open up my chest and nasal passages.

What Was The Worst Part of Having Covid?

• The fear of the unknown. Two days after testing positive, the emotional side of having covid kicked in. It was my Dad’s birthday and I couldn’t speak to him on the phone or in person because he passed away four years ago. My Dad was always there whenever one of us were sick or went through a difficult time. No matter where I was, he would find me and he always checked in on me. Not being able to hear his voice or tell him what I was going through was so emotional.
• Feeling like an outsider. The incredible support of close friends and family really got me through this. Being isolated at home, away from the rest of the world, and not being able to have close contact with my husband and son made me feel like I had the plague or something. When people know that you have covid, they don’t want to be near you and I didn’t want to be near them, because of the risk of infecting them. My doctor and the staff member at Ampath who took my blood didn’t make me feel like an outsider or that having covid is somehow my fault. And for that, I am truly thankful.
• Being isolated and stuck in bed with covid on my birthday. But my husband baked me a fabulous cake and I got to spend the day with him and my son. I was immensely blessed with all the birthday wishes I received on my Facebook wall, the phone calls, and Whatsapp messages from friends, family, fellow bloggers, and colleagues.

What am I Thankful For

• I am so grateful that after the sixth day I started feeling better and that I didn’t end up in hospital like so many other people, or worse, passed away.
• I am incredibly thankful that no one close to me got sick because of me. No one that was in close proximity of me got infected or showed any symptoms.
• I am thankful for my husband who has taken care of everything at home when I was not able to. He made sure that meals were made, my son was taken care of, the house was kept clean, and my pets were tended to.
• I am thankful that God kept me safe and that I had an amazing support system. I had family and friends that supported me emotionally and who have checked in on me regularly. You guys made me feel like I matter and that you truly care about my wellbeing. Without you I would not have had the strength to fight this and to get better.

The Takeaway

I hope that my experience about what covid 19 felt like have given you some information that would be of use to you. I want to tell you that testing positive for covid 19 is not necessarily a death sentence.

I got through it even though I wasn’t sure if I would. I listened to my doctor’s advice and drank my meds and supplements each day. I’ve slept …. a lot! I have taken care of myself, rested when I needed to, and my main focus was to get better.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that are currently battling with the virus or that has loved ones that are diagnosed with covid. Please stay safe and take care of yourself.

Have you or anything close to you had Covid 19? Be sure to share your experience with me in the comments section.