View Full Version : So what's it like to get the Virus? - not good...
grahambda
04-04-2020, 12:51 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
champion6
04-04-2020, 01:16 PM
Thanks for taking your time to tell your story. I wish you and your wife all the best.
Two Bills
04-04-2020, 01:26 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
So your wife who was possiby a carrier, moved in with her elderly parents?
They must have been delighted to welcome her!
hlsboro
04-04-2020, 01:41 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
I see nowhere in your post that you were diagnosed with Covid, unless i'm missing something.
claricecolin
04-04-2020, 01:54 PM
I see nowhere in your post that you were diagnosed with Covid, unless i'm missing something.
In most places, unless you are hospitalized they are not testing for covid 19. There are still not enough tests and the processing of what they have done is behind. The account is consistent with how the virus attacks the body.
grahambda
04-04-2020, 02:04 PM
So your wife who was possiby a carrier, moved in with her elderly parents?
They must have been delighted to welcome her!
We did have that concern, but fortunately, she was able to isolate in a separate area of their house. Father in law only who was kept safe.
grahambda
04-04-2020, 02:13 PM
In most places, unless you are hospitalized they are not testing for covid 19. There are still not enough tests and the processing of what they have done is behind. The account is consistent with how the virus attacks the body.
Correct at the time there were so few tests available and unless you were admitted no testing was offered. The only other option was to get down to Orlando to the drive-through testing centre that had just opened - but that was not an option due to being unable to leave to the house. The virtual Dr service was very good , kept in touch and gave instructions. The blood draw next week should reveal/confirm virus-free state and hopefully plasma can be used to help others.Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients (https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html)
grahambda
04-04-2020, 02:27 PM
And then you look at Cuomo still on the air from his basement, laughing and joking with his brother the governor. I would assume that not everyone that gets it has the same symptoms as described here. I hope I don't have to find out. thanks for your post.
Apparently there is huge range of symptoms and conditions, from a mild cold - to very bad flu (me) all the way to hospitalisation and ventilators. Key apparently is the repository signs that would dictate the degree of concern - mine never progressed beyond the dry cough and associated aches from constant coughing. My lungs were ok and didn't show any signs of deterioration/pneumonia - which was key when reporting condition updates to the Dr. Apprently the fever is a good thing - to an extent - as it stimulates your own immune system to help fight the virus.
gatorbill1
04-04-2020, 02:39 PM
do you know where you got it from
vivacious32162
04-04-2020, 02:40 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
I am a fit, healthy woman who keeps very active. ( PB, some tennis, Pilates, yoga, weightlifting, table tennis). I have never had a flu shot, and rarely have any stomach issues. Over the course of my 65+ years never take over-the-counter meds or prescribed meds. Had 2 children totally naturally and one emergency appendectomy, followed by a pseudomonas aeruginosa blood infection, at 63. I have used homeopathic remedies (since early 90’s and had a medical doctor practicing 100% homeopathy )and acupuncture (15–20 years. )
Last Wednesday, as soon as I woke up & sat up, I had vertigo. I staggered from walls to furniture to the kitchen to grab water and Gatorade, and back to bed. I lay flat and did not turn my head. That lasted 1 1/2 hours. Then I had to vomit, only clear mucus, ( apologize for the details, but...) With the vertigo , I was so weak , the hands were like clay. I lay on the floor by the commode, until I could crawl back to bed. No temperature, low, but typical for me 95.6. ( Weigh 120-125 #’s, do not fluctuate much.) I was freezing. ...Covered with a sheet, a cotton and a vellux blanket and a down duvet. About 2:00 I got out of bed . Stomach was fine. Had an appetite. Made hot tea because feet and hands still freezing. Back to bed and lay there ‘til 7:30. I was very weak , but I managed to stand for a little cooking and sat until midnight.
Thursday, I was normal, energetic self . Friday, I had a “head “issue. Could not read, play music or do yoga. Sat outdoors all day. That lasted until late evening. Today I was okay when I got up, but had a brief spell of the “head “issue, after a short walk outdoors. Did yoga, and almost back to normal.
The body parts prone to illness are the throat and lungs, pneumonia in 2nd grade, bronchitis for many years from college( none since using humidifiers in Mid-Atlantic states’ winters, once upon arrival here.), pleurisy ( never smoked, or did drugs).
For the last couple years, I see a functional medicine practitioner. Never had leaky gut, and most of my life have eaten home-cooked meals, eliminated caffeine, rarely drink coffee.
I immediately took a homeopathic flu remedy, (upon awakening with vertigo , and one more 6 hours later) available over-the-counter in any pharmacy anywhere. ( Oscillococcinum).
In preparation for a trip I would have left for last Saturday & returned tomorrow, I was taking a probiotic and a professional colloidal silver. I have continued to take it.
Sorry to be so long winded, but feel it is extremely important to know the details. Each person is unique.
Upon sharing with a friend who is a Vietnamese vet, he said many vets have dealt with the freezing cold, piling mattresses , blankets to 3’, until they “ sweat it out”. I never sweated.
Might there be a correlation here with the success of the anti-malaria drug in treating Covid-19?
hlsboro
04-04-2020, 03:01 PM
Just because you have symptoms does not mean that you have Covid, until tested. The common flu has some of the same symptoms so i'm not buying it until you have confirmed you actually had it. Don't confuse people.
graciegirl
04-04-2020, 03:09 PM
Exactly what day did your symptoms begin? How long were you and your wife separated from each other? How long did the illness last from start to finish? Were you ever seen in person by a physician or PA? How did you determine it was safe to give plasma? I am just asking these questions because it seems to sound like you were self diagnosed. I am very sorry you were so sick, and I have talked to three people who think they may have had it, all with different levels of severity. This is a complex issue.
NotGolfer
04-04-2020, 04:04 PM
To the two people who shared their symptoms....did you lose your sense of smell and taste??
I may have shared on this site before (or not) that I have a friend who lives in the midwest who became sick over the holidays. Don't recall if the illness hit in time for Thanksgiving or not. ALL I remember is hearing from her and this thing lasted for weeks. She never gets sick or rarely anyway. We conversed this past week and she says now, that in looking back and reading statistics put out from the U.K. and other places, she thinks she'd had the Covid-19 virus as she checked all the boxes. She'd seen her dr. but his test didn't indicate flu. Thankfully, now she's fine but this virus isn't anything to trifle with. I know early on we'd hear it's "just" the flu....so we all went on about our lives. It's difficult in knowing what we're to do---stay in or go out and about?? My take is...avoid contact with people as much as we can. NOT to be foolish.
katsudden
04-04-2020, 04:14 PM
Thanks for sharing and I'm so glad your are a survivor!
graciegirl
04-04-2020, 04:33 PM
I wonder if it was Covid-19 described by these folks? I wonder if the person who "never takes prescribed Medicine" had it or something else. I am a born sceptic and also a person who has heard many sincere tales that I doubted. I am after all a card carrying mother. I know that we can't be running around listening to people who are not skilled medical professionals when it comes to staying in or going out. People are dying out there.
I am not trying to be mean or unsympathetic and I don't have any valid medical training. I just wonder if everyone who posts can be trusted as part of our information gathering about Covid-19. Heads of State all over the world couldn't believe this was happening at first. It all happened within the last four months really. The first case talked about in Wuhan was in late November. Even the experts heads are spinning. I think it would be wise to do everything we can to not expose ourselves to this damned little killer and if we have a fever and a dry cough, seek medical advice. Praying wouldn't hurt either. But don't GO to church.
jacksonbrown
04-04-2020, 05:06 PM
I thank you for your post and it supports my thoughts after exhausting reading about CV.
My conclusion, and I'm not a medical professional, rather married to one, pretty much aligns with this article, written by a Swiss doctor about CV in Italy
click here (https://swprs.org/a-swiss-doctor-on-covid-19/)
The take-away may be, without extreme comorbidity (age, obesity, smoking related illnesses, etc.) then CV is not a killer, rather a really, really, really bad flu.
I read (probably too much) articles from sources with a variety of political persuasions.
The main-stream-media blames the CV epidemic on Trump. The conservative media praises Trump. Both have an element of truth. Neither is 100% correct all the time.
That's human nature.
GoodLife
04-04-2020, 06:02 PM
I wonder if it was Covid-19 described by these folks? I wonder if the person who "never takes prescribed Medicine" had it or something else. I am a born sceptic and also a person who has heard many sincere tales that I doubted. I am after all a card carrying mother. I know that we can't be running around listening to people who are not skilled medical professionals when it comes to staying in or going out. People are dying out there.
I am not trying to be mean or unsympathetic and I don't have any valid medical training. I just wonder if everyone who posts can be trusted as part of our information gathering about Covid-19. Heads of State all over the world couldn't believe this was happening at first. It all happened within the last four months really. The first case talked about in Wuhan was in late November. Even the experts heads are spinning. I think it would be wise to do everything we can to not expose ourselves to this damned little killer and if we have a fever and a dry cough, seek medical advice. Praying wouldn't hurt either. But don't GO to church.
Seriously? The OP bravely posts the first account (in TV) of what coronavirus is like, his account is totally believable, very accurate as to symptoms, accurate as to the testing situation at that time, and he basically took Tylenol and weathered it out. Totally consistent with what doctors/hospitals are telling patients. Don't come in unless fever over 105 and you have severe respiration problems. Its a very valuable account and I hope we get more like it, but maybe not if they have a low post count and haven't been to one of your dinner parties.
grahambda
04-04-2020, 06:14 PM
I am not suggesting anyone should "buy it" my only goal in posting my experience was the hope it would reinforce the stay at home isolation directives. It's up to the red cross to determine if I am a candidate to provide plasma .if not that's ok but if yes then great, hopefully it will go toward helping someone who is very sick. At this point given what I have been through I hope it results in helping others. Again stay safe , healthy and isolate.
asianthree
04-04-2020, 06:25 PM
But you didn’t get tested.
GoodLife
04-04-2020, 06:46 PM
But you didn’t get tested.
Yeah, he should have driven to Orlando with 104 fever and diarrhea.
coffeebean
04-04-2020, 06:46 PM
But you didn’t get tested.
This person will know soon enough if in fact Covid-19 is the reason he experienced all those symptoms. If the test for antibodies shows that yes, in fact this person has developed antibodies to CV-19, then the diagnosis can be made.
graciegirl
04-04-2020, 06:53 PM
Seriously? The OP bravely posts the first account (in TV) of what coronavirus is like, his account is totally believable, very accurate as to symptoms, accurate as to the testing situation at that time, and he basically took Tylenol and weathered it out. Totally consistent with what doctors/hospitals are telling patients. Don't come in unless fever over 105 and you have severe respiration problems. Its a very valuable account and I hope we get more like it, but maybe not if they have a low post count and haven't been to one of your dinner parties.
Haven't been to one of my dinner parties??? What do you mean?
AND...……. Sometimes a "new person is an old one in camoflauge".
Many people are giving "advice" about treatment without a valid source. Many people are touting unproven treatments.
tophcfa
04-04-2020, 06:58 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
Wow, thanks for sharing your experience as we are all trying to figure out something that is like we have never seen before. So glad you are on the other side of this horrible virus. Stay positive and healthy.
GoodLife
04-04-2020, 07:04 PM
Haven't been to one of my dinner parties??? What do you mean?
AND...……. Sometimes a "new person is an old one in camoflauge".
Many people are giving "advice" about treatment without a valid source. Many people are touting unproven treatments.
Yep, we've all got to be vigilant about people promoting Tylenol for fever!
Decadeofdave
04-04-2020, 07:09 PM
My sister's neighbor got confirmation this last Sunday he had covid 19. He was fine by Thursday. 55 year old male.
Velvet
04-04-2020, 07:42 PM
Thank you so much, OP, for describing your experience! As I was reading your post I felt like I was going through it with you. So glad that you made it through ok and are thoughtful enough to share it with us as a warning.
DianeM
04-04-2020, 07:42 PM
Why would anyone doubt the veracity of someone’s symptoms. I myself was sick as a dog for three weeks in February with fever, horrible horrible cough to the point where I thought I broke a rib and was hugging a pillow to ease the pain. When I was lying in bed at night, my lungs hurt in the back. All I really wanted to do was sleep. Doctors at that point had nothing. Take Tylenol, drink fluid And rest. When that test for immunity comes out, rest assured that I will be tested. There is no question in my mind that I had the virus.
Boomer
04-04-2020, 09:48 PM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry you had to be subjected to an inquisition, along with the casting of aspersions.
I do not understand why you came under attack, but it is not the first time I have seen that happen around here. No wonder so many are unwilling to post. I appreciate your doing so. I consider what you did as a public service. My thanks.
I wish you and yours the best of health going forward.
skarra
04-05-2020, 12:26 AM
Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like Covid-19 to me, although one would not know for sure without a test. But we do know a lot of people are dying from it, and that number is continuing to grow exponentially. Glad you didn't contribute to that statistic.
I don't get the skeptics. Like the ones I've seen on TV that fortunately have changed their tune over the last couple of weeks, or the eight or so governors who continue to drag their feet. Bill Gates explained it best - you have to lock down the ENTIRE country. States should not be given the option. There is definitely a lack of leadership on this.
Good luck to everyone, and I hope as many as possible make it through without losing a friend or family member.
skarra
04-05-2020, 12:36 AM
Good read on why Herd Immunity may not come soon ...
What is herd immunity and can it stop the coronavirus? - MIT Technology Review (https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615375/what-is-herd-immunity-and-can-it-stop-the-coronavirus/)
Best strategy for now is to practice social distancing as much as possible, at least for the next 2 months until the curve is flattened and hospitals can once again deal with the loads.
ItsALLaboutTheLOVE
04-05-2020, 06:48 AM
A couple who are friends of mine in New Jersey both got it. They are fine now. They are about 50 though. She was tested first and was positive. They would not test him! One test per family rule! He had the same thing she had, so... Make your own conclusions.
Hopefully they will come up with a test to figure out who has had it and therefore probably, as of today's information, can't get it again. Then those people can help on the front lines without too much risk. Being retired, if I got through the virus, I would go volunteer at a hospital....
Good luck to all of us! I am self isolating as well. As usual, that's my two cents, it's worth what you paid for it...
Ps. This is the opportune time for the world to unite. It's not what the Chinese / Italians / (other country) did or didn't do, it's what we can all do to stop mother nature from weeding us out!
Correct at the time there were so few tests available and unless you were admitted no testing was offered. The only other option was to get down to Orlando to the drive-through testing centre that had just opened - but that was not an option due to being unable to leave to the house. The virtual Dr service was very good , kept in touch and gave instructions. The blood draw next week should reveal/confirm virus-free state and hopefully plasma can be used to help others.Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients (https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html)
Yukon9
04-05-2020, 07:12 AM
Glad you made it! Be well!
JBWms
04-05-2020, 07:22 AM
What you’re missing is there are not enough test kits and he had hallmark symptoms of COVID-19.
Trishakaye
04-05-2020, 07:39 AM
Any idea where you were exposed? Has your wife been tested?
La lamy
04-05-2020, 07:43 AM
So your wife who was possiby a carrier, moved in with her elderly parents?
They must have been delighted to welcome her!
My thought too. Yikes.
Topspinmo
04-05-2020, 07:47 AM
A couple who are friends of mine in New Jersey both got it. They are fine now. They are about 50 though. She was tested first and was positive. They would not test him! One test per family rule! He had the same thing she had, so... Make your own conclusions.
Hopefully they will come up with a test to figure out who has had it and therefore probably, as of today's information, can't get it again. Then those people can help on the front lines without too much risk. Being retired, if I got through the virus, I would go volunteer at a hospital....
Good luck to all of us! I am self isolating as well. As usual, that's my two cents, it's worth what you paid for it...
Ps. This is the opportune time for the world to unite. It's not what the Chinese / Italians / (other country) did or didn't do, it's what we can all do to stop mother nature from weeding us out!
China needs to be held accountable. They don’t get free pass. Italians are victims like the rest of the world. Yes, the the world needs to come together and ask the question? Is near slave labor worth it for profit? Business IMO need to get out of China if they won’t change the way they pollute rest of the world with majority of viruses either by accident or on purpose.
jammayer
04-05-2020, 07:49 AM
Thank you for posting your experience. Hope you continue to improve.
Bludot300
04-05-2020, 07:50 AM
Thanks you for sharing you story!
Dakpietro
04-05-2020, 07:53 AM
Snopes says this is misinformation: Did Johns Hopkins Publish This 'Excellent Summary' of COVID-19 Advice? (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/johns-hopkins-covid-summary/)
CFrance
04-05-2020, 07:59 AM
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry you had to be subjected to an inquisition, along with the casting of aspersions.
I do not understand why you came under attack, but it is not the first time I have seen that happen around here. No wonder so many are unwilling to post. I appreciate your doing so. I consider what you did as a public service. My thanks.
I wish you and yours the best of health going forward.
What Boomer said.
dlspiess
04-05-2020, 08:01 AM
Very interesting reading.
marinabelle
04-05-2020, 08:50 AM
To grahambda, thanks so much for sharing your story. Along with a lot of info, it points out how slowly FL is progressing with testing. If 106,000 tests have been performed on a population of 21.5 million people, the % of population tested is approx 1/2 %.
Janhug123
04-05-2020, 09:04 AM
Thanks for your post.
Trophy25
04-05-2020, 09:11 AM
Thanks for posting. Although long it is a great read and raises many questions.
theruizs
04-05-2020, 09:54 AM
So your wife who was possiby a carrier, moved in with her elderly parents?
They must have been delighted to welcome her!
That’s what you took away from this heartfelt post?
theruizs
04-05-2020, 10:00 AM
Just because you have symptoms does not mean that you have Covid, until tested. The common flu has some of the same symptoms so i'm not buying it until you have confirmed you actually had it. Don't confuse people.
Do you think these people don’t know what the flu is like? Don’t be naive.
asianthree
04-05-2020, 10:03 AM
Yeah, he should have driven to Orlando with 104 fever and diarrhea.
This person will know soon enough if in fact Covid-19 is the reason he experienced all those symptoms. If the test for antibodies shows that yes, in fact this person has developed antibodies to CV-19, then the diagnosis can be made.
If OP had virus, and tested positive, they are looking for those that have recovered to acquire plasma. Op can still be tested, and should
allsport
04-05-2020, 10:09 AM
So where do you think you picked it up? Did you do any activities and where were you for the 2 weeks prior to getting it? Just curious if you can track anything.
jonathanb
04-05-2020, 10:15 AM
Thank you for sharing. So glad you are better
MJY10101
04-05-2020, 10:19 AM
Thank you for posting your experience. For me, it only reinforces the absolute need to take this virus very seriously and stay home. Only go out if you absolutely need to and wear gloves and a mask.
shirleyjerez
04-05-2020, 11:07 AM
Yes thank you and so so lucky. God bless you
shirleyjerez
04-05-2020, 11:17 AM
I appreciate what you have to say. I do hope it makes people aware that they have to stay in. God Bless You
PHILLY RICHARD
04-05-2020, 11:50 AM
Wow! What a story. I will certainly take heed. Thanks.
graciegirl
04-05-2020, 12:56 PM
I am not suggesting anyone should "buy it" my only goal in posting my experience was the hope it would reinforce the stay at home isolation directives. It's up to the red cross to determine if I am a candidate to provide plasma .if not that's ok but if yes then great, hopefully it will go toward helping someone who is very sick. At this point given what I have been through I hope it results in helping others. Again stay safe , healthy and isolate.
I am really sorry that my words were so harsh. I was wrong. I have read some other posters who say all kinds of things without documentation that just makes things worse and quite frankly make me mad. You didn't do any of those things. And you certainly didn't say anything about a conspiracy or about politics. I am very glad you are better and I also wonder if two of my family members who live in Manhattan and were really sick for several days at the end of January had it. They travel overseas and would have had ample opportunity to be exposed. They too were too lethargic to eat and had fever and coughing. I guess we will never know. In six months, many of us won't be here. We will be dead due to the virus. That is the ultimate truth. We must do all we possibly can to avoid getting it or spreading it.
Two Bills
04-05-2020, 01:18 PM
That’s what you took away from this heartfelt post?
Not at all, and I never posted anything disparaging about the OP. and I am glad he has recovered.
However, sending wife to stay with aged parents, when she was possibly infected and a carrier, was, in my mind, was not the brightest decision made.
vivacious32162
04-05-2020, 02:12 PM
I did not lose my sense of taste or smell. Remember, I was only commenting on what I experienced.
OrangeBlossomBaby
04-05-2020, 05:11 PM
...a long post...
Your symptoms are not consistent with COVID-19. You didn't even check with a doctor and chose instead to self-treat with homeopathy, which isn't proven to treat anything at all, other than anxiety over the possibility of being sick when you aren't really sick in the first place (it's a 100% placebo effect, good for any non-illness).
Sounds to me like an ear infection - which can cause vertigo and nausea - and the dehydration resulting from vomiting can cause chills. Mild ear infections usually resolve by themselves, with no treatment at all - and many people don't even know they have them because if they're mild, there's often no actual pain in the ears.
OrangeBlossomBaby
04-05-2020, 05:21 PM
Do you think these people don’t know what the flu is like? Don’t be naive.
The person you are responding to in this post, was responding to someone other than the OP, who said she never had the flu.
Pretty sure that means that person doesn't know what the flu is like, having never experienced it. It's not being naive. It's paying attention to what's being said - and what isn't being said - and who's saying it (and not saying it).
Bob3302
04-06-2020, 06:10 AM
So what's it like to get the Virus? I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks ago whilst we were on short-stay break at our home here The Villages. A few people have asked "what was it like" in a nutshell "pretty crappy". Here I give brief synopsis in the hope it reinforces the absolute need to isolate yourselves and no matter how much of pain it is to be stuck indoors it really is worth it to avoid getting infected.
As background, I am a healthy 62-year-old. For me it started with a dry cough for a couple of days, then the headaches, followed by chills and body aches. My temperature started to go up 100, 101, 102. at this point my wife and I agreed she should leave the house and move in with her parents as we feared it was COVID. I called the Florida COVID Hotline - at the time they did not have a testing process in place unless I drove more than 50 miles to Orlando (I had a challenge getting to the kitchen! ) - I explained my symptoms to a virtual Dr who told me to isolate, rest, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids - not come into emergency unless my temperature exceeded 105 and/or I had significant breathing issues- Well it got to 104! spent time alone having cold showers to try and bring down the temperature, ended up getting hallucinations and severe bought of diarrhoea for 2 days (slept on the bathroom floor for 24 hours).
This was the scariest time, being on your own, knowing you have the virus and not having a clue what to do other than keep taking the Tylenol, drink Gatorade and trying to sip on a bowl of soup. For me, it was the worst flu I can ever recall x 10. After a few days (can't recall how many) the temp started to come down, and by the 5th day the fever broke and dropped below a 100 and my cough subsided. After 8 days or so I was well on the way to recovery and after two-plus weeks I am back to 90% (silver lining dropped 14 Ibs but not a diet I would recommend!).
My wife has moved back in and we are self-isolating and keeping our distance from everyone. All to say, please, please take the lockdown very seriously, I was lucky in as much I had no underlying issues - but even so, this was not a pleasant experience.
I am scheduled to give blood early next week so they can test for antibodies and donate plasma if needed.
They say 80% of those that contract the virus can stay at home and come through this without too many problems. But as my story relays you really don’t want to be one of that 80 %. I still count myself so lucky I didn't become one of the 20% that had to be hospitalized and the 4% that just don't make it.
As I said please reinforce the message to follow all the guidance. We are now wearing face masks whenever we have to leave the house (which is rare) and that seems to be gaining momentum.
Stay safe, healthy and please isolate!
I have several friends in Milwaukee who believe they had COVID 19. I shared your story with them and they all agreed their experience was almost identical to yours.
Thanks for sharing and hope your doing well
Bonnevie
04-06-2020, 08:17 AM
good grief...all this did they have Covid or didn't they is stupid. obviously, they had had something which was as miserable as reported covid. in the absence of testing they are just trying to reinforce the need to keep up the social distancing. even if the OP didn't have the actual covid....he obviously had something horrible---and which no one would want and that is out there and can be picked up. I personally welcome all stories from people describing their symptoms because although there are the common symptoms, there have been documented cases that has presented differently. the more knowledge I can get the better.
I had some weird virus at the end of Feb. but didn't present as the most common way but in a way that has been reported. started with sore throat, went to fever and chills, and night sweats, then cough. had routine labs shortly thereafter and my WBC was decimated....very low. So I wonder if it's possible I had it. I hope they come out with the antibody test so people like me can see if I had it.
Villageswimmer
04-06-2020, 08:42 AM
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry you had to be subjected to an inquisition, along with the casting of aspersions.
I do not understand why you came under attack, but it is not the first time I have seen that happen around here. No wonder so many are unwilling to post. I appreciate your doing so. I consider what you did as a public service. My thanks.
I wish you and yours the best of health going forward.
I echo these thoughts and appreciate your kindness in sharing your experience. There are still those unwilling to make any sacrifices to reduce the spread. Perhaps your first-person account will make them think twice.
dsnrbec
04-06-2020, 12:58 PM
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry you had to be subjected to an inquisition, along with the casting of aspersions.
I do not understand why you came under attack, but it is not the first time I have seen that happen around here. No wonder so many are unwilling to post. I appreciate your doing so. I consider what you did as a public service. My thanks.
I wish you and yours the best of health going forward.
My sentiments exactly
CFrance
04-06-2020, 01:32 PM
My appreciation to the OP and hope he continues in good health.
If anyone would like to listen to or read an account of the first coronavirus case in New Jersey, it is here, and it is rivoting: How New Jersey’s First Coronavirus Patient Survived - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/magazine/first-coronavirus-patient-new-jersey.html?campaign_id=44&emc=edit_ur_20200406&instance_id=17374&nl=new-york-today®i_id=46573270&segment_id=23994&te=1&user_id=1ede2f948a482df3ad78e7350438bad0)
There is nothing political in this account.
Spikearoni
04-06-2020, 01:38 PM
In most places, unless you are hospitalized they are not testing for covid 19. There are still not enough tests and the processing of what they have done is behind. The account is consistent with how the virus attacks the body.
Additionally, physician specialists have told us that the rate of false negatives is %30.
Spikearoni
04-06-2020, 01:48 PM
Your symptoms are not consistent with COVID-19. You didn't even check with a doctor and chose instead to self-treat with homeopathy, which isn't proven to treat anything at all, other than anxiety over the possibility of being sick when you aren't really sick in the first place (it's a 100% placebo effect, good for any non-illness).
Sounds to me like an ear infection - which can cause vertigo and nausea - and the dehydration resulting from vomiting can cause chills. Mild ear infections usually resolve by themselves, with no treatment at all - and many people don't even know they have them because if they're mild, there's often no actual pain in the ears.
When you say "self treat" I can't help but wonder how the treatment is any different upon consulting with a physician. There is no treatment for COVID now other than treating for the symptoms if at home. If in the hospital, intubation and ventilating machines are used, as we all know, for the severest cases. If you contract the virus, you will also be self-treating unless you need the help of respirators etc.
coffeebean
04-06-2020, 02:33 PM
Thank you for posting your experience. For me, it only reinforces the absolute need to take this virus very seriously and stay home. Only go out if you absolutely need to and wear gloves and a mask.
Just a reminder for those who wear gloves when out of the house......the virus lives on gloves and you can spread the virus with everything you touch. Only the wearer of the gloves is protected. BUT........be careful not to contaminate your hands when removing the gloves. There is a specific way to remove gloves. You may want to see if there is a video on YouTube on how to remove and discard gloves without contaminating your hands. To be safe, always thoroughly wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
I have started to wear a home made mask when I go to any store however, I'm not bothering to use gloves when I'm out of the house. I just wash my hands thoroughly as soon as I enter my home. I open the door handle with my elbow.
While I'm in my home, I'm wearing gloves for the sole purpose to protect my skin from falling off my hands. I wash so often that my skin is suffering terribly. I wash my gloved hands so I can reuse the gloves as often as possible.
I have found that it is impossible to purchase disposable vinyl powder free and latex free gloves. They are all going to the government and health care workers so I am trying very hard not to ruin the ones I have on hand.
I have found that these vinyl gloves do not perform well in hot water. They get very sticky and are very vulnerable to getting holes in them. I also found that doing any food prep with a knife is not a good idea either. I have punctured a hole in one of them so will not longer do any cutting with them on. I do apply a heavy dose of hand cream every night but my hands are not responding like they usually do.
billethkid
04-06-2020, 06:32 PM
When I am in the store I take a couple of the plastic bags in the produce department and use them to pick up pick my produce, etc.
I continue to use them right up to the groceries in the car. Then turn them inside out and dispose.
Suzieque
04-07-2020, 07:58 AM
My sister's neighbor got confirmation this last Sunday he had covid 19. He was fine by Thursday. 55 year old male.
And it took 8 days after testing to get the results?
Boomer
04-07-2020, 08:32 AM
I realize that CNN is not the channel of choice for many reading this.
But, for now, may I suggest not cutting off your nose to spite your face. It might be worth going to the website and finding the video of Chris Cuomo talking about how he is fighting the virus.
Chris Cuomo has been broadcasting from his basement where he is quarantined. Last night he talked about a phone call from a pulmonologist who gave some straight forward advice.
In summary:
No matter how exhausted you are, do not lie down for this virus.
It wants your lungs. (Cuomo showed his lung x-ray. There was some infiltrate.)
Stretch your torso with hands above your head.
Take deep breaths and hold those breaths. (I think this is to try to expand the alveoli.)
Doing these things will hurt like hell but could mean survival.
(I think the pulmonologist said to control fever spikes with Tylenol, but I need to look at the video again to be sure.)
I suggest that you find Cuomo’s short video and see this info for yourself, no matter how you feel about CNN. It is surreal to see Cuomo documenting his illness on television. But historical research librarians would call this info a primary source.
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