Zoe - COVID, This is real!

I want to thank a dear work colleague, Zoe, for allowing me to publish her battle with COVID on my blog. This virus is real, it kills and Zoe wants people to understand that, especially the younger generation. I am just thankful she is on the mend!

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Thank you to all for your kind lovely messages, my Christmas wish this year is for good health.

I have been fighting COVID-19 now for 10 days. 10 days in self-isolation alone in my flat in four walls, filled with the most horrific anxiety I’ve ever had… My first symptom was a temperature of nearly 39C which lasted on/off for 48 hours. No taste or smell for 2 weeks & I still can’t taste or smell a thing. A persistent cough which I still have & could linger for a couple of weeks… I can only describe as razor blades every time you inhale… Gasping for breath. Shivers, shakes, sweats, muscle aches, panic attacks & tears in the middle of the night at 4am, just wanting a cuddle from my Mum knowing I can’t see her or touch her for what feels like a lifetime, every second, minute, hour that goes by… Just watching time which feels never ending, feeling trapped, fighting to get better… I’ve fought it hard. My body’s fought hard. I’m exhausted, I can’t stop sleeping at the moment…

But I am now free of this awful virus & the recovery process can start. I am grateful & blessed to be able to step outside my flat for the first time in nearly 2 weeks & take a 10-minute walk over Christmas in the fresh air alone. Physically & mentally I can’t express how much this virus will knock you if you catch it…

To the younger generation like myself, ANYONE can get this, it isn’t just the elderly. Please protect your families over the Christmas period. I am so relieved I caught this & not one of my family members. Every day in incubation I hoped & prayed for their health & that they hadn’t & wouldn’t catch this virus from me. This virus is real, it’s nasty & emotionally & physically draining but during my isolation I have had the time to really reflect on the situation. It’s definitely taught me what’s important in life… My family. They are my priority.

Please protect the ones you love. I’m posting this to try & help raise awareness to the younger generation that this is REAL. If reading this can at least help one person then please pass it on to someone who may wish to hear it… For anyone who is struggling & you fear your mental health is declining, my inbox is always open to talk & for anyone who is currently self-isolating with COVID & tips/advice on how to get through it… Please drop me a message. You will be OK… Make sure you rest & drink plenty of fluids. Even if you struggle to eat… Stay hydrated & don’t sleep on your back (you will restrict your airways) Sleep propped up on your side or flat on your stomach if you are feeling breathless, keep calm, do NOT panic. I can’t express this enough. I would be happy to share my story to help those in need… Please feel free to share… Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all… Stay safe everyone… Stay healthy

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