How Does It Feel To Have COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms greatly resemble those of a common cold or influenza, leading to challenges when trying to identify if you have the disease and necessitating treatment. The most prevalent symptoms of coronavirus include shortness of breath, dry cough, fever, and headache. If you suspect you may have been exposed or if you are exhibiting symptoms, make it a priority to undergo testing and initiate quarantine protocols immediately.
Opt for Mira at $45 per month and gain access to a vast suite of services, which comprise of discounts on prescriptions and visits to urgent-care, along with same-day lab testing availability. Prioritize your health; explore the benefits of Mira today.
Understanding the Experience of Having COVID-19
Fears and anxieties abound as one navigates through the symptoms of COVID-19 and the continuously evolving Delta and Omicron variants. Although individuals over the age of 60 remain significantly more susceptible to the virus, the majority of younger people experience mild and non-life-threatening symptoms such as coughs or sneezes.
Experience insights from four COVID-19 survivors give us the tools to better predict and manage potential symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing, discern when to seek medical help, and prepare for life post-contracting the virus.
A Surprising Battle - Lisa Merck
On March 13, 2020, Lisa Merck, 50, disclosed from her self-imposed quarantine in Crested Butte, Colorado. Recently back from a three-week Hawaii trip, Lisa came home with more than pleasant memories as she began to experience severe muscle aches. These discomforts were followed by nausea, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue, leading to a positive coronavirus diagnosis. From her encounter, muscle aches were the most intense, but the breathlessness and fatigue posed significant challenges too.
COVID-19 Unveiled - Hillary Dianne
Hillary Diane was discharged from the ER on March 11 after her suspected coronavirus experience garnered attention on Facebook. Living in Massachusetts, in close proximity to the Biogen conference site where over 70 people were infected, Hillary had no direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Despite a restricted testing capacity at the MA Department of Public Health, the hospital, which could not provide tests, sent her home to self-quarantine.
Her symptoms unfolded as follows:
- March 9: a slight tickle in the throat, initially dismissed as insignificant.
- March 10: cough and shortness of breath surfaced, intensifying during the day. Body aches and general discomfort began, sleep became elusive due to constant coughing.
- March 11: Unchanged symptoms. Despite not having a fever, she was informed that fever absence doesn't negate COVID-19 as it manifests differently in individuals, depending on age, general health, and pre-existing conditions.
She emphasizes how it disrupted both her personal and professional lives, expressing concern for vulnerable populations that may encounter the virus.
Get affordable doctor copay without paying insurance premiums
Join 39,000 people and get Mira, the best alternative to traditional insurance. Enroll and use immediately. Plans start at only $45/mo.
Khang T. Vuong received his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. He was named Forbes Healthcare 2021 30 under 30. Vuong spoke at Stanford Medicine X, HIMSS conference, and served as a Fellow at the Bon Secours Health System.