We’re currently in the middle of a global health crisis. Owing to the contagious nature of the novel coronavirus, which has already infected 338,724 and killed 14,687 across the world, governments have been forced to enforce complete lockdown. India, that already has 396 positive cases, has also implemented lockdown in 75 districts across the country in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. At this point, social distancing along with awareness has become the need of the hour along with awareness. And this Twitter user is doing exactly that.
Also Read: Doing This One Thing Is The Best Way To Curb The Coronavirus Outbreak, And It Is Up To You
Twitter User Shares Day-To-Day Symptoms
To help spread awareness about what testing positive for the deadly virus feels like, 22-year-old Bjonda Haliti, who hails from California, shared her experience and all her symptoms from Day 1 to 10 on the micro-blogging site.
This is what her ordeal was like:
She wanted to share her experience to help relieve people of anxiety
I’m 22 years old and I tested positive for COVID-19.
I’ve been debating on posting, but I want to share my experience especially with those around my age to help bring awareness, and to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have due to the pandemic.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
It started out like the regular flu
Day 1: It started with a mild DRY cough and a slightly sore throat. I was very tired that night.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Then the symptoms started getting severe
Day 2: I felt a lot of pressure in my head to the point I would have to cough softly to avoid the discomfort. That night, I experienced the chills and had a fever. One main symptom that stood out to me, my eyes physically hurt. They were tender and sore.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
She felt weak and low on energy by Day 3
Day 3: Energy levels VERY low, I only slept, and still ran fevers. At this point, my symptoms were: dry cough, migraine, fever, chills, some nausea. I decided to go to the doctors where I tested negative for the flu and strep.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
The doctor told me I probably just had an infection and prescribed me antibiotics and 800mg of ibuprofen. I made sure to stay extremely hydrated and stocked up on vitamins and probiotics. That night, I still ran a fever.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Fever passed but an alarming symptom showed up on Day 4
Day 4: Finally no more fever, but a new symptom showed up: shortness of breath. It was uncomfortable, it felt like I had bricks on my chest. I tried the self diagnose test I read online (hold your breath and count to 10) which I successfully did with no complications.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
At this point I wanted to test for corona like I should have been in the first place, but It was very difficult to get tested for it!!! I continued to self-quarantine and hydrate hydrate HYDRATE!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
By Day 5, she had all the major symptoms of coronavirus
Day 5: Symptoms: sore throat, cough, shortness of breath. I went to the same doctor and I was very adamant about getting tested. Doctor said my vitals were “unremarkable” but I wasn’t going to take no for an answer! I also requested chest X-rays, everything came out normal.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
I was advised to continue self quarantine, and I would receive my results in 5-6 DAYS!!!!!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
She continued to take medication for her symptoms
Day 6 – With the continued use of antibiotics and ibuprofen, my symptoms were: sore throat, cough, shortness of breath. My energy levels began to increase.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
By Day 7, she began to feel slightly better
Day 7 – Symptoms: slight sore throat, mild cough, shortness of breath. Energy levels increasing.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Soon, she started to regain her energy
Day 8 – Symptoms: Mild cough, starting to feel like myself again. Energy!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
By Day 9, she almost felt back to feeling normal
Day 9 – Symptoms: My cough was a little heavier, normal energy levels.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Day 10 came with a plot twist
Day 10 – Symptoms: Mild cough, mucus, normal energy levels. My lab results came in: POSITIVE.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
She’s still in self-quarantine to protect other people
I am continuing to self-isolate and take care of myself. Today I am feeling great and healthy! I will need to retest in order to be cleared. That’s if I can find a doctor whose willing to retest me. Haven’t had any luck so far.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
She also wanted to warn people to not use ibuprofen like she did
It’s been brought to my attention ibuprofen could worsen symptoms. As stated, I was prescribed these for a bacterial infection BEFORE I was tested for COVID19. I was taking ibuprofen until day 4 where I no longer felt it was necessary.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
She summed up her entire experience in one tweet
For those asking me what it’s like: I have dealt with colds in the past that were worse than this. I rated my pain moderate (4/10) when I went to the doctor. The first 3 days were most difficult.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 19, 2020
And she’s finally feeling a lot better now
Health update: I am feeling well today, normal energy levels. I do have a little bit of sinus pressure and headache, but I am continuing to hydrate as much as possible and overall I am in good health!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 20, 2020
Bjonda’s day-to-day breakdown gave us much-needed insight into what it feels like to fight the virus. Remember to practice social distancing, call your GP if you have any symptoms and don’t panic. Together, we can fight this pandemic.
Also Read: Silver Linings: Comforting Updates About COVID-19 That Will Give You Hope, Not Panic
Also Read: How to increase platelet count
Featured Image: Shutterstock
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