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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCOVID-19 Can Last for Several Months
For Vonny LeClerc, day one was March 16.
Hours after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson instated stringent social-distancing measures to halt the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, LeClerc, a Glasgow-based journalist, arrived home feeling shivery and flushed. Over the next few days, she developed a cough, chest pain, aching joints, and a prickling sensation on her skin. After a week of bed rest, she started improving. But on day 12, every old symptom returned, amplified and with reinforcements: She spiked an intermittent fever, lost her sense of taste and smell, and struggled to breathe.
When I spoke with LeClerc on day 66, she was still experiencing waves of symptoms. Before this, I was a fit, healthy 32-year-old, she said. Now Ive been reduced to not being able to stand up in the shower without feeling fatigued. Ive tried going to the supermarket and Im in bed for days afterwards. Its like nothing Ive ever experienced before. Despite her best efforts, LeClerc has not been able to get a test, but every doctor Ive spoken to says theres no shadow of a doubt that this has been COVID, she said. Today is day 80.
COVID-19 has existed for less than six months, and it is easy to forget how little we know about it. The standard view is that a minority of infected people, who are typically elderly or have preexisting health problems, end up in critical care, requiring oxygen or a ventilator. About 80 percent of infections, according to the World Health Organization, are mild or asymptomatic, and patients recover after two weeks, on average. Yet support groups on Slack and Facebook host thousands of people like LeClerc, who say they have been wrestling with serious COVID-19 symptoms for at least a month, if not two or three. Some call themselves long-termers or long-haulers.
I interviewed nine of them for this story, all of whom share commonalities. Most have never been admitted to an ICU or gone on a ventilator, so their cases technically count as mild. But their lives have nonetheless been flattened by relentless and rolling waves of symptoms that make it hard to concentrate, exercise, or perform simple physical tasks. Most are young. Most were previously fit and healthy. It is mild relative to dying in a hospital, but this virus has ruined my life, LeClerc said. Even reading a book is challenging and exhausting. What small joys other people are experiencing in lockdownyoga, bread bakingare beyond the realms of possibility for me.
More: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/06/covid-19-coronavirus-longterm-symptoms-months/612679/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
progree
(10,909 posts)Please don't do that again, not when you are that obviously symptomatic. Even with a mask. Thank you. There are food delivery services, and yes they cost a little more.
NutmegYankee
(16,199 posts)OhioChick
(23,218 posts)I've been having food delivered since this first started and could get my food overnight.
Now, I have to plan ahead in case I have to wait close to a week for an available time slot.
progree
(10,909 posts)family members, neighbors, social service agencies. Eat the last dregs in the pantry.