Joining the Herd

     I suspected I would chronicle my experience with covid if or when I got it. That time has come. 

     I am someone who prefers to follow the rules in life. In early 2020, I did my part to stop the spread ... mask, distance, vaccine, and booster. I successfully avoided the virus for almost two years, and as odd as it sounds, I'm proud of that distinction. It represents the sacrifices I made to protect others as well as myself. I consider it a battle well fought, albeit in this case my foe is a resilient virus with incredible adaptability. 

     Early on, I told my husband I wasn't ready to die. You see, I have "problematic" lungs. A few years ago, after visits to the ENT Specialist and Pulmonary Clinic, I discovered I have scar tissue, probably caused by childhood pneumonia and frequent upper respiratory infections. At first they said I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Then they said I have allergic asthma. Regardless of the diagnosis, upper respiratory infections generally kick me to the curb! So, the thought of contracting covid scared the hell out of me. When I first talked to my husband about my fear, he probably assumed I was being melodramatic, but the second time he took notice. Because it was important to me, he followed the rules too. He's just that kind of man, selfless and considerate. We got the vaccine and booster together. I felt protected with the vaccine and we were able to have a somewhat normal year with family pool parties and holiday celebrations.  

     Then a few weeks ago, my six-year-old grandson tested positive for covid. He evidently came in contact with the virus at school. Less than a week later, my daughter, who was 36 weeks pregnant, tested positive too. After combating the virus for six days, her obstetrician conducted a fetal stress test and decided to deliver the baby via C-section that evening. While my daughter and her beautiful baby girl were in the hospital, I cared for her two boys. The youngest had been feverish at the time of her delivery, so I assumed I was walking into a viral combat zone. While I could have masked up those six days in her home, I chose to face the viral demon head-on. After all, I'm vaccinated and this latest variant was supposedly less lethal than the others. Just like a cold, they said. So, I rolled the dice ... and lost. 

     My first sign of infection was a lower back ache, something I've only experienced when I've contracted influenza. I noticed the tip of my nose was itchy. No wonder this virus has thrived! Imagine all those infected people itching, spreading, and infecting ... Einstein-level genius for a virus! Next, I had severe body aches, but no fever. Weird. Extra drainage at the back of my throat, very slight scratchy throat, stomach upset, bowel abnormalities, occasional tickle in my esophagus, feeling a bit dizzy, and mentally foggy ... that was just the first two days. The symptoms remained the same for the next several days, but then the exhaustion kicked in. On infection-day 5, I had some energy in the morning, but that burned out rather quickly. While I was grooming my dog, I started to feel weak in the knees, shaky, nauseated, and was forced to stop and sit. It took me at least an hour to recover. Once again, I'm in awe of this powerful virus. Here I sit, well nourished, hydrated, rested, and yet, it zapped my energy and took me down, in just 5 days. Impressive and a little frightening truth be told because aside from my lung issue, my overall health is outstanding. I can't even imagine how it would've ravaged my body without any defense. Today, I feel like I came to a gun fight with bb gun, but at least I'm armed! 

     Every day now I hear about loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are fighting off the virus. The younger ones experience flu and cold-like symptoms, shake it off a few days later, and become part of the herd immunity. Meanwhile, the older and unhealthy folks are still at risk for complications and even death. Today, on infection-day 6, I sit here plunking away on my keyboard. My head is still foggy, I'm a bit weak, and my sinuses are still draining, but I survived. I've officially joined the herd.