What I learned from our family having COVID
Well it happened. After almost a year of trying to avoid getting COVID, we got it. And when I say we, I mean our entire family.
Here’s what I learned:
COVID is as contagious as I heard. It spread to our family and my neighbors entire family very quickly.
Symptoms really do vary greatly from person to person, with no apparent rhyme or reason. Out of the five total kids, only Lincoln had symptoms - cough, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, but she never seemed to FEEL very bad. Five adults also varied greatly in severity.
This is not like the flu. (Ok I already knew that, but still had to share). I lost over ten pounds, lost my smell, and my taste is still off. I passed out on the bathroom floor at night. I had a fever, chills, severe headache, no appetite, light-headedness, nausea, shortness of breath and exhaustion. I'm not talking about feeling tired like I did with the flu, but exhaustion to where I couldn’t stay awake, and slept for DAYS straight. Another weird thing about this virus is I didn’t have congestion at first. It hit towards the end, then wouldn’t go away.
Secondary infections are common. After two weeks of being super sick, I was finally feeling somewhat back to normal and then I got worse. I had a bacterial sinus infection. Luckily antibiotics knocked it out.
Even young, healthy people can wind up in the hospital from this virus. This is not something the media or the left made up. A very dear friend to me, my age, with no health issues, was hospitalized for a week with severe COVID pneumonia. She almost didn't make it home to her children. The doctors don't know why it happened to her, but this could happen to anyone. After seeing the amount of care she required and how infrequently the hospital was able to communicate with her family, I cannot imagine how terrible it would be for a loved one to be suffering from COVID complications in a hospital at capacity.
Staying home may be boring but quarantining for real is worse, especially during a snow storm with no grocery delivery options. COVID quarantine means no errands, no food pickup or Target runs. Nobody can come help watch the kids when you can't stay awake, or clean your very messy house. We got sick with our neighbors, and while it was nice for the kids to be able to play together, it also meant I had 3 extra kiddos. Let's just say the kids got reallllly good at video games.
Communication is key. If you have a pod, make sure to clearly communicate your expectations. Pandemic fatigue is real, but we can't let our guards down just yet. Don't be afraid to communicate what is best for your family. Everyone has different levels of comfort and that's ok. Good friends and family checked on us and supported us from afar with meals, treats and activities for the kids.
Misinformation is rampant. Incorrect information on the disease, vaccines, quarantine times and health is all over the place. I don't believe everything I read. I get my virus facts from doctors and the CDC.
The long term effects can persist for months, even from mild COVID. Over a month after getting sick, I still have lingering symptoms like major brain fog, no smell and concentration problems. Issues I had before are worse including anxiety, endometriosis cramps, muscle pain, headache and fatigue. I don't know how long this will all last or what other long term effects there will be on my health.
COVID is probably the most divisive event to happen in my life time. It has caused tension, drama and arguments within our family and friends. It has shown me who is selfish and who is selfless.
This experience taught me what and who is really important. Almost losing someone you love is life changing.
It's up to all of us if this pandemic continues or ends soon. We live in Texas, but we will continue wearing masks in public, washing our hands and social distancing. We will get vaccinated as soon as we are eligible.
Even if YOU are lucky enough to withstand this terrible virus, there are many people who can't. Be a good human and do what is best for the greater good.
