Think I have Covid. What to do please?

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Hi guys, this is my first ever post on Mumsnet and a bit unsure. Ok so for the last 3 weeks I would say I have had random symptoms which I’ve never had before. Shooting in all parts of the body. Cough that lasted a few days but very mild. I woke up on two separate occasions with a bad pain behind my eye almost like somebody was pushing from the inside. I’ve had headaches and generally felt knackered. So this week, I attempted to start running. I was ok on Monday, since Tuesday I haven’t had the energy to do any of the sort. The last two days my breathing has been so strange almost like I’m having to take deep breaths to get enough oxygen. I also keep having an on off tightness to my chest today and random pains there too. Ive had really itchy eyes and about two weeks ago I had really bad bottom left tummy pain. I’ve also been having dizzy spells these last few days. I’m one of those that NEVER gets ill. And as my symptoms were all spaced out I never really thought it was Covid until now. I’m 99% sure it is. I nearly had a panic attack last night when my breathing went funny as I got myself so worked up I had to run outside for fresh air and drink lots of water. I have a 2 year old and luckily my sister has moved in with me for lockdown. Anybody who is in the Same situation, what did you do? I guess I’m just looking for reassurance and comfort really as I’m petrified it will get worse. Those of you who have had it or think you have had it, what day around did you get the breathlessness etc? Thank you so much and hope I haven’t nattered on too much x

Well, first of all, stop running.

Stay home, along with everyone in your house.

Eat healthily.

Take paracetamol for pain, and vitamin c and d to support your immune system.

When you have stopped rushing about, think about your breathing- are you still breathless?

Then ring your GP or 111 and get advice there.

You are probably fine.

If you are seriously worried, get an oximeter off amazon. About £20, and checks that your blood level of oxygen is ok.

Having CV doesn't mean you have to do something.
Finding it hard to breath does mean you have to do something!

Fill in the answers and it will advise you...
111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Thank you. I haven’t ran since Monday and I certainly wouldn’t now. I haven’t even been out since I’ve thought it was corona in case I pass it on. I noctice The breathlessness MORE in the evening when my little one is in bed. And that’s when I’m sitting down. I guess what I was trying to ask was, at what point do you get help? I wouldn’t call 111 right now as I CAN breathe I’m just finding I have to take deeper breaths and inhale that much more deeper. An oximeter is a good idea. Do you know how reliable they are? It’s the chest tightness and breathlessness that’s worrying me, but don’t know if I’ve scared myself by reading too many threads on here :( x

Hi OP, I'm quite sure I had it (not tested though) and if so, I was breathless day 4 and 5, then it seemed to get better, then day 10, when my temp went back up briefly. I didn't have an oximeter so don't know what my levels were. Weirdly I went outside too and felt this helped a bit.

I'd say if you think you're getting worse, call a doctor. I also kept an eye on my respiratory rate (they say you can't do this yourself but I tried to) reckoning if if went up, it would be because I needed more oxygen, though this was before all the silent hypoxia stuff (where they say people present as well but then have very low oxygen levels) so god knows if this was any help at all.

I was ok in the end and didn't need any medical help. My cough started dry and not very bad too but became more insistent and productive towards the end of the 2nd week and I've still got it 6 weeks or more on!

Rest!

That sounds like some vague cop-out answer but resting really is crucial. You need to give your body a chance to focus on recovery. So seriously try to do as little as possible. Even if you feel better in a few days, still rest. Then, as you recover, continue to take it really easy for weeks. Definitely don’t run!

Use the 111 online service. They were very helpful to me and got me into hospital quickly when I needed it. Hope you are ok 💐

Thank you so much! I completed the 111 and it told me to call an ambulance! But I clicked that I had shoulder pain and I think it was thinking I was having a heart attack so I went back and redid it. It’s so hard to know what to do when I’ve seen people are so much worse and are still at home, I feel overdramatic perhaps?

I do need to rest however my just turned two year old is extremely hyperactive and I do not stop running around after her. She’s into everything. My sister is working from home so can’t be on hand in the day so I really don’t know what the answer is. Thank you so much for all of your replies they are really helpful x

Have you lost your sense of taste or smell at any point along the way? Apparently that's a covid 'thing' too

NB is everyone aware of the covid symptom tracking database?

covid.joinzoe.com/data

Millions of people are updating daily and generating useful data.

Thank you, I’ll have a look. I haven’t yet but my appetite has completely gone which is strange as you usually can’t get me away from the fridge

To test the oxymeter, compare your result with your sister's. If it measures you both about the same, then you are probably ok. If it measures you lower than her, then ring and get advice.

Thank you. I’m going to order one from amazon prime to hopefully come tomorrow xx

Guys do any of you know where I can get one from at all? Amazon prime prices are £50+ and the normal prices are in the range of not arriving until June! Same on eBay :( don’t really want to pay 4 times the amount as I’m struggling as it is. Many thanks x

Argos have got cheaper oximeters, OP. (Namechage fail by the way)
Limited stock - go quick!
www.argos.co.uk/search/oximeter/

Thank you, just looked! Out of stock for delivery and click and collect! Thanks anyway :)

If you are running...you dont have Covid!!
Even if you do...and you can run in the day.....its very mild! Relax at home @

I ran on Monday morning. I was completely obliterated the next day and have felt awful since. I’m not running at this current moment. It’s onlh the last few days that the breathlessness has started x

have you tried Argos. I think since radio 4 did a piece on o2 levels being more important than temperature, everywhere is selling out!

You'll feel a bit crap, think you're better, then feel crap again. But you'll be OK. Enjoy Netflix

Yeah they’re in stock online but you can’t click and collect or get them delivered so very strange! I’ll keep looking, thank you! X

I just ordered on Amazon. There are plenty available at less than £20

ICEBEARROCKS I was talking to our A&E consultant this week who said they are diagnosing Covid19 in people completely unaware. A cyclist fell off his bike and xray indicated he had covid lungs. He had been feeling a little more breathless but did not feel unwell. There are a lot of different presentations and it seems that keeping an eye on SATS makes sense as for some reason with covid, your O2 levels can really drop dangerously low before you feel breathless which is weird!

@vdbfamily can you link for OP please? She couldn't find one.

@IceBearRocks

"If you are running...you dont have Covid!!"

That's simply not true. Dangerous spreading of misinformation

pickle.... there were loads. Lots did not have reviews but if you want a cheap one you will get what you pay for. Weirdly I just searched from my phone and they were all really expensive but from desktop computer there was more choice!! Confused now but try Amazon from a desk top and next time I am on desktop I will link to what I ordered.