Help! I have covid.

[TryingNotToPanicOverCovid]

Ive just found out Ive got covid this evening. I have absolutely no idea how. I have been walking everyday, but not going in shops or anywhere indoors. Ive been posting on these threads for a while as Im clinically vulnerable and have pulled kids out of school (this Jan/last march) and have been geberalky really anxious. We hose to shield for 2 months last March, washed goods etc.

I'm really anxious now. Are there things I can do to lesson chance of getting really ill?

I only felt like I needed my blue inhaler for first time in ages and wouldn't have thought anything of it other than my anxiety meant I was worried that if my asthma got worse they'd want to know if Id got covid so I tested to show I didn't.

Are there any false positives?

I don't want to die in the next 2 weeks. Or go to hospital.

I've liked reading the data threads and been watching the time til my predicted vaccine (group 6) get closer as both have helped anxiety. But I can't now believe I have it. I didn't think it was possible.

How bad will I get? Is there anything that can help reduce the likelihood of death/hospital.

Ive left an e consult for the dr (although I don't think they want to be consulted about covid?! Or maybe they mean get a test.)

Im so frightened.

(Namechanged as I'm probably obvious to anyone I know - say hi! )

@LivingMyBestLife2020 I thought you said you'd already had covid? Do you think you might catch it again. Where I'm so close to the vaccine I'm hoping antibodies will tide me over!

I wasn't upset by your post - i think it is really reassuring that lots of people with conditions survive (and older people etc.) Where I've had asthma and been in hospital for not being able to breath that in itself is a real fear of mine - so the risk of penumonia is frightening.

I was very ill last March - enough Id have been in AnE with "asthma" normally and they wouldn't see me. I couldnt breathe easily and felt like an elephant on my chest etc. I was terrified of that again - at the time it could have been covid or it could have been asthma that wasn't treated properly (normally Id have steroids and at that early on in covid they didn't want to prescribe them).

This time I really am not that ill. But I didnt know that would be the case. Maybe people who haven't had to struggle for breath don't realise how scary it is.

@TryingNotToPanicOverCovid I have had Covid before. The symptoms I have now are feeling hot and looking flushed (although temp on thermometer is 36.7)a tight chest and headache. I tested because of the tight chest and temperature. I imagine you can get different strains so can have it more than once (like flu). I’m having my vaccine tomorrow and having a new boiler fitted Monday so wanted him check I was all clear.

I still feel off so must just have some other virus but I’m looking forward to my vaccine tomorrow

Living hope you feel better soon and fantastic news about the vaccine tomorrow. Just a few weeks for it to take effect and you're covered for the worst I think? I'll still be pleased when I've had mine.

I had wondered about different strains.. I dont have a temperature and can breath and honestly have felt more ill with asthma before.

That’s good to hear that you feel ok. I just feel under the weather. It could well be stress and anxiety I suppose

Hi I had my positive result this evening and am feeling a bit scared now. I don't feel bad at mo but am getting anxious which isn't helping my breathing. I don't want to imagine symptoms. I'm 47 and slightly overweight and have fibromyalgia and possibly rheumatoid arthritis (waiting for results on that one). I keep thinking what if I'm the small statistic that gets it bad. I had the flu really bad a couple of years ago and honestly felt like I could die from that. Sorry for hijacking your thread I just really needed to chat xxx

(((Winging))) I know what you mean. I kept thinking it may only be 1% but with my risk factors I might be that 1%...

The dr did say to remember 99% of people are fine. And we have age on our side.

I also took a step back from my daily covid fact finding/news. Accepted I had it and worked on making my room comfortable/ household would be okay if I got worse/packed a hospitsl bag and just felt I got some control. I ordered food that i thought I'd like if I was ill and chose some Netflix shows and tried to relax. I know anxiety makes things worse.

Hope youre okay x

Thanks for getting back so quickly. Glad you all ok. I have plenty to do at home anyway ha ha. I childmind my 5 year old grandson as daughter works full-time so a week off from that isn't a bad thing 🤣 I'm thinking maybe she bought it in from work although she doesn't have symptoms. Who knows. Good idea to not read too much. My sis in law had it end of last year and she was very mild so hoping to be the same xxx

So having felt much better I know feel much worse. Like I cant get a full breath of air. A bit like an asthma attack.

I know my oxygen is okay but my peal flow is lower. Its scary again. Even though I know I'm not one of the worst affevted.

Of course you feel anxious OP. But please remember that you are not your thoughts. Your brain is trying to protect you but it can seem so overwhelming

All I can say is that the odds are stacked massively in your favour. Chances are you will be absolutely fine. Rest, drink fluids and try to take your mind off it if you can. You will be fine

Thanks where. I really am frightened by the bretahlessness tonight but I know its a fommon symptom. I hoped to be shaking it off by now and I felt so much better on Friday.

I think I'll ring doctors in the morning about the breathlessnes to be sure.

I think Ive got a covid finger though whoch is fascinating!

@TryingNotToPanicOverCovid

Thanks where. I really am frightened by the bretahlessness tonight but I know its a fommon symptom. I hoped to be shaking it off by now and I felt so much better on Friday.

I think I'll ring doctors in the morning about the breathlessnes to be sure.

That’s a good idea. They will put your mind at rest.

I had Covid myself - I’m not at all vulnerable but (if it helps) I had the breathlessness too and it was after I thought I had recovered. It’s not nice - especially with the panic about it all but it did pass. I just kept telling myself “it’s ok, I’m getting air in to my lungs. Just need to sit quietly for a while and it will pass” and it did.

Can I just say as well, fair play to you for ‘checking in’ with your health and taking your Vit D etc. You’re doing all the right things. This will pass.

So sorry you have covid!

I don't think it's been mentioned, but did you know that sugar can compromise the immune system as can alcohol? Also did you know that taking turmeric capsules can really help the lungs? lunginstitute.com/blog/the-lung-health-benefits-of-turmeric/
All of the vitamins already mentioned too. But stress is REALLY bad for you because it will make your body produce cortisol. Do you have a priest you can ask to pray with you or something else than can bring you peace? If you can relax and feel peaceful it will aid your immune system. You need REST and relaxation to allow your body to fight the infection.

It would be a good idea to take your SATS with a finger monitor because it can tell you if you have Silent Hypoxia. If you do, it will mean you can be oxygen deficient yet not panting for breath. If yu don't already have one get one ASAP and monitor your oxygen levels. If they drop below 92% then you'd need to ring for help so you don't wear yourself out trying to breath without oxygen.

I really hope some of this helps and that you're feeling better soon.

Oh OP I'm sorry you have felt worse since you answered me. Please please try and stay calm and relax if possible. Think of the millions that have recovered from covid and all those that didn't have to have any treatment. Im still feeling ok 3 days after my test and am worried I'll wake up tomorrow really ill. As it is my 23 year old dd had positive result today and she feels like someone is sat on her chest. She lives with my dgs in her own home so now I'm more worried about her and would prefer to have her here. I hope you can sleep well and start feeling better xxx

Hi DNH - yes I have a dats monitor and where Im high risk the dr will have me in hospital if it drops to 94 rather than 92. I keep reminding myself that hasn't happened (and if it did it would be good I was in early/probably just for air don't need to think the worse).

Cortisol is a vicious circle isnt it. Im breathing a bit better now thankfully so am calmer.

Winging sorry about you both. Could she come to you? (If you're both positive then cant spread it?)

The early days feel like a ticking bomb dont they. I tried to rest and eat well and make my room pleasant for what might come. Each time I've had a symptom its frightened me but really most people are fine and I keep trying to remember that.

Its hard though after a year of avoiding everything to avoid getting it isnt it. Hope you stay okay x

Hope you got some sleep OP and you feel better when you wake

How are you feeling today @TryingNotToPanicOverCovid?

Thankyou. Headachey but breathing feels better thankfully. Its a strange beast.

Im officially allowed out today as considered not contagious. But still feel rough.