Covid and terrified

[Mememeddow]

I am going to die. Managed to not get it until now. Suffer from health anxiety generally. My chest feels like it’s burning. Otherwise healthy - how do I know when to worry?!

@Mememeddow I do not know your specific circumstances, but population data suggest that the risk of serious illness, death, or even temporarily compromised breathing from the currently prevalent variants of COVID is extremely low, and much lower than in the first 12-18 months when most of the COVID-caused deaths occurred.

It will certainly help you to stay well hydrated and try to breathe deeply and slowly. And be aware that 98 is a damn good level of blood oxygen - mine is not that good even when I am at full health! Statistically, based on the base rate of severe illness, your symptoms are probably from anxiety, not COVID, and your pulse oximetry corroborates that. Maybe do call 111 if you have not received your vaccine doses and ask what to watch for, but you probably have nothing to worry about, except maybe getting that atrial fibrillation treated once you are done with COVID.

Hard to not panic isn't it, especially if it's the first time. I have caught it since Friday, the first time throughout all this time. Like most I've had worse colds in my life, but there's still something frightening and unsettling about being ill with covid for sure