Slowly recovering from covid-but Frightened will get again

[Mums1234]

I was very fit and healthy before I got covid. I'm slowly recovering but I'm left feeling low and vulnerable. I've no idea where I caught it and would hate to catch covid again. I don't get sick pay, only SSP which is a joke. Any tips on how to cope? I feel emotionally and physically weak.

Getting over a severe illness can cause anxiety and dark moods and general heightened emotions. This is very normal but can feel insurmountable. You are physically and emotionally drained. Be kind to yourself and recognise that this is the illness, it will pass.

Take heart in the fact you will have immunity from having the virus. It's extremely unlikely that you will get it again in the next three months because of that. And if and when you do, it will be milder.

See a GP if you feel unable to cope.

Have you been out much? I think you need some gentle walks or exercise to help lift your mood.

Sending you positive thoughts. An illness can really knock you but you will come back from this. It's all downhill from here.

Thank you for taking the time to post and giving me comfort. I'm used to walking about 10 miles etc and I can just about walk 10 minutes very slowly. Exercise keeps me sane so I suppose I find it extra frustrating this covid. Thank you

How long ago did you have Covid? Have you been referred to the long Covid service and have you had blood tests to ensure there isn't something else contributing to your symptoms?
The lingering effects can be awful. Rest as much as you can. Also, although it's not helpful to become anxious about getting it again, you can still mask and avoid high risk settings which will lower your risk of getting it again but you can still have a good quality of life. Finding that balance can help your mental health. I hope you keep improving.

You may well already be doing this - but i have found decent masks do seem effective. I work in a big school packed with coughing sneezing children and use packed trains to commute and have never caught covid while wearing one. I have had it twice but both times was caught at home from family members who don't mask.

Thank you for taking the time to post supportive comments. It's only been 3 weeks, so it's still early days, is it too early to contact the GP?

Yes, I think I will wear masks again. Thanks for that tip having a little plan helps.

If you are struggling then contact your GP. The main advice to help recovery is resting and pacing. Google it, it's the advice given by the long Covid clinics. Pacing means break up activities into small chunks and rest between each one. Take life slowly, go up stairs slowly, move around slowly etc. They advise keeping your heart rate below 60%of it's maximum, for me that's about 100 beats pet minute. Basically your body has a lot less energy and you have to be mindful of your energy budget and stick to it. Once you try to use more energy than you have you will feel dreadful. Don't try to push through the fatigue, just rest. Do less housework etc. If it can wait then leave it. There is an NHS resource called something like 'my Covid recovery'. Maybe look at that.