Feeling a bit panicky / lonely (and when can I go back to work?)

[Fallulah]

Currently have covid - I’m a teacher and there were lots of ‘heroes’ in school last week who should have kept their germs at home. I started with a sore throat/headache on Sunday and flashed up a very strong line on the test yesterday. Fever/shivers Monday/Monday night and today (day 4) the cough is a bit worse and I’ve lost my sense of smell.

I had covid in 2020 and got off lightly. I’ve had all my vaccinations (ironically the next one is booked for later this month), but my BMI is high (I am trying). I get invited to have the vaccine because of this. I know obese people are more likely to die and I’m scared.

My OH is at work today and I’m just having a little panic about being on my own. I’ve got thermometer (normal) and oximeter (around 98 so fine too) I just know I’m going to get myself in a panic. I can’t worry my elderly parent because I saw them before I knew I was ill and they’ve just tested positive too so am also worrying about them!

Is there anything I can do to speed things along / try to keep myself calm?

And when can I go back to work? Do I have to get a negative? I don’t think so but something about going in while still positive doesn’t sit right with me. I’m already sick of setting cover.

You go back when you are well enough to work.

Firstly, you will almost certainly be OK. Try not to panic. Covid is much less deadly than other common illnesses no-one thinks twice about.
Secondly, your school can advise you. Mine says come in if you feel well enough. Give the office a ring.
You'll be fine x

Sympathies OP. I'd recommend a high strength Vit C, Zinc and D3 which many have found helps speed recovery. Rest up as much as possible. The more you rest, the quicker you'll be better. Generally pushing through can extend this illness.

Try and find a box set to stream to distract you. And drink loads of water.

Hope you feel better soon x I’m obese and been super mild whenever I have had it, but I do know the worry. It’s massively massively unlikely you’ll be seriously ill or die x

Thank you
Funnily enough I recently started taking my vitamin C and D again so fingers crossed that’s helping.
I was freezing cold this morning but that has passed and I haven’t needed paracetamol today but the headache is back this evening so I’ll take some in a minute. I definitely have no sense of smell but taste is clinging on! I managed to get the dog out for a 10 minute plod. Other than that I’ve just binge watched most of the new season of Emily in Paris and done a little bit of work on my laptop. Told work I won’t be back tomorrow and will see how I feel on Friday. The guidance at school is don’t test and just come in when you feel well enough to be there, which doesn’t sit entirely well with me, but I’ll see how I feel.

Resting is so important when getting over covid that in your position I'd err on the side of caution when deciding what to do on Friday.

Morning. I’d say Friday is looking increasingly less likely. I’ve reached the feeling sick stage now - had a bucket next to the bed last night but thankfully didn’t need it. So bored of this now!

I didn’t go back on Friday - day seven and I’m still here but still feeling rough.

I keep getting a really hot face and feeling what I can only describe as weird! My ears and head feel very ‘full’(?) and I’m still really tired. My temperature is now fine, even when I get the burning hot face.

I tested negative Friday and Saturday so hopefully these are just lingering symptoms. 🤞 Thankfully my parent has got off much more lightly and although still positive has been out mowing the lawn today!

Hope you are ok. I'm on a very similar timeline to you. Bit of a sore throat mon and Tues, tested on wed and was positive. Felt really rough weds Thurs Fri and stayed in bed as much as possible. But gone back in to work today as I was feeling a bit better but now I'm here I feel not good. Temp is slightly high but not massively 37.9
I also have high bmi 42 and it worries me.

I never have a fever with any other illnesses, can't remember having one my entire adult life so it scares me (I do suffer with health anxiety though)