What is wrong with me?

[Gwenhwyfar]

Three days ago I started coughing a bit. I put it down to acid reflux. I had just recovered from a cold and cough that lasted 5 weeks on and off so I thought it would be extremely unlucky to catch something like that again.
That same evening I came home with terrible back pain, which I put down to carrying three bags. Then during the night I had bloating and digestive problems as well as back pain. The back pain and nausea continued for a couple of days and then somehow turned into a cold so now I have a runny nose and am coughing again. I just can't think what this is. I'm presuming it's a continuation of what I had late October rather than a totally new illness...

I don't qualify for a free Covid PCR.

Interesting you mention covid, I had a sore back when I got covid the first time. And tummy issues. You don’t have any friends with a LFT hanging around? Lots of people stockpiled them.

Thanks Yellow. I actually just did the test after posting this and I have a faint line for Covid. I was wondering because a bad back and joint pain was a big part of the vaccine side effects for me. It's not one of the official symptoms to get a PCR though. I've managed to book a PCR test on the basis of my bad cough though. I was in contact with SO many people at work yesterday that I don't know where to start with informing people, whether I should wait until the PCR result tomorrow or what.

But it also presumably means that the lingering cold I had a few weeks ago was also Covid, meaning I've had it for ages with relapses. I hope that's not long Covid!

I don’t think it means that you have had covid since you first started coughing. There’s so much going around at the moment. Hopefully you’ll recover quickly from covid.

"Hopefully you’ll recover quickly from covid."

Thanks. Seems unlucky to have a long cold and then a couple of weeks later catch Covid. Wouldn't it suggest my immunity system is bad? I normally get max 2 colds a year.

It could do but then also everyone’s a bit more tired this time of year and I think where everyone was isolating and wearing masks for a couple of winters, we’re all a bit more susceptible to the germs we were protected from. Can you increase your vitamin C intake? If you have other concerns about your health or any other episodes then your GP may request a blood test to check your vitamin levels - vitamin D, B12 etc.
I think unfortunately it’s just going to be a rough winter with different viruses cropping up!

I already take extra vitamin B and D.
I've got my PCR results now too. I have an extremely high viral load.
I will ask for a blood test anyway.
Lady from the government called with my 'rules' for isolation. She told me to air my flat. I won't be doing that because it's too cold, but I'm curious as to why when I live alone. I can't re-infect myself can I, so why would I want to make the virus go out of the window (presuming that's why they advise to air the place)?

When I had covid it did last on and off for 3 months. I seemed to re-catch it but it lasted for only 2-3 days. Several times. Usually when I was too physically active, in my case.