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NOTE: The following information was published April 12, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19
We all see the numbers associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, but we don’t always hear personal accounts of the illness. A local woman offered to share her experience having COVID-19 infection and her journey to recovery.
The following is Patti H.'s account:
Out of nowhere
Thursday, March 19, 2020, started like a normal day. I didn’t know anyone with COVID-19, and I felt fine. As the day went on, I started to get a terrible headache – worse than I’ve ever experienced before. After work, I took some food to my parents who live in a retirement community and headed home. My headache was so bad the next day, I stayed home from work. There wasn’t any way I’d be able to look at a computer screen and concentrate. That’s when the fever started.
Testing positive for COVID-19
I was in denial with the headache; I thought, this can’t be COVID-19. When my temperature began to rise, so did my concerns. I saw a young television reporter who was confirmed positive for COVID-19. Her first symptom was a headache, just like mine. I knew I had to get tested. The results came back and confirmed my fear – positive with COVID-19.
I self-isolated to one room of the house. My daughter stayed with a friend, and my husband and I avoided contact. We placed Clorox wipes all over the house to make it even easier to clean. Even though I was isolated and scared, the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Family, friends, neighbors and co-workers left food and water for me on my porch. They called me and sent messages of encouragement.
There’s hope
None of my co-workers, my husband or my daughter got sick. Unfortunately, my parents did, but they are on the road to recovery. My job is considered an essential position, so once my physician gave me the green light, I returned to work. Even though I check my temperature every morning and wear a face mask, I was worried about how my co-workers would respond to my return. I didn’t want them to feel uncomfortable around me, but everyone has continued to support me through this whole process.
I want people to know – there’s hope. If you get it, there’s a good chance that you’ll recover too. Many people do. And, if you haven’t gotten sick, keep taking precautions. Stay home if you can and wash your hands regularly. Do whatever you need to do to keep you and your family healthy.