Summary

The author shares a personal narrative of their experience with COVID-19, emphasizing the reality of the virus and its impact on their family and community.

Abstract

The author initially dismissed the severity of COVID-19, comparing it to past viruses like SARS and H1N1. However, as the virus began to affect people they knew, including family members and colleagues, the reality of the pandemic became undeniable. Despite taking precautions, the author and their family contracted the virus. The author details a week-long progression of symptoms, which were more severe and distinct compared to a typical flu. The experience led to a realization that COVID-19 is not just a news story but a personal and widespread challenge. The author reflects on the timing of their illness, finding some comfort in having the family vaccinated and the support of friends and family. The ordeal strengthened their appreciation for health and the support system around them, reinforcing the sentiment that overcoming hardship can lead to personal growth.

Opinions

The author was initially skeptical about the reality of COVID-19, likening it to a flu that became sensationalized news.
Despite skepticism, the author followed vaccination mandates, receiving three Pfizer shots for protection.
The author's experience with COVID-19 symptoms was more intense than any previous flu, validating the seriousness of the virus.
The author believes there's no better time to contract the virus than when the family is vaccinated and prepared, suggesting a controlled environment for exposure.
The author feels that going through the illness together as a family, while challenging, strengthened their family bond.
The support from understanding family friends during isolation was deeply appreciated and highlighted the importance of community during difficult times.
The author expresses gratitude for their daily health, recognizing the value of such a basic aspect of life that is often taken for granted.
The author concludes with the adage that if an experience doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger, implying that surviving COVID-19 has made them more resilient.

Life Story

I Got Covid. It Is Real.

Its no longer a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN

When I first heard of this virus in Wuhan, I thought it was another one like SARS or H1N1. There will be stories of people getting infected, but we’ll never see anyone we know get infected.

Nonetheless, as a family, we have been super careful about it. We wore masks, isolate as much, wipe things brought from the supermarket thoroughly, stay at home as much as we could…

Two years ago, we only heard new cases from the news. Last year, we heard someone’s far relatives or friends infected, but none that we know directly.

Early this year, I got to know a few of my colleagues got it. And latest, my sister and family were also infected!

Early this month, my daughter got it. And soon, by the middle of the week, I became part of the number.

It’s more real than just a number

We heard stories where many statemen and celebrities got it, and it just comes and goes. I have to admit I’m skeptical if Covid is real, or is it just the flu that made big news.

Nonetheless, I still get my three Pfizer shots as early as I could, in case it is real. It is mandated anyway. So if I got it, maybe it will just be a flu-like feeling.

And the below it’s a symptom I felt over the days. I did have severe flu viral infection before, but this is different.

The symptoms

Day 1: It all started with feeling my lung is congested. I still can breathe well. No fever or any other symptom. A little coughing.
Day 2: I got fevers on and off, up to 38 degrees Celcius. My throat was dry. Coughing continues. Lost appetite and taste. Not able to taste saltiness.
Day 3: I got severe headaches. Fevers continue on and off, suppressed with Panadol. Not easily pass motion.
Day 4: Fever and headaches subsided. But when I woke up, I have a severe sore throat. Swallowing causes deep pain to my throat. Saltwater gargling helps. Late at night, I got a diarrhea
Day 5 & 6: In the daytime, I’m feeling much better. But at night the sore throat came by again. Lozenges help.
Day 7: Still do cough from time to time, but I am clear from it now.

This is what I’ve been through, very similar for my family members too.

It is everywhere actually

I got back to work. From conversations, I just realize actually there are more people whom I know got infected in the past month than I was aware of before that. People just didn’t share out openly, until they know you are in it as well.

I also get to learn the week I got it, another of my colleague got it as well. And on the week of my return to work, another two other colleagues got it too, from their son. Although we worked from home as much as we could, the virus still spread through the school. Those working from home are no longer spared.

There’s no better time to get it

Thinking over it, I’m glad I’m through. There will be no better time.

My family and I have been vaccinated, and while the 3rd booster is strong, it offers the best protection
As my daughter got it, I have a feeling we’ll all will get it. So we are prepared. It's better than not realizing it can hit us any day out there.
Regardless of having symptoms or not, we’ll have to be quarantined anyway. Hence going through together helps avoid prolonged separate quarantine days.
There are many family friends who understand the situation well, and provide their best support during our isolation either emotionally, spiritually, or even tangibly. We deeply appreciate it.

I was hoping I never have to go through it, but it happens. It’s not a bad thing after all.

As we got through together as a family, it bonded the family well. It is tough times that mold and make us appreciate each other better. We cherish these moments.

We also got to feel the care of our close-by family and friends, who make us aware we are not going through alone. We have each other. That’s what makes life meaningful.

Sometimes in life, we took for granted our daily healthy body. These serve as a reminder, to be grateful.

The saying is so true… if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.