I Too Now Have a COVID Story and Some Advice for Seniors

Somehow I managed to avoid it for three-and-a-half years

Welcome back. It’s been a long time coming. Over three-and-a-half years in the works. It was bound to happen sooner or later, no matter how careful I was. All the worrying. All the press. All I can say is thank God for the vaccines and all the science behind them. Yes, I believe in science. I am thankful I received the updated vaccine a few weeks before I got sick. I truly believe it helped me.

This article is different for me. No garden update, no bike ride to write about, and no historical sites to explore. Nope, It’s not about a vacation trip or birds at the feeder. But don’t worry, I’ll get back on topic soon. As a matter of fact, I hope you enjoyed my articles on our recent trip to Quebec, Canada, to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Actually, towards the end of this trip, my COVID story began. First, a look back at one of my recent articles:

A Tickling Cough Begins

We began our trip home from Perce, Quebec on Thursday, October 5th. We decided to divide the return trip into three days as opposed to the two days we took on the way up there. Still a lot of driving, but fewer miles per day. After all, from our house to Perce, Quebec is 914 miles. Phew.

That afternoon, although I was feeling fine, I began with a little bit of a tickling cough. I thought it was probably just allergies; sometimes in the Fall, I get allergies from the leaves, molds, etc. No big deal, I thought.

By the time we got to Moncton, New Brunswick, it was late afternoon. After checking into the hotel, we went out for dinner. I felt fine, just that persistent little cough.

Maybe Some Cough Syrup?

After dinner, my wife asked if I would need cough syrup. I declined and we headed back to the hotel. I thought my cough would settle down. I really didn’t even think about COVID, to be honest. The next thing I knew, my wife was ordering cough syrup using DoorDash. Neither one of us felt like venturing out at night in an unfamiliar city.

Let's Try This Again

I soon realized we had gotten a cough syrup with just an expectorant, which loosens the cough. However, it does nothing to suppress the cough. So, we again placed an order for syrup, this time with a cough suppressant. Turns out the same person delivered both orders to our room. I explained to him what happened and thanked him.

I’m so glad I had the cough syrup; I was able to sleep fairly well.

Another Day, A Little Closer to Home

The next day we headed to Ogunquit, Maine. I still wasn’t feeling that bad. A little tired, and that nagging cough. I picked up more cough syrup and we settled in for the night. I really didn’t think I had COVID. I guess I should have known.

For those of you who follow my stories, you know that my wife and I spent time in Ogunquit, Maine this summer. Three wonderful days at the beach.

That night, I began to feel worse. I definitely had a fever, but we didn’t have a thermometer to see just how high. I was sweating as I slept, so obviously I was getting pretty sick. I didn’t have a sore throat or any nasal symptoms.

I Just Wanted to Get Home

On Saturday morning, we again packed our things and headed out for the final leg of our journey. The first stop was a CVS to get a COVID test. I did the test in the car, and we headed off to pick up a little breakfast. I knew quickly that I was positive for COVID.

The first time you test positive is a little surreal. Is this really happening? To tell you the truth, I was anxious about getting it. Mainly since I have some risk factors including asthma. My asthma is mild and well-controlled; however, I once had an asthma attack and it is something I would rather not experience again. If you’ve ever had one, you know what I mean.

I slept a lot on the way home. Thank God that my wife did the driving. I did wear a mask in the car, but felt bad that I hadn’t for the other two days of the trip. I felt relieved to get home; all I felt like was some chicken noodle soup.

I was Supposed to Rest

I will admit I do not always rest well. It’s just not me. After a few days of COVID, I wanted to move on. It doesn’t always work that way. I decided to do a few things starting on Day 6. One day I put away a few pieces of deck furniture. The next day I mowed the lawn. The day after that I went on a four-mile bike ride. I think it helped me. Getting out in the fresh air and exercising the lungs. Don’t get me wrong, I rested as well, including sleeping well at night. I gradually started feeling better.

I Was Able to Get Paxlovid

The day after we got home, even though it was a Sunday, I was able to get a prescription for Paxlovid. I felt fortunate. I took that for five days and I think it helped me, along with having gotten the updated COVID vaccine about 16 days before getting symptoms.

Feeling Better But Not Totally

Today is Day 9 and it was the first day I tested negative! Horray! I am feeling better, but still am a little tired and feel warm at times. I call it that general “having a virus feeling“. I hope it doesn’t linger much longer. I never lost my sense of taste and smell, so I am fortunate. Also, my breathing is good overall.

My COVID Advice For Seniors

• Get the updated COVID vaccine!! There are new variants, and the updated vaccines are a good match for these variants.
• Get a flu shot and an RSV shot. Also, make sure that you are up to date on your pneumonia vaccine as well. I believe that is needed every 10 years.
• If you get COVID and have risk factors for serious disease, talk to your doctor about Paxlovid.
• Wear a mask in crowded situations this Fall and Winter.
• Keep COVID tests on hand. You can get four free tests mailed to you using this link.
• If you get COVID, drink plenty of water and rest when possible.