Take #COVID_19 seriously.
For over a week I was feeling excellent again. I’ve been going on long, hilly walks for exercise.
On Monday, I again developed deep chest congestion. I was emotionally devastated. Then, a friend who also has been dealing with COVID-19 helped me out...
My symptoms onset was over a month ago. Yet, I just can’t seem to shake the effects of this virus.
My friend (whose father is an epidemiologist) reminded me that my immune system has been weakened by this virus. He also noted that exercise can tax weakened immune systems.
I was doing intense exercise (I say “hilly walks”, but our hills in San Francisco are practically mountains).
This is what walking up the street to the adjacent neighborhood looks likes like in elevation change - 200ft (61 meters).
My friend reminded me I was doing too much.
Additionally, there’s been researching showing that #COVID_19 attacks t-cells like HIV (but, thankfully, does not replicate inside them like HIV does but instead die once the host cell dies).
This could perhaps explain why those with compromised immune systems are more at risk.
That’s all early reports, but it was enough (along with warnings from my doctor and friends) to get me to rest once more. I also have an autoimmune condition (#EoE) which I had been slacking on taking my medication for.
So, I’ve been resting and taking my medication this week.
With me having the flu/pneumonia in February followed by #COVID_19 and COVID-19 induced pneumonia in March/April, it’s been over two months of being sick.
My body is aching to exercise and get back to work, but I’m trying my best to keep it at rest for now.
I’m was considered a pretty healthy person before all this. I ate right, exercised, ran half-marathons, etc. Still, this virus has totally wiped me out. It got much darker at times than I let on.
I’ll be fine, but am still dealing with the shadow of all this. So, please...
Please (please) treat this virus as the serious thing that it is. It will not only protect you, but protect your loved ones and neighbors around you.
Stay safe.
#GoTeam
❤️
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