'VIDCATION Recap

'VID FREE AT LAST! Finally on the mend from contracting COVID19, or, as I like to call it, the 'VID. Thought this photo best represented how I feel now that my 'VIDCATION is officially over. After spiking a fever of 101.1F and testing positive on PCR last week, I was completely incapacitated and out of commission. Despite being fully vaccinated, the virus really knocked me down.

Like your typical science enthusiast, I started to keep a log of my symptoms so I could report back on them. I am 99% sure I contracted either the BA-4 or BA-5 variant, which are both becoming the predominant strains in the US. Additionally, it is known to be more refractory to the vaccine, which would explain why my symptoms were a little more intense, though thankfully, did not require hospitalization (Read more HERE).

Day 1: Sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, cough, photosensitivity, and neck pain. I slept almost the entire day, getting up only to take care of my dog briefly and medicate with DayQuil/NyQuil plus plenty of water.

Day 2: All of the above plus night sweats and back pain. The fatigue and exhaustion became so intense, I could not walk my dog more than a block without fear of collapsing. I also started to feel short of breath with walking. I ended up sleeping prone (on my stomach) that night as a precaution since this is known to help facilitate and maintain lung capacity and oxygenation.

Day 3: The symptoms continued along with a fever and congestion. Luckily the acetaminophen in the DayQuil helped bring it down.

Day 4: Started to develop some nausea but this was brief and improved with soda. I only slept for half the day.

Day 5: Most of my symptoms improved except I unfortunately lost my sense of smell. This was a little frightening but I think it was more related to the congestion as I started to pick up faint scents while the day wore on. Was able to stay awake the majority of the day and take my dog for our usual walk.

Day 6: Officially out of quarantine based on the CDC's guidelines and symptoms almost resolved except for the loss of smell and cough.

Day 7: Back to work and my smell returned. I now only have a lingering cough that worsens at night but is manageable and improving.

All in all, this virus is no joke. A few things I was glad I had handy: Thermometer, Acetaminophen, DayQuil/NyQuil, cough drops, tissues, Pulse Oximeter (though this didn't arrive until a couple days in), Incentive Spirometer (I used this to help ensure my lungs stayed well-inflated just in case - see below), plenty of soup, essential oils to rehab my nose when I lost my sense of smell, Netflix, and of course my family, friends, and #colesetters for all the love, support, and get well wishes!

It was not how I wanted to spend my week but I'm glad I listened to my body and took the time to heal. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated, I highly recommend doing so as it will help prevent severe symptoms and hospitalizations.