‘I miss hugging my family now I’ve got coronavirus’
This is an extremely testing situation for everyone, with many of us already in selfisolation amid fears around COVID-19. I have the virus and have been in total isolation for a week. It started with what felt like the flu – aches and pains in my muscles and limbs, and then I began suffering a horrible dry cough. I spoke over the phone to medics who told me they believed I had coronavirus and gave me advice for the next few weeks, especially around how to self-isolate.
I’ve got two sons – Caiden, 14, and Kylan, ten – with my husband Sean, to whom I’ve been married for 15 years. And my family have been taking amazing care of me – not physically of course, as I’m in isolation. I’ve been living in my bedroom for a week. Sean is sleeping in the spare room and no one is coming near me. Sean will leave my meals outside the door and I’ll eat them alone – although I haven’t got much of an appetite. I’ve been having nutrient-rich food, like fruit smoothies and vegetable soups. I’m also taking vitamins and echinacea tablets to ensure I’m getting my immune system as strong as possible. While physically this virus feels awful, it’s also tough emotionally. The worst thing is not being able to hug my family, and it’s been really upsetting. Even my puppy has been howling outside my door!
I’m so grateful that my amazing husband has been holding the fort, but it’s been so hard not being able to see my family every day. I feel pretty awful, but I think
I’m coming out the other side of it now. The advice I’d give anyone suffering from it is obviously to isolate, stay rested and constantly sip water to stay hydrated. And to anyone not suffering from it – please take this seriously! If we all follow the advice of experts, we’ll be OK.